Could our conceptions for eating, and our understanding of foods, gone terribly awry? In this segment, Michael Pollan explains how Americans have come to view food through the lens of nutritionism. Foods have become valued upon their perceived healthiness, largely, the measure of how we view the good and bad nutrients within foods. Other valuable reasons for eating, such as pleasure, and enhancing a sense of community, have become less appreciated.

Related (PDF): On The Ideology of Nutritionism by Gyorgy Scrinis (This paper spells out in greater detail the underpinnings of “Nutritionism” for those wishing further information). [link updated: May 6, 2015]

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Most of the videos featured on Cooking Up a Story were produced, filmed, and edited by Rebecca Gerendasy. Fred Gerendasy contributed as a writer to many of the posts and occasionally as the interviewer. Visit Rebecca Gerendasy Clay – Art and Fred Gerendasy Photography to see their current work.