Sunday, June 13, 2010

The Food Revolution

There are many great books and wonderful resources that give us detailed information about the impact that changing some basic things about our eating habits can have on our own health and the environment as a whole.  I think one of the best of these books is “The Food Revolution” by John Robbins.  The following are some reviews of the book that can be found on Amazon.com.

A life changing book, October 29, 2005

This book is basically a rewritten, enlarged and updated version of "Diet for a New America". It explains the extreme benefits of adopting a whole foods plant based diet. He presents the scientific evidence supporting the multiple health benefits for eating this way, as well as the strong ethical reasons. It is above all a fascinating read, written by the person who was the heir to Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest ice cream company (he rejected it to live according to his own values). One also gets a deep sense of the immense compassion of the man through his writing.

Exceptionally good book, November 11, 2008

Reading this book compels the conclusion that we act in our own self-interest, as well as the planet's, by eating a plant based diet. The book shatters myths regarding the supposed need to eat meat, dairy and eggs. It illuminates the misinformation spread by the cattle, swine and poultry industries. To achieve and keep whatever strength, smarts and health we can, this book cogently asserts that we'd be better off eliminating animal products.
   As a beacon that approaches its subject with zeal while maintaining an objective tone and compassion for us who are ignorant , the thinking set forth in this book could truly change our lives and eventually our planet.
  
Important book for its time with a real message, May 29, 2008

Robbins lays out the facts, using research articles as evidence, to criticize the food industry's claims and present the contradicting findings resulting from good sound science. Using this method he exposes the stark realities of the American diet that for the most part will get you to wonder why you have lived your life without ever wondering about such things as where your food comes from, how it was made, and what impact it has on the environment. Robbins explains to you the enormous impact that the single act of eating has on your body, the human population, and the planet itself. This book is huge in its scope and contains facts from hundreds of sources, and its rather objective delivery makes it a necessary read for anyone interested in studying diet, nutrition, disease, environmental protection, science, and agriculture.

As Above, So Below..., February 14, 2008

It's truly rare to discover a book that literally changes your life, but this book is one of them. Mr. Robbins meticulously researches and presents an argument for how one's diet can change not only one's personal well being but the well being of all sentient beings, including the sum of the parts (our planet Earth). This book makes it clear that through our personal dietary choices we can either save the planet (and ourselves) or ignore the problems until it's too late. And although the book implicitly argues for the adoption of a vegetarian diet, it's my hope that people not willing to go that far will at least start making conscious decisions about the purchase of animal products, and realize that supporting humane agriculture is a form of philanthropy that they realize direct benefit from (e.g., it simply tastes better).
   In an age of information overload and seemingly insurmountable global problems this book gives rise to a feeling of personal power and the ability to literally change our lives and the planet with every bite we eat.

Incredibly thought provoking, May 19, 2005

This book gives you a multitude of reasons to at the very least alter your diet. Be it for your health, the environment or for compassion toward animals you will walk away from this book with an understanding of how our diet affects ourselves and our world. One of the sections I found most interesting was in regard to GM foods. Fascinating! This is a book I would definitely recommend and will be giving as a gift.

Life-changing, June 2, 2009

I read The China Study a few years ago and began to believe that meat and dairy products are harmful to our health. However, I was not fully motivated to make any changes to my diet as a result of reading the book. I read this book last week, and it has changed my entire outlook on my diet and the world. Robbins approaches meat and dairy products from three different angles: 1) the health issues, 2) the treatment of the animals, and 3) the effect of meat production on the environment and other nations and peoples. This book convicted me and convinced me not just in my mind but in my heart. Robbins provides so much scientific data as well as information on the politics and economics. He also includes some personal stories, most prominently that of "the pig farmer," that demonstrate how deep this issue really goes. Robbins treats the subject with a lot of care and thoughtfulness even as he communicates how serious the consequences of our diet choices really are. I am truly grateful for the ways in which this book - this author - has opened my eyes and my heart to the interconnectedness of life.

For more information, click on the cover of the book (above right) or here:   The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World