The American Way

Pollan evaluates the American way of eating in his article, “Our National Eating Disorder”. The causes of our national eating disorder can be directly related towards marketers, scientific studies, new government guidelines, or a simple article in a magazine. Pollan points out that a single article in his magazine a few years ago “almost singlehandedly ushered in today’s carbophobia” (1). As seen, a simple set of words directed at Americans can alter their eating habits overnight. New diets come out every day, all promoting their ways are the best new alternatives to stay healthy and fit. Many of these options eliminate certain items (bread, meat, fruit, dairy, etc…) out of one’s diet and this conflicts with my view of eating. I believe in eating a variety in smaller portions; thus, I have never followed the newest trend and changed my ways of eating. My house is always stocked with fruits and vegetables, and never potato chips. I am never very concerned with what I eat, due to the fact that over a small bite, fried food makes me feel queasy in the stomach; rather than face the consequences, I opt for the healthier choice.

Pollan further argues that American’s are more concerned about health while “the French, more apt to choose on the basis of pleasure, are the healthier (and thinner) people” (Pollan 4). The French indulge over wine and cheese daily, but they don’t use the term “seconds” in a meal. Pollen interestingly includes the results of a survey done by a French sociologist. In this survey it was found that Americans view foods based on their nutrition while the French view food based on pleasure and quality. Guilt and celebration were both used to describe a chocolate cake but the American and French views were different. Americans over-analyze the piece of chocolate, and as a result immediately feel the need to exercise after work (Pollan 4). I put myself with the French; indulging over a piece of chocolate cake is much more enjoyable than feeling guilty about it afterwards. Whether it is in words, actions, or choice of food, Americans continually worry about the nutrition of an option and this leads to a national eating disorder.