Reviews

Food Rules by Michael Pollan

aclovv6's review against another edition

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4.0



This is a great book to have if you're trying to eat healthier. I'm using it as a reference book as I continue to make changes to my family's diet. It's definitely one I'll continue to read as needed. The food rules are simple to follow without a lot of details that can be overwhelming.

lisasternick's review against another edition

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3.0

A good short read. Informative. Since I have read many nutrition books there was not much that I learned new. Great starter book for those wanting to start eating healthier as a guide to follow.

anna3101's review against another edition

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2.0

The book is not exactly bad and it would have been quite ok had it not been for the fact I've already read quite a lot on the subject. There was nothing new for me in there, and all the "precious pieces of advice" were actually nothing more than common sense would dictate to anyone.

numerous_bees's review

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challenging informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

A very quick overview of some simple guidelines to help the reader improve their relationship with food. There isn't much evidence given to support the advice, but I'm told that this is in one of Pollen's other books, and this series is intended to present snapshots of bigger ideas.

Most of it is common sense and some of it used to be considered good manners, but almost all of it is compatible with a conventional lifestyle.

draackje's review against another edition

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3.0

Eating healthy can seem to be very complicated at times. Some books focus on nutritional value to determine what is good for your body, and have you counting calories, carbs etc. This book takes a different approach: by comparing food and eating in the Western world and the rest of the world, this book focuses on the natural and cultural history of food to argue what is good for you. This results in the following advice: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants".

The rest of the book tries to turn this advice into actionable 'rules' (guidelines), like little bits of grandma's wisdom. Some of these guidelines seem obvious (Eat well‐grown food from healthy soil), some make sense (Eat only foods that will eventually rot), and some don't (stay out of the middle of the supermarket). As usual the power of these guidelines lies in their explanation, which usually contain some good arguments.

All in all: a useful little handbook that reminds you that the basics of eating healthy are actually pretty simple.

hoorayleigh's review against another edition

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5.0

Good rules to follow

heidihaverkamp's review against another edition

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4.0

Good stuff. I was familiar with most of the information, but not all of it. Also found it helpful to read his analysis and citations. The drawings are very fun and make all this sobering stuff about nutrition a little more whimsical.

serru's review against another edition

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2.0

Common sense advice on what to eat and how to eat, which sadly, many of us living in the Western hemisphere sorely need.

mgcarafa's review against another edition

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5.0

Very quick read, you can finish it in under 2 hours. Highly recommend. Great information presented in an entertaining light.

freckleduck's review against another edition

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3.0

I enjoyed this book, it was an abbreviated and minimally different book from In Defense of Food.