The Western Diet

With obesity rates climbing to an all-time high, many people are faced with the question of food choice. Several debates surround the topic such as appropriate dieting and government intervention, but no clear solutions have been established. In the articles “Escape from the Western Diet” by Michael Pollan and “We Need to Eat Less Meat. Should the government step in?” by Laura Wellesley the issue of food choice and its consequences is examined. Both Pollan and Wellesley believe that unhealthy eating is a major problem in America and offer separate solutions. People should alter not only their diet but also their lifestyle to maintain a healthy body and mind, and the government should not regulate food choice but incentivize personal health

Pollan proposes the purging of the Western diet and dedication of care and time to eat healthy foods. Science has tried to prove many aspects of the western diet to be the main problem, and have offered medicine and simple tweaks to improve the flawed system. The inability for scientists to pinpoint the main problem in the western diet, allows for only one solution, elimination. Pollan’s inclusive tone using the words “us” and “we” allows the reader to feel that they are not simply being criticized and take in the information better. Three aspects make up Pollan’s plan to eliminate the Western diet. One aspect to Pollan’s solution is eating more “whole foods” instead of processed foods to uphold healthy eating habits. Along with unprocessed foods, Pollan advocates that people eat plants or vegetables, he believes that they are the best things a person can eat. He also suggests dedicating time and care when eating meals so one can appreciate what they are eating and make sure it is healthy. Pollan’s solution to completely eradicate the Western diet is clear and relatively simple. He always points out to his reader that although it might be difficult with society and its values, getting rid of the Western diet is the best solution to Americas growing health

Should the government step in?” Wellesley points out the connection between meat consumption and its environmental impact. Unlike Pollan, Wellesley pinpoints a specific problem with the Western diet, meat. She states that other countries such as China have taken initiative, addressed the problem, and offered solutions. Wellesley emphasizes the benefits of government intervention, essentially addressing two problems at once, climate change and American diet. One reason that Wellesley gives for government intervention is that it will provide a tone of seriousness to the government and its issues. A government with food guidelines established can address not only the health of its people but also the sustainability of the environment. By killing two birds with one stone, government intervention, as Wellesley sees it, can be highly beneficial. Wellesley ends her article by saying, “truth be told, we will need more than a little nudge from our governments to do so” (Wellesley). Here she points out that although government involvement is advantageous, individuals will also have to work hard to change eating habits. Overall