Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal
jesstin says:
ok so, I consider myself a relatively health conscious person. I eat mostly home cooked meals but I do have a few favorite snacks that I like to indulge. I purchased this book out of curiosity of what was actually in these processed foods that I eat from time to time. I was not surprised by a some things mentioned in this book. Like the whole story with those individually wrapped prepackaged ''cheese" slices which I never ate anyway. I was kind of surprised and very bummed about several things such I cereals(which I ate plenty of as both a child and adult) and breads. The discussion of meat was an eye opener as well.It is a disappointment to read how so much unhealthy food is available and how it has just become the norm. All basically driven by the idea of cheap and fast production and maximum profit.There are some parts in the book that kind of trail of but its also necessary for the explanation. The author obviously did her research but some parts just feel like you're ...listening to an anti cigarette campaign. You know cigarettes are terrible. you hear the endless list of harmful ingredients and are just like 'ok, I get it its bad for me it won't do it!' But again, that's kind of the point. I do admire her will to speak her mind about companies and even individuals by name without the fear of insulting them or worrying they will dislike her or her book.Another than that I have to say I highly enjoyed the history. How such food industries were founded by people like Mr Kraft and history of rules and regulations regarding our foods. Reading about people like Harvey W. Wiley whom I didn't know of before this book are somewhat silent heros of the past that had us future generations in mind.Over all a good book especially for anyone who, like me, gives a damn about their health and the food the are eating and feeding to the new generation.
Missy says:
This was an interesting book. I appreciated the historical details regarding processed foods and the birth of the FDA. I had feared that this book might devolve to the overly simplistic argument of, "Processed = evil, natural = good," but Warner has done her research and presents a more nuanced, thoughtful approach. Her conclusions won't startle anyone familiar with the locavore movement, but overall, this is a well-researched book, well worth reading.MoreLess
ok so, I consider myself a relatively health conscious person. I eat mostly home cooked meals but I do have a few favorite snacks that I like to indulge. I purchased this book out of curiosity of what was actually in these processed foods that I eat from time to time. I was not surprised by a some things mentioned in this book. Like the whole story with those individually wrapped prepackaged ''cheese" slices which I never ate anyway. I was kind of surprised and very bummed about several things such I cereals(which I ate plenty of as both a child and adult) and breads. The discussion of meat was an eye opener as well.It is a disappointment to read how so much unhealthy food is available and how it has just become the norm. All basically driven by the idea of cheap and fast production and maximum profit.There are some parts in the book that kind of trail of but its also necessary for the explanation. The author obviously did her research but some parts just feel like you're ...listening to an anti cigarette campaign. You know cigarettes are terrible. you hear the endless list of harmful ingredients and are just like 'ok, I get it its bad for me it won't do it!' But again, that's kind of the point. I do admire her will to speak her mind about companies and even individuals by name without the fear of insulting them or worrying they will dislike her or her book.Another than that I have to say I highly enjoyed the history. How such food industries were founded by people like Mr Kraft and history of rules and regulations regarding our foods. Reading about people like Harvey W. Wiley whom I didn't know of before this book are somewhat silent heros of the past that had us future generations in mind.Over all a good book especially for anyone who, like me, gives a damn about their health and the food the are eating and feeding to the new generation.
Missy says:
This was an interesting book. I appreciated the historical details regarding processed foods and the birth of the FDA. I had feared that this book might devolve to the overly simplistic argument of, "Processed = evil, natural = good," but Warner has done her research and presents a more nuanced, thoughtful approach. Her conclusions won't startle anyone familiar with the locavore movement, but overall, this is a well-researched book, well worth reading.MoreLess
Guest 6 years ago
YES. I read it a few years ago, and am now listening on CD. It should be required reading in the USA!Write Review:
User Reviews: