Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Summer Reading & Nutrition

by Rachael Martin, MS, RD

Hopefully you are getting in some vacation time this summer, maybe even escaping the heat a bit! If you have some reading time, I thought some fun books about food and nutrition might be enjoyable, so this month I’m putting out a brief list to look at.

l An older book, but now in a new addition is entitled On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee. This talks about cooking methods, some food history, and food safety.

Michael Pollan has written a number of books on food. All found in the “social aspect of foods” rather than in the cooking section. Two of my favorites are The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and In Defense of Food. The Omnivore’s Dilemma describes the industry of corn, and its many uses from making fuel to sugar, and how farm life has changed over the years. In Defense of Food discusses finding healthful whole food choices, within the cacophonic array of food choices.
Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser is a history of the development of fast food in our country. You’ll especially like it if you are from Southern California!
A fascinating book on women’s studies and body image is called The Body Project by Joan Jacobs Brumberg. She contrasts diaries of young girls in the 1800’s and the 1980’s, and how they think about themselves. A must-read if you are involved in any way with teenaged girls!
If you need to lose some weight, check out Intuitive Eating by Tribole and Resch. They are both RD’s and give a good approach to throwing away diets forever and finding a way to eat for life.
Finally, though not a book, if you haven’t seen the DVD “Supersize Me,” be sure to check it out! You’ll look at fast food a bit differently afterward.