I’m not sure why, but I only just saw Supersize Me for the first time last week. It wasn’t any sort of revelation for me, but it was interesting nonetheless. There are some nationally scary statistics in the film. So, it was with great interest that I stumbled on and read two related articles this week.

The first article is about McDonald’s switch to trans-fat-free cooking oils in order to be in compliance with New York City’s ban on artery clogging cooking liquids. As I have written elsewhere, I don’t think this gesture–in and of itself–will be that effective on changing the way American’s, especially economically disadvantaged Americans, will eat, nor their health. Our country is sorely lacking an relevant educational program teaching about foods, their sources and values. Funny. . .I think there used to be something called “Home Economics” taught in grade school. . . . Education, not regulation, is the effective, and long term way of implementing change.

The second article is a length, but extremely worthwhile piece by Michael Pollan, author of the excellent Omnivore’s Dilemma. In the article Pollan makes the case for a return to eating real food. Food which hasn’t been altered, manufactured, stripped of its nutrients and then fortified to make it wholesome again.

For all the advances science has given us in the field of nutrition and foods it seems to have missed the point–that the complex systems nature has put in place are there for a reason and tampering with even the slightest element skews the synergy of the whole. Definitely something to think about before reaching for that package of Powdered Mashed Potatoes, Wonder Bread or Special K Snak Bites.

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