In chapter 6 of Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Pollan explores America as “a republic of fat”. Pollan begins by showing the similarity of our obsession with fat now to early America’s obsession with alcohol. In the early 1800s, as America expanded westward into better farmland, there was an abundance of corn, which was turned into cheap liquor. America’s began to drink nearly five gallons a year, compared to the less than one gallon that people consume now. This is similar to now. There is an overabundance of corn, and it is being used to fatten our meat and make fattening processed foods. A lot of corn is being turned into high fructose corn syrup, which is used to sweeten food. Americans consume the most high fructose corn syrup through soda. Soda has grown from 8 ounces to 20 ounces, as Americans demanded more soda. This is known as supersizing. Americans want more food but don’t want to pay for two sodas or two burgers. Companies began making food bigger and charging more for it. Another problem with the processed food in America is that it is very energy dense. For people with diabetes, the body is not able to process this extra glucose. Many problems have led to the obesity epidemic in America.
The amount of obesity in America is exceptionally disturbing. According to Pollan, it is expected that one in three children born in 2000 will be overweight. Americans really need to think about what they are eating and if it is really good for them. People cannot keep eating hamburgers and other forms of fast food and expect to live healthy lives. The problem is that this food is much cheaper than healthy, whole foods. I think there has to be a change in our society, where healthy food becomes less expensive than fast food. While this would cost the government a lot of money right now, in the long run, it would save on healthcare and other costs related to the unhealthiness of the American population. This leads me to question:
1. Will Americans ever become healthy or return to a healthy way of eating?
2. Will the government take a stand and begin to subsidize healthier food that is better for the American public?
To answer your first question, I don't think that Americans as a WHOLE will become healthy/return to a healthy way of eating. That statement is too broad. I feel it is a choice. Americans have the choice now to be healthy if they choose to be. Everyone has the chance to, but not everyone has the education, money, values or whatever the case may be to do so. Some make that effort and some do not. But i do feel that if America keeps pushing healthy foods, there will be more and more people willing to make that choice to be healthier.
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