Discussion Of American’s Dietary Habits In ‘Escape From The Western Diet’

Michael Pollan’s Escape from the Western Diet focuses on American dietary practices and America’s best-kept secret: Where our food comes from. The article starts by explaining different theories about why diseases occur in the western hemisphere and the United States. Pollan mentions the lipid and omega-3 hypotheses and the carbohydrate hypothesis. These hypotheses are promoted and supported by the medical profession and lead to Americans focusing only on one-nutrient deficiencies. When he declares that people who consume a western diet are more susceptible to chronic diseases than those who eat more traditional food, he clearly states his position. His stance on the subject is clear. He believes Americans should stop eating the western diet based on the title. Pollan suggests that Americans need to stop believing in nutritionism. These are the main reasons for the growth of the food-medicine industry. Pollan says that Americans want an easy, scientifically-explained solution to their problems. They don’t have to search for or be prepared to change their eating habits. Pollan concluded that Americans would be better off if they followed his three rules. You shouldn’t. If most people are not affected by diseases, then plants will be the best option.

Pollan’s intended audience is Americans who are more aware of their diet. The article’s purpose is to educate readers about the horrible truths of their diets and persuade them that they need to change. Pollan uses subjective phrases throughout his text to convey his opinions on the subject. Pollan uses words like ‘treacherous’ and cult’ to persuade the audience of his disgust for American’s eating habits. The food industry is an example. He says they use the ‘one-nutrient explanation to [tweak] Western diet’ as an excuse. All of Pollan’s evidence will make it clear that money is the main focus of both the medical and food industries. The introduction of new medicines by medical professionals to treat diseases rather than address the root causes of problems is another example. All the above are examples of Pollan’s attempts to persuade. However, unless readers already hold the same views, the article does not appeal to their positive emotions. It can even lead to frustration towards Pollan, due to his critical view of American diets and inability offer a solution. He is bold in his statements and leaves no room for interpretation with each paragraph or subject. Denis Burkitt is cited as an example. Pollan makes it clear that ‘going to the bush’ for most people is not an option. He states that the best way to avoid the most detrimental aspects of Western food is to avoid them. He mentions how Americans spend less time cooking and more time in the kitchen to make healthier meals. There are many interpretations of this statement. It could be that you spend 30 minutes on average preparing food, or it could mean that you need to do more. Was it possible to determine if cooking the food yourself has an effect on how healthy it is? Pollan’s article is aimed at Americans who are health-conscious. His tone suggests that he believes that the reader believes what he says. The Western diet must be reformed and not modified by industries that are greedy for money. The Western Hemisphere is facing a serious health problem. If Americans do not correct their nutritionalism, it will only get worse. Pollan suggests that whole foods that are grown locally, as opposed to feedlot steers, will be the key to a healthy diet. Pollan assumes that changing the diet in its entirety, and not just a single aspect, will lead to long-term solutions. He explains this by saying: “The Food Industry needs theories so it is able to better redesign processed foods. A new theory can mean a new range of products. This will allow the industry’s business model to be modified without having to make drastic changes. These assumptions make it possible for readers to feel responsible for their children’s and grandchildren’s health as well as the health of those who live today. Pollan offers a variety of ways the western diet could be altered, but my impression is that his evidence is a bit biased. He attempts to influence his readers to accept his views at several points. In his description of the role played by the medical community in the problem, he uses subjective language like ‘cynical’ as well as the phrase “it…exactly” when talking about the Western diet. But he fails to present any supporting evidence. Pollan’s evidence isn’t completely objective. Denis Burkitt was the man responsible in naming the diseases. Pollan then begins to explain why the western diet should disappear. The Gyorgy Skinis theory is what he uses to explain the impact of processed food. Scrinis’ theory says that it doesn’t matter how nutritious a food is, but how much processing has caused disease. He uses meat from feedlot steers as an example. Asking the question: Does the Western Diet make the meat of cattle ‘whole foods’? Pollan says that he was able to develop three eating rules during his research. He gives examples that help to explain to the reader why they should follow his rules. It’s a one-sided view that either he or the crooked scientists must follow. Pollan’s arguments are convincing and very strong. Pollan’s arguments, which include the example of the Western diet being medicalized by the food industry and the product of the feedlot steer, are persuasive. Pollan’s explanation of his beliefs is clear and concise for a non-expert on diet. Pollan has many great strengths but could have done better in explaining why the various ‘one-nutrient” theories were developed and why they continue being so prevalent in American life.