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Feeding You Lies: How to Unravel the Food Industry's Playbook and Reclaim Your Health by Vani Hari
sandman2507's review
Pseudoscience and author goes on about how she is right and everyone is out to get her.
embazman's review
1.0
As a registered dietitian, I was very excited to pick this book up (it didn’t hurt that it was 50% off when I bought it!) But looking at the author’s name, I should have known right away it wouldn’t be the best quality, because she has no credentials whatsoever. She calls herself a “food activist,” but that doesn’t translate into understanding the science research that she attempts to interpret. Yet her alarmist view on foods is the probably the least problematic part of this book.
I do applaud her for fighting against the tactics the food/agricultural/chemical industries use at the cost of American’s health. Her thoroughness diving into the tactics these industries use, the same tactics Big Tobacco used decades ago, is the highlight of this book. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for the overwhelming faults of this book.
My biggest problem with this book isn’t that she slams registered dietitians so often (which is unfair, as the majority of us are not accepting money from food companies to peddle sodas and the like). My biggest problem is her condescending, holier-than-thou, privileged view on how we should eat. Is it ideal to eat organic, non-GMO foods? Sure. But throughout each chapter detailing the different additives/pesticides/flavoring in our food, her voice comes off as “I care about my health and my family’s health, so I only buy organic. Do you love your family enough to do the same?” And it’s just not that easy.
Millions of Americans can barely afford to put food on the table, let alone organic produce, meat, and dairy. As a dietitian, my focus is getting my clients to wean off processed foods and turn towards fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats. Especially for those in a lower socioeconomic class, that is already a struggle enough. Why spend a dollar on a few apples when you can get a burger at McDonald’s for that much? Part of my job is helping educate people on how to make eating healthier possible on a budget. But when you struggle to even be able to buy some frozen veggies and fresh chicken, why on earth would you concern yourself with whether it’s organic or not?!
The shame and condescension that Hari has threaded throughout her book is what makes this such an unpleasant read. You are not a bad person if you can’t afford to buy non-GMO, organic, additive-free foods. And that’s how Hari‘s book reads. If you don’t make these changes to your diet, you don’t care enough about your health and the health of those you love. It reminds me a lot of Girl, Wash Your Face. Yes, the main principles behind the book are noble, but the privilege of the author ruins the concept.
. This book was not written for the populations that are most affected by the food industry’s playbook. It is written for those who can afford to shop at Whole Foods, who feel morally superior for “saving the health of their families.” And that’s a shame.
I do applaud her for fighting against the tactics the food/agricultural/chemical industries use at the cost of American’s health. Her thoroughness diving into the tactics these industries use, the same tactics Big Tobacco used decades ago, is the highlight of this book. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for the overwhelming faults of this book.
My biggest problem with this book isn’t that she slams registered dietitians so often (which is unfair, as the majority of us are not accepting money from food companies to peddle sodas and the like). My biggest problem is her condescending, holier-than-thou, privileged view on how we should eat. Is it ideal to eat organic, non-GMO foods? Sure. But throughout each chapter detailing the different additives/pesticides/flavoring in our food, her voice comes off as “I care about my health and my family’s health, so I only buy organic. Do you love your family enough to do the same?” And it’s just not that easy.
Millions of Americans can barely afford to put food on the table, let alone organic produce, meat, and dairy. As a dietitian, my focus is getting my clients to wean off processed foods and turn towards fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats. Especially for those in a lower socioeconomic class, that is already a struggle enough. Why spend a dollar on a few apples when you can get a burger at McDonald’s for that much? Part of my job is helping educate people on how to make eating healthier possible on a budget. But when you struggle to even be able to buy some frozen veggies and fresh chicken, why on earth would you concern yourself with whether it’s organic or not?!
The shame and condescension that Hari has threaded throughout her book is what makes this such an unpleasant read. You are not a bad person if you can’t afford to buy non-GMO, organic, additive-free foods. And that’s how Hari‘s book reads. If you don’t make these changes to your diet, you don’t care enough about your health and the health of those you love. It reminds me a lot of Girl, Wash Your Face. Yes, the main principles behind the book are noble, but the privilege of the author ruins the concept.
. This book was not written for the populations that are most affected by the food industry’s playbook. It is written for those who can afford to shop at Whole Foods, who feel morally superior for “saving the health of their families.” And that’s a shame.
prekrasan's review
informative
medium-paced
5.0
What an eye opener. I was weirdly sad to finish this book, but learned so much about big food and voting with our dollars along the way.
Highly recommend if you want to know more about what you are eating, what the FDA *kinda* does, or how food companies operate as pertains to selling and persuading consumers.
Highly recommend if you want to know more about what you are eating, what the FDA *kinda* does, or how food companies operate as pertains to selling and persuading consumers.
lulu_canread's review
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.75
An informative read on the food industry in the US and how information can be twisted by lobby interests. Would have rated higher if not for the first 50 pages or so - the author draws on an array of personal experiences regarding the treatment they have received by the food industry. These examples were an attempt to be illustrative of the various tactics companies used, however, it came across a bit of a tirade on the personal witch-hunt they've endured and less informative examples for the reader. But if you can skim this first section, the rest is a really engaging read.
theseasoul's review
challenging
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||
I thought I knew about the corruption in the food industry, but the level to which this book demonstrated the reality of it was just jaw-dropping. I had no idea and I’m shocked and horrified. In a sense, I wish I hadn’t read this, wish I didn’t know any of this - because I’m coming away from this book feeling like my whole life has been a lie. However, I also couldn’t be more grateful that I’m being exposed to these realities now in my 20’s instead of years in the future. (The timing of picking up this book was also perfect - I already gave up sugar and processed food two months ago, so I was prepared to receive the message and I don’t feel the need to go out and make any dramatic changes in the way I eat because I already have.)
The wealth of information in this book is thoroughly researched and backed up, clearly and concisely laid out, making it easy to read and understand. I love how Vani gives so many tips throughout the book on lifestyle swaps to make to avoid dangerous food additives. She doesn’t just show you that the food industry is chaos, but she also makes the effort to show you a way out. Loved all the lists too. I’m a list person.
It’s clear to me now that knowing what’s in our food is incredibly important; not just for our health now, but in decades to come. If you don’t know where to start, this book breaks everything down very nicely and offers a lot of pointers. This is a book I’d recommend to everyone - especially if you’re raising kids.
I thought I knew about the corruption in the food industry, but the level to which this book demonstrated the reality of it was just jaw-dropping. I had no idea and I’m shocked and horrified. In a sense, I wish I hadn’t read this, wish I didn’t know any of this - because I’m coming away from this book feeling like my whole life has been a lie. However, I also couldn’t be more grateful that I’m being exposed to these realities now in my 20’s instead of years in the future. (The timing of picking up this book was also perfect - I already gave up sugar and processed food two months ago, so I was prepared to receive the message and I don’t feel the need to go out and make any dramatic changes in the way I eat because I already have.)
The wealth of information in this book is thoroughly researched and backed up, clearly and concisely laid out, making it easy to read and understand. I love how Vani gives so many tips throughout the book on lifestyle swaps to make to avoid dangerous food additives. She doesn’t just show you that the food industry is chaos, but she also makes the effort to show you a way out. Loved all the lists too. I’m a list person.
It’s clear to me now that knowing what’s in our food is incredibly important; not just for our health now, but in decades to come. If you don’t know where to start, this book breaks everything down very nicely and offers a lot of pointers. This is a book I’d recommend to everyone - especially if you’re raising kids.