The Omnivore's Dilemma Chp. 16

Chapter sixteen of The Omnivore’s Dilemma mimics the title of the book and for good reason. In this chapter, Pollan finally gets to what the dilemma of the omnivore truly is. After reading this chapter, I felt like I could relate to it because it really made perfect sense, our nation really does have a “national eating disorder.” Unlike animals, humans face a dilemma every time they choose what foods to eat and many questions are raised. Does this new fad diet really work? Are the rumors about McDonald’s meat really true? Should I go organic or not? Even I have found myself asking more questions about what I am choosing to eat, especially after reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma.

I found it particularly interesting when Pollan mentioned the food culture of France in this chapter. While Americans are constantly worried about the next fad diet, the French keep it traditional by eating unhealthy foods only in moderation and by having every meal be a “long, leisurely affair” that is truly enjoyed with friends and family. Obviously they are doing something right because the obesity rates in France are far lower than in America. Personally, I would love to try the French style of eating, especially when it comes to cherishing meal times more. It seems to be a trend in America that most families are far too busy to actually sit down and have a meal together, and it’s a sad reality. What we eat has been too heavily influenced by advertising, the government, and fad diets, and I think meal time would be so much more enjoyable if we relied on our own intuition and what feels right to us.