Why should you care about what food you put in your mouth?

Question

Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers team note: This is the real Eric Schlosser. Please read the blog for further details: http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-qT1KKPQoRKdVT4lowpJCljbFokkuIzI8?p=2074

Answer 1

Welcome to the real Eric Schlosser.
We are what we eat. It sounds very simplified but it is oh so true. If, as adolescents we don't eat the foods that fuel our bodies and provide our nutritional requirements for proper growth, we will affect our health throughout our whole lives.

Answer 2

Food is something no human can live without. We are only now realizing how the quality and content of our food impacts our health over the long term. Over the past 50-ish years the prevelance of additives, chemical preservatives and other flavoring additives has exploded. Despite assertions to the contrary, nobody really knows how this will pan out. We are running a massive real-time experiment on our population and there really is a lot to lose. I am not willing to take those chances with my own or my childrens' health and I do my very best to consume only whole foods- minimizing my exposure to preservatives and other chemical additives.
Another issue is of course the dramatic increase in the use of pesticides, herbicides & synthetic fertilizers. Once again there are "safe" limits but almost nobody does studies (nor do I know how such a 'study' would be structured) looking at the cumulative effects and interactions between pesticide, herbicide & fertilizer residues consumed over a person's lifetime. I am also concerned about the effects these substances have on soil quality, our water table and the legacy we will leave our children. I therefore grow much of my own food and support farmers and growers who eliminate or minimize the use of these products.
Finally, I am concerned about the distance our food travels to reach us. Aside from the environmental impact of trucking food long distances so spoiled G8 residents can enjoy off-season or exotic produce there is the issue of preventing spoilage. Industrial agrigulture selects plant varieties for uniformity, yield, shelf life and pest/disease resistance. None of these things are in my mind when I look at food- I care about taste & nutrition above all else. The disassociation between the objectives of industrial agriculture and human nutrition has lead to a situation where much of the fresh produce on store shelves is essentially devoid of nutrition. When we add this to the nutritionally empty and synthetic laden products in the interior of the average supermarket, it is my opinion we really need to make a change! I thank Eric Schlosser and other forward thinking authors (those interested should look into Thomas Paulin- End of Food) for bringing this issue into the mainstream- it is certainly something we all need to put more thought and efforet into because we certainly cannot live without food.

Answer 3

The thing is with these foods is they produce an instant fix or 'high' which make them addictive - like any other drug they can be abused and used to escape from the harshness of life (for a while), potentially creating a situation where someone is depressed because they're overweight and uses food as a comfort - a vicious cycle... If someone is addicted to these sorts of food, or comfort eating, it's important to look at the underlying reasons behind the addiction. Councelling as well as a gentle introduction to a healthier diet will help to alleviate the addiction.

Answer 4

Why should I care Well now days every thing seems to be more toxic than it was 20 years ago. apples dont have the same amount of nutrition in them as they used too . everything now days are all being pumped with roids and other chemicals. it's a fact think of the bug spray on all the food we eat. yeah you can wash it off but att the same time it also get absorbed into the food.. Just like humans the largest organ on are body is skin it sucks in water and any other type of moisture it can even if there posions in it.. If You dont believe me weigh your self the nextime befor you have a long bath and then right after you get out your body sucks in water and there are chemicals in are water too. not trying to scare anyone but it's true. AND HERES A GOOD WAY TO HELP CLEAN OUT YOUR BODY OF THESE IMPURITIES .. ISAGENIX it's a full body cleanse you'll be amaised at the way you feel after you have done a cleanse it's a life changing experience I lost 13 lbs and 17 inches ona 9 day cleanse it's all vitamens and minerals you should check it out it growing very rappidly many spa's are starting to see how it helps and there beginning to sell the products also.

watch what your putting in your mouth is it really worth killing yourself over ?.
www.skinnyvinny.isagenix.com

Answer 5

The old adage applies here, you are what you eat. Let’s face it our Fast Food Nation is about sales and making money. It’s not about healthy eating it’s about taste and selling food that has been engineered to taste and feel a certain way. I am diabetic that is why I care about what I eat. I am also trying to crusade for a healthier community by being involved. Trying to get the message out to folks.

Diabetes is on the rise across the world. In Canada and the US there are 18 million diabetics. While I would not say that eating at the local fast food place should never happen. But it should not happen more then 1 a month.

These families and individuals who eat there day after day are killing themselves and they don’t even know it. Just go down to any food court mall and look at the people shoveling food in there mouths. See how many are overweight and obese I would say 50% are. Why because they don’t know how to eat and what to choose. They live to eat, rather then eat to live.

Our “Fast Food Nation” is killing people. Why should the local fast food chain care, they are making money on food that has the health value of a piece of cardboard. We buy into this because its easy. I just found out that 1 can of Pepsi has 123% of the total recommended sugar from the USDA. That means a super sized Pepsi has 269% of the sugar we need for the day.

