Interesting Summer Reading

I've begun two very interesting books lately having to do with foods: the very popular Michael Pollan In Defense of Food and a book from Gabriel Cousens' series Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine. I'll try to highlight some intriguing quotations and make a running commentary.

So far in In Defense of Food, Pollan has bashed food science and nutritionists in general. He creates well-constructed points in general, leaving behind any lifeline to "credible" science. I liked his point about the dubiousness of reductionist scientific methodology to create health claims guidelines for everyone. However, my argument is that they are simply that - nutritional guidelines, not rules or written in concrete. He makes the valid point that in recent times only has there been the need for nutritional guidelines. In historical times one ate what their family grew or raised. Food was difficult and laborious to produce and was not wasted or thought of as a leisure activity or something that was disposable. I have heard several times that we spend less on food proportionate to income now than we ever have in history. Pollan lists three nutritional myths I thought were noteworthy: "What matters most is not the food but the 'nutrients'", "Because nutrients are invisible and incomprehensible to everyone but scientists, we need expert help in deciding what to eat", and "The purpose of eating is to promote a narrow concept of physical health." On that third point he goes on to explain that historically, food has been also for the purpose of "pleasure, about community, about family and spirituality, about our relationship to the natural world and about expressing our identity." I more or less agree with him on this point, but my question is are we talking about health or are we talking about culture? I liked, but not necessarily agreed with this bold statement: "There is no escaping the conclusion that the dietary advice enshrined not only in the McGovern "goals" [dietary goals for Americans] but also in the National Academy of Sciences report, the dietary guidelines of the [now replaced] food pyramid bears direct responsibility for creating the public health crisis that now confronts us." I like the conviction he presents, but I disagree with the fact that it is all the bureaucracy's fault that we are a sick country. No one is shoving the cheeseburger down our throat. Everyone knows, more or less, what is conducive to good health and what is not. I believe we need to take more responsibility than that.

Those are my noteworthy points so far from In Defense of Food. More to come.

I have just begun Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine, and already Cousens has challenged germ theory. It was not too long ago I considered germ theory and thought to myself, "They're still calling it a theory?" However, Cousens does present a great argument for an alternative: that your terrain, or your body chemistry as I gathered, determines whether you become ill. That intracellular protits, which can exist in harmony or malignancy depending on their environment, determine our health. It makes sense when you think about those times you were staying up late, drinking too much, and not eating right and got sick. Although decreased immunity also explains this occurrence. I'll have to read on to find out more! I love Counsens positive, encouraging writing style; it makes for a book that's quite a page-turner.

Juice, Potluck, Vinaigrette, Valentines

My new roommate who moved in has a juicer! This is the first time I've lived with one and I must say it is pretty awesome. I never thought to buy a juice before. I just wasn't a fan because I always thought it was a waste of fiber. I'd always rather have just eaten the whole fruit/veggie. However, Gwen is not into wasting food either. So! Every time we make juice together (it is a bonding experience) we have to think of something creative to do with the leftover fiber. We've made carrot-apple torte balls and each of our items for our potluck (below) pear-grape tart and carrot cake. I still don't know if I would buy one for myself. I'm not a big fan of non-essential appliances. However, I must say it fun to live with a juicer for a time!


We had our first raw potluck in Richmond last night. It was a tiny success! A few good friends came and brought the following yummy raw dishes:

Olive Tapenade over sliced Tomatoes and Avocados
Guacamole with Romaine Leaves to dip
Pear-Grape Tart with Almond Crust
Beet-Carrot Salad
and I made Carrot Cake and Cabbage Slaw

It doesn't look like a lot in that neat little list, but there were nine full-bellied people in attendance, and there are still leftovers in the fridge. I wish more people had been able to come, but I'd say it was definitely a success. I learned what a tapenade is for one!


At the hospital where I'm doing my internship right now, I can get free lunch. It is a bit scanty on vegan items besides the salad bar and occasional pasta dish, so I get a spinach salad 98% of the time. It is getting really old! So, I think I'm going to make this Fresh Herb Vinaigrette from my favorite vegan blogger and cookbook author, Joy Tienzo's, blog to bring with me to spice up my daily lunch salad! I already bring my own fork and (when I remember) plate, so people might not think I'm too much more weird by bringing my own salad dressing, right?


So, V-day is in the air. I am planning on making the bf some brownies for the special day. He doesn't like cake (who doesn't like cupcakes? I found a crazy.) and brownies are his favorite. I just so happen to have a recipe for Raw Frosted Brownies from another great blogger, Dreena Burton. Making these though might be a bit selfish. As a disclaimer, he is a guy who, when he eats something I made, might say, "This tastes healthy," as a complaint. I know he would much more appreciate the bleached flour, white sugar, chocolatey traditional brownie. I may have to make these for him and just have leftover pear-grape tart myself!