Michael Pollan
Journalist Michael Pollan has been reporting on where our food really comes from for more than 20 years. When it comes to eating, his approach is simple: "Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much."

Michael answers the most frequently asked questions about how to reduce the amount of processed food in your diet and start incorporating fresh foods into your daily life.
Q: After working a long day, I don't want to cook, but I want to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Are frozen dinners labeled "healthy" or "low calorie" a healthy alternative?

A: Just because something is called "healthy" doesn't mean it is. I would go vegetarian on prepared foods like this if there is no alternative. Amy's Organics has some good items. But is it really so hard to grill or sauté a chicken breast and serve it with some frozen peas or spinach? In the amount of time it takes to microwave a TV dinner, you can put something much tastier on the table, I promise.

Q: I don't cook, so what should I feed my child?

A: If you don't cook, you should look for the simplest, most wholesome prepared and packaged foods: a short list of ingredients (five, say, and definitely less than 10), and all ingredients you've heard of or that you can picture in their natural state or that normal people have in their cupboard. (See the rules in my book Food Rules.) There is nothing wrong—and much right—about frozen vegetables, and they're a great deal, so consider these as an options.

And ask yourself, why don't you cook? You don't know how? You don't have time? Maybe by adjusting your priorities or taking a class, you could learn some of the basics. It's really not hard to put a wholesome meal on the table in a half hour—and the rewards are incredible.

Published on January 27, 2010


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