Monday, April 23, 2012

The China Study Part V (and FINAL): Politics and Your Plate

Yes, this is the FINAL post about The China Study. I am mainly hitting on this section for good measure because I really don't have much to say about it. The last part of the book mainly focused on all of the organizations that make nutrition guidelines for us. Campbell picked apart the politics of these organizations and made his case that these organizations are really driven by money, not by giving recommendations that truly benefit us. To be honest, I am quite deficient in my knowledge of this area. He may certainly have some good points about the motivations that certain people have for recommending certain guidelines. Still, the recommendations are sound and not everyone involved in these organizations is driven by money. However, I do know that groups such as the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are led by professionals who study research and make guidelines/recommendations based on science. I know that Campbell believes that he is one of the very few people on this Earth who cares about people and their health, but he couldn't be more wrong.

While I don't know the ins and outs of all of the politics involved in all of the groups that release health information, I DO know that there are many health professionals dedicated to their patients. It would be unethical for doctors, dietitians, food scientists, and other scientists to make recommendations solely based on monetary benefit. I certainly don't do that and I know many more health professionals who are ethical than unethical. Campbell really started drumming up paranoia and distrust in his rant against government and health officials. Campbell is the one who should be investigated for misleading the public

Sunday, April 1, 2012

There's Spinach In My Pizza?

Sorry there haven't been too many posts lately! March has been a busy month and April looks like it will be the same. Hopefully I'll be able to post more in May. However, here is another tid-bit until then:

Last night we made home-made pizza, a favorite treat in our home. I pureed some spinach in our food processor and mixed it in with the tomato sauce. Everyone seemed to enjoy their pizza just the same, except for one of my boys who was a little under the weather. The pizza tasted just the same to me too. I still whole-heartedly believe in continuing to offer vegetables. However, it sure is nice to sneak some extra vegetables in while the kids are still learning to like their greens! Try this trick at your house and let me know if it works!