Food Rules

ByMichael Pollan

Release Date: 2009-12-29
Genre: Diet & Nutrition

Score: 4

From 625 Ratings

Description

#1 New York Times Bestseller

"A useful and funny purse-sized manual that could easily replace all the diet books on your bookshelf." —Tara Parker-Pope, The New York Times

A definitive compendium of food wisdom

Eating doesn’t have to be so complicated. In this age of ever-more elaborate diets and conflicting health advice, Food Rules brings welcome simplicity to our daily decisions about food. Written with clarity, concision, and wit that has become bestselling author Michael Pollan’s trademark, this indispensable handbook lays out a set of straightforward, memorable rules for eating wisely, one per page, accompanied by a concise explanation. It’s an easy-to-use guide that draws from a variety of traditions, suggesting how different cultures through the ages have arrived at the same enduring wisdom about food. Whether at the supermarket or an all-you-can-eat buffet, this is the perfect guide for anyone who ever wondered, “What should I eat?”

"In the more than four decades that I have been reading and writing about the findings of nutritional science, I have come across nothing more intelligent, sensible and simple to follow than the 64 principles outlined in a slender, easy-to-digest new book called Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, by Michael Pollan." —Jane Brody, The New York Times

"It doesn't get much easier than this. Each page has a simple rule, sometimes with a short explanation, sometimes without, that promotes Pollan's back-to-the-basics-of-food (and-food-enjoyment) philosophy." —The Los Angeles Times

Reviews

Acupuncturist view on foods
5
By 07Sja79!
This book is right on, I wish every one of our patients could read and implement these rules into their lives.
One of the most important books of my generation.
5
By bigjnasty
This book offers more than just food habits, it offers rules that should govern your entire life, extending past the kitchen. I would recommend this to anyone, I want to buy a copy for everyone I know.
Thank you Michael Pollan, for your relentless quest to help the western world adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Short and sweet
2
By Accounting Jesus
More of a pamphlet than a book, but good (though quite basic content). A good buy if you're dyslexic or 5; otherwise, just read it at barnes and noble in an hour.
Good advice, but maybe too little content?
4
By Freaky Frog
Most of the "rules" are pretty common sense, and it's nice to have them all in once place. I think most of us know them, but we just don't pay attention to them.

I'm a slow-ish reader and I got through the book in about an hour. Feels more like a big article. At least it makes me feel better, since I can now say that "I have read an entire book in one sitting". The price of the book (I paid $9.99) led me to believe that I would find more content.

Very good nonetheless. I'm pretty bad at snacking too much, but my next snack will be an apple rather than chips!
Easy read but missing Pollan's usual heft
3
By Ellierae26
This is a quick read that briefly expands on mostly generally known (less generally followed) rules to healthful food consumption. Written in Michael Pollan's comfortable, readable way this book sticks to the rules and leaves out the scientific explanations for the common man that he is often known for. If you are looking for the hard science and his witty, nonsensical explanation of the science and history behind these rules I'd recommend reading In Defense of Food, instead.
Vital information.. (Hopefully) common sense.
3
By Phenomonist
Simple way of explaining a healthy diet, however ten dollars is ridiculous now that I know it's a forty five minute read.
Food Rules
4
By Conniemo
This was a short and fast read that gave rational suggestions for healthy eating while being humorous. I especially liked his three word term for processed food--read the book to find out what it is.
Easy read great gift
5
By KAP1103
As others have pointed out everything in this book is information we have learned from Pollan's other amazing books and documentaries - however the point of this book is to give an easy read (you can read it in a single day at the beach) to people who are new to these "rules" and ideas. This is especially important to people who are intimidated by and misinformed about our food system and its current state. In a society where I have unfortunately had more than one parent inform me during a discussion about food that they teethed their children on beef jerky these rules are not common sense for the majority of the public and is a great book to keep on hand as you meet more and more people who are wanting to learn more about the right way to eat.
Overall - food rules is a great starting place for anyone wanting to learn about the right foods to eat to truly nourish ourselves instead of merely feeding.
Food Rules
1
By J Harp
Weak. Dont waste your money on this book. More like an article than a book and certainly not worth the $10 i paid. Most of it obvious to anyone who has read anything about nutrition. Nothing here you don't learn in Pollans 2 brilliant books "in defense of food" and " the omnivores dilemma"
Worth having around
4
By resanchez
This book is a lot handier than I was expecting, given the reviews that compare it to In Defense of Food. Sure, you won't find anything here you can't find in Defense, but you also won't have to look as hard. So, no need to buy this if you're looking for new information, but it's nice to have on hand (handier) if you're looking for solid reminders on a regular occasion. Bottom line: you're much more likely to flip through this once and a while than you are anything more substantive, so this is probably the better "investment," even if you already own Pollan's other books.