We should all care, what goes into are mouths.

Harry
http://thediabeticrunner.blogspot.com

Answer 6

I actually work at a fast food outlet and believe you should think about what you eat. What you put in your body does effect your body and the way you feel in general. However, I believe you can eat so called junk food, in moderation. A little of what you like can't do you any harm, and that is the key: a well balanced diet means you can enjoy a McDonald's or cheeky Chinese now and again. People need to get off the band waggon in blaming advertising and the fast food industry and take some responsibility for there actions.

For everyone out there with a family, who find it difficult to eat fresh produce that's not expensive, I'm in exactly the same boat. It is really hard to nourish a family on £50-£60 per week. I used to do my shop at the local supermarket every week (the big shop) but have recently changed over to buying fresh food from the local shops every day ( IE butchers, veg shop, markets) then making something when I get in. Both myself and partner work shifts and it is hard work, but it's worth looking after yourself and taking care of your kids future. Already I've started to notice the difference in money and i must say that its working in my favour at the moment! I'm saving money!

Answer 7

Finally, I am concerned about the distance our food travels to reach us. Aside from the environmental impact of trucking food long distances so spoiled G8 residents can enjoy off-season or exotic produce there is the issue of preventing spoilage. Industrial agrigulture selects plant varieties for uniformity, yield, shelf life and pest/disease resistance. None of these things are in my mind when I look at food- I care about taste & nutrition above all else. The disassociation between the objectives of industrial agriculture and human nutrition has lead to a situation where much of the fresh produce on store shelves is essentially devoid of nutrition. When we add this to the nutritionally empty and synthetic laden products in the interior of the average supermarket, it is my opinion we really need to make a change! I thank Eric Schlosser and other forward thinking authors (those interested should look into Thomas Paulin- End of Food) for bringing this issue into the mainstream- it is certainly something we all need to put more thought and efforet into because we certainly cannot live without food.

Answer 8

I certainly DO care what I eat. I try to buy healthy foods.. that includes food that are not fatty, that have low sodium content, and that have high fiber. I eat fruit and veggies each day. It started when I went on WW many years ago.

Lately I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and diabetes despite the fact that I eat well. A typical dinner includes chicken (white meat), fish or another small piece of meat, two veggies, and some starch.. like potatoes or brown rice or whole wheat pasta. As a diabetic, I need to eat about 6 times per day so I do have to watch the caloric intake.. It is a challenge, but I don't feel I make sacrifices as I do indulge in an occasional ice cream or chocolate bar..

Answer 9

I think that it is important to be aware of the many different types of food that we eat. However, it is apparent that in America their are many fast food companies and fat free foods but they're the leaders in obesity. Take the fat out and put the sugar in (which ultimately turns into fat anyway when you have too much).
I honestly believe that sensible eating / not skipping breakfast and exercise is the way forward. Specifically in the UK it seems that over the last 15years education about food has increased, but exercise for the young and teenagers has diminished in favour of academics. I'm sure 20years ago, teenagers were just as bright, but also more active and involved in physical education on a weekly / daily basis.

In respect of the adult community, pressure at work and home life have always been present, but the 'quick TV meal' has become a staple part of our culture, and this impacts on our health, and family life.
I'm not saying that 'TV meals' are all bad, it comes down to finding a balance in life between eating fresh foods and available foods, mixed with an active lifestyle. There is always time to relax with your feet up or do something less active, (like respond to this question).

I try to make sure that the food that I put into my mouth is quality rather than quantity. Its just when you find both, you generally end up feeling sick, thinking I should probably exercise tomorrow...

Answer 10

Because most people will end up diabetic (sugar levels) or with cardio-vascualr problems (salt). However, I do blame the food industry for disguising the real content of the food to the consumer, or using legal loopholes to go round the regulations. As a French person living in UK, I ended up putting in 3 stones for the last 10 years I have been here. When I go back to France for holidays, I do actually loose weight. My partner and I are now considering going back to France for our health, rather than stay in a country which isn't healthy on so many levels. This is a pity.

Answer 11

I have Been a strict Vegetarian since age Eight! I Think from the Animal Welfare sid eof things, that Vegetarianism is not only a more Ethicall way to Live but it is also a way to stop contributing to the single biggest cause of Animal cruelty in the World....................Meat farming.
We are advanced Human Beings Now Days and to revert back to cave-man days of Eating flesh is very primative to Me. A Person should Care what they Eat/put into Their Mouths as a whole History (financial, Ethical, Moral and Labour-wise) is joint to it.
From a Health point of View a Person must consider every Mouthfull as what you fill your Body up With is a factor in your Mental/Physical/Emotional Well Being.

What a Great Interesting and Moving Movie You Have made! Well Done! Hopefully Thought provoking to all Meat eaters!!!!