Alan Levinovitz, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies, presents a satirical take on health claims in the Unpacked Diet. Laura Marchese, a researcher focused on nutrition, shares findings from her audit of plant-based alternatives, revealing hidden salt and fat contents. Discussions unfold on the ethical allure of 'natural' foods, often more manipulated than perceived, urging informed dietary choices. A food labeling app is highlighted as a tool for better consumer awareness and reducing the environmental impacts of our food preparation methods.
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insights INSIGHT
Natural Food as Morality
"Natural" foods are often associated with morality and virtue, not just health.
Nature acts as a secular substitute for God, implying foods are "meant to be" eaten.
insights INSIGHT
Unnatural "Natural" Foods
Many "natural" foods today are significantly altered from their original forms.
Modern strawberries, chickens, and cows are examples of manipulated foods.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Focus on Transparency
Focus on food transparency and understand the true meaning of "natural."
Prioritize what's beneficial for your body and the environment over "naturalness."
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In this book, Alan Levinovitz argues that the idea of 'natural' goodness is a religious and mythological concept rather than a scientific one. He explores how this idea has been used and abused across different domains, including health, law, economics, and social policies. Levinovitz demonstrates that this myth can lead to harmful fads, unjust laws, and flawed science. The book advocates for a more nuanced and humble approach to understanding and interacting with the natural world, emphasizing the importance of compromise and uncertainty over dogmatic beliefs.
Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air
Sarah Bridle
Most people want to eat better. And many of us have embraced the trend toward "natural" foods and conscious eating.
We equate "natural" with healthy, nutritious and virtuous, but that can often be way off the mark. New research shows many healthy alternatives are anything but. And our embrace of the term natural is more about expressing identity and morality rather than healthy eating. Empowering people to understand what and how they should eat is what it should be about – and one way to do that is by using a food labelling app.
Future Tense 
