Analysis of the Introduction - Our National Eating Disorder

This introduction begins with the one question that the entire book attempts to answer - "What should we have for dinner?". From this seemly simple question, the author steadily expands on the underlying complexities surrounding the foods that fills the American stomach. Almost immediately, the standpoint taken is that of a concerned journalist, and on a mission to investigate the unstable American diet; why is it that the French - eating "unhealthy" foods such as foie gras - can be healthier and leaner?

source: Lifelounge

The title of the book is then brought to focus: a herbivore such as Koalas only has the eucalyptus leaf to worry about, whereas omnivores like rats have a slew of eatables to pick and choose calories from. Even highly evolved primates such as us humans, still faces the same challenge in a differently form. Organic or non-organic fruits? farmed or wild fish? According to the author, this decision making process inevitably stirs anxiety.

Attempting to rationalize this dilemma, the author takes on the presumption that humans are apart of the food chain just like every other plant/animal. He presents his research and findings (as a pseudo-naturalist) into three primary food chains that supports us:

1) How the origin of almost all industrious foods traces back to corn.
2) The alternative to industrial farming - organic and pastoral farming.
3) The hunter and gather style of putting together a meal.


source: New York Times


There are two reoccurring themes to all three noted by author using his method of reasoning (food chains):

1) The logic of nature - to diversify species in a place VS the monoculture of the human industry
results in problems.
2) The way we eat is equal to the our most profound engagement to the world. We shape nature
by how we eat, and the nature also changes to accommodate us.

These findings are an attempt to expose the cold truths about the food industry, injected some personal comments of the author, "sad that we lost touch with what we eat". It is up to us reader to draw our own conclusions regarding "report", be it negative consequences.

To end this introduction (or to begin the book), the author cautions that this book is not for the ignorant. He says that this exploration will ruin their appetite. As with any good investigative journalism, this book is intended for those curious about the truth, and will enjoy and appreciate their meals more after the read.