I don't mean to get too much ‘off topic', but I just wanted to share that I found out today that there is a kids/teen version of the Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, it actually came out last October. I just ordered this for my twin 13 year old girls. Beware that the age group on the book is for kids 10 and above, unless you're intending to use it for family discussion.
The original Omnivore's Dilemma had some big inconsistencies in it regarding eating meat and saturated fat, as demonstrated by the author's famous 2-3-2 word sequence ‘Pollanism': Eat Food, Not too Much, Most Plants. How's that for confusing? I mean, so we should all eat that way, no matter what ethnicity we are? How much plants? What is too much? Although a clever phrase, I think it tries to simplify a complex issue, thereby causing even more confusion.
My girls have not always been completely open to hearing things about their food, where it came from, etc. It's almost as if they don't realize that they're eating animals. And they definitely don't want to hear about all of the chemicals in the soft drinks and candy that they occasionally eat. I'm sure this attitude is par for the course with teens. Even with the inconsistencies in the message of this book, I'm hoping that it will start some conversations and open up their minds a bit. Many times it's better if things don't come from the parents! It's more believable that way.
The way that I may break into their psyches a bit and get them thinking is through 3 avenues: animals, the environment, and ‘The Yuck Factor‘.
Animals
My girls are very animal-centric, and almost care more for animals than they do people. I believe that the food that we eat should be slaughtered and harvested humanely, and I think that when they find out how factories treat their animals, the girls will agree with this too. We don't raise chickens, but we know people who do and so they have something to compare it to. (Kelly's chicken coop vs a dark factory where a chicken can't move, see, or spread its wings).
Environment
I have noticed that teens are more open and concerned of how the environment is being treated, probably because they will be living longer on the earth than the adults today. One of our girls is especially concerned with the environment, so I know that I can get through to her by discussing the toll that certain food has on the earth.
The Yuck Factor
If all else fails I may need to pull out the big guns and introduce a very scientific theory called The Yuck Factor. Basically, show them where something comes from and induce disgust, thereby removing the fascination or desire with a certain food product. I know, I'm evil!
Here is a great blog post written by a 13 year old detailing the main sections of the book. This is a good summary of what to expect from the book.
I will continue to update you all on my progress with my teens, would love to hear any and all experiences that you've had, or are having with your children regarding food education. Also, I'm planning on reading this version of the book too and will let you know what I think.
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Having two teen girls about the same age as yours (mine are 13 and 14), I’ll be following along to see how this is going for you and looking for tips too.
I never did read Pollan’s “eat food, mostly plants etc” book, but I did find Omnivore’s Dilemma very helpful and I think he sticks more to his expertise as a journalist there, rather than waxing nutritionist.
I am very interested to hear your opinion about this. I think my 16-yr-old daughter read Omnivore’s Dilemna last year, but she also read a terrible book (both from the library) that promoted only veganism, and used the yuck factor excessively and shamelessly to the exclusion of good nutrition and common sense. (No need to combine proteins, no concern about B-vitamins.) Now my daughter is a vegetarian, has a revulsion to many very nourishing foods, and makes her food choices on an emotional level. We definitely need to do some more nutrition education, and I’ve been wondering whether to go back to Omnivore’s Dilemna (which I haven’t yet read) or in another direction. I think Nourishing Traditions would be a bit much at this point, but maybe that’s what she needs.
I feel your pain!! You could have her read Omnivore’s Dilemma, but there is the risk of her being grossed out and going the other way (down the same path she’s on). I would have her read ‘Real Food’ by Nina Planck. It’s a great read, and Nina was a vegetarian so she talks about why she converted back to being an omnivore. I don’t think she was a vegan though.
It’s so hard having teens and knowing that they’re on the wrong path. We have to find ways to show them without saying anything and making them think it was their own idea. Because getting to do what you want is the greatest gift of being an adult! Good luck, and please let me know how it’s going.
Here’s an original thought – STOP relying on books written by people who are NOT qualified (or have fake degrees) and VISIT an actual Dietetian.
Would they watch The Meatrix: http://www.themeatrix.com
and Store Wars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVrIyEu6h_E
Also, in NT, have you tried the ‘name this product’ section? Making sure you choose product they are very familiar with, you could read out the ingredients and see if they can pick it. It might open there eyes to what’s in things.
All vegetarians and vegans need to read “The Vegetarian Myth”!
On a side note, Kim, I just got your email today announcing your blog to WAPF Chapter Leaders so I’ll forward this on to my group in Ottawa, Canada.
It’s such a great idea, and the strangest thing, I literally just watched Julie&Julia last night! What a coincidence!
Best of luck! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Just wondering how you feel about Michael Pollan’s constant reference to limiting meats and basing the diet on veggies? I have a hard time giving this book to my kids, for this reason. I’m assuming that your book is much more in touch with what Weston A. Price and Sally Fallon have taught. Also, WAPF gave Nina Planck’s second book about feeding children a thumbs down. They seemed to like some of the info in the book, but really tore other parts down. I’ll stick with your book for teens, Kim!
Yes, Kristen’s book is much more in line with the WAPF teachings.
I especially ‘love’ (sarcasm here) it when people compare how much land it takes to grow grain versus raise cattle for meat. What they don’t realize is that not all land is suitable for growing crops, and this land could potentially support cattle. So yes I do believe that we should remain meat eaters (as much as our ancestors were anyway).
One shift regarding meat that Americans will need to make is that most people do not currently use the whole animal as our ancestors did. We need to get back to eating organ meats, using the bones for broth, really using all the edibles that the animal has to offer our nutrition. The world may not be able to raise as much muscle meat as we all would like to eat, but if we used all of the animal then it could stretch that much farther, and give us really the most nutrition as well.