A Sizable Apple

2010-01-26T11:21:00.003-05:00

I may have stopped writing here, but I'm not done writing all together!

I'm on the hunt for writing, editing, web desiging, social media, blogging and freelace jobs of any kind!

For more information on myself, my writing, my resume and where you can find me; email me at asizableapple (at) gmail (dot) com.

High school welcomes pole dancer to health week

2009-02-02T13:28:00.003-05:00

How do you encourage 14-19 year old students to exercise? One school's solution on the other side of the pond is pole dancing. The reporters covering this story say that pole dancing is "apparently" a good cardio workout, and watching the woman on that clip move, I'd say so.

I've heard of pole dancing as an addition to workouts before, although not quite geared for impressionable high school students. I'm all for finding fun alternative ways to exercise. Anyone remember when Carmen Electra came out with her aerobic striptease workouts a few years ago? Four years ago fitness clubs across the country were offering pole dancing classes.

Strip aerobics routines are available on videos as well as in the gym, and Blacker said the poles can be part of a good workout. "You are doing regular aerobics mixed with the pole," he said. "The unique thing is, it's a sexy workout."
The majority of people in Doyle's class, about 99%, have never been this exposed in public but seemed to welcome the opportunity to unwind. The feeling is, "I just worked in a 9 to 5 job all day, and now I get to dance against a pole," he said

I can think of a handful of my adventurous girlfriends who would give that a try, but can't think of too many high school students that this class would be appropriate for.

I think it's great this British school is taking a week to promote healthy behavior (although I doubt the progress that will be made within 5 days), this performance shows how little thought and care was put into this production.

The great think about exercising isn't just the physical benefits, but the mental and emotional lessons that come from fitness activities as well. Preschool and elementary school students are often encouraged to join little league teams to promote early movement, but also sharing, teamwork and to spark interests early on. High school gym classes and sports teams try to shape a sense of belonging, discipline and often introduction to a variety of sports older kids may be more capable of participating in. Pole dancing and striptease workouts can be a fun alternative for stable adults, possibly looking to express a confident body image while working out.

What do you think? What are or aren't appropriate workouts for different ages?

Fantastic fitness events- Michigan Mackinac Bridge Run

2009-01-29T14:49:00.002-05:00

The best part about signing up for a race or fitness event is the motivation it gives you to train.

Staying true to my Michigan roots, I have to share an awesome Labor Day event with you. It's the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run. I posted about it on my Michigan fitness blog last June. It's a great event sponsored by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. I can't think of a more beautiful 5 mile run than over the bridge!

Unfortunately the run is only open to Michigan residents, but its still an exciting example of the great opportunities out there for races and fitness events. Check with your local fitness council for information on healthy events in your area.

Because of the number of eager numbers, there's a lottery to be chosen to compete in the run. If you can apply online. Check out the details for applicants:

-Must be 18 years old by September 7, 2009 (participants will be asked to provide proof of your age)

-Michigan residents only

-Must have participated in a running event endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness (list of events is part of the application) that takes place between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009.

-Participants will be selected via random lottery in June

I havent compete in this particular race before, but I have taken part in different Michigan fitness events in all different seasons, all equally fantastic!

Pediatrician blog

2009-01-28T14:28:00.004-05:00

Whoops! I'm a little short on time today, but I wanted to share another one of my favorite health links. This is my pediatrician's blog! Since I came across it, I've continued coming back for her friendly and informative writing style. A little older now, not everything she writes applies to me, but I still learn a lot about trends and issues in the medical community and get a glimpse at life as a doctor. Check Dr. Molly's site out!

Self Mag fitness videos

2009-01-27T10:31:00.002-05:00

I stumbled across this site some time ago, and keep coming back to it for workout ideas and fitness videos. They've got a ton of videos from fitness to beauty and quick feature bits too. My favorites are the quick fitness videos. Self really takes a creative approach to the workouts they share which gives me ideas for the next time I'm in the gym.

It's too cold around here for this one, but I do look forward to the summer when I can get out, to a park and vary my workout up a bit with some unusual equipment.

Most of their videos are only a few minutes long as well. What do you think of Self's YouTube site? Do you have a favorite workout site or fitness video?

Do you cross-train?

2009-01-26T13:59:00.002-05:00

Cross training keeps your workouts unpredictable, allowing your body the most out of each workout. I know I should cross train. Along with the fitness benefits, switching up workouts can prevent injuries and combat workout boredom. I've been running lots lately and loving it. Sometimes there's an element of confidence that plays into your workout routine too.

Since I run often, I know where to go and when, how to prepare, what to wear, who to call when I want a running partner and just about every other element down to my favorite running songs. Every now and then I'll hop on a bike at the gym and I try to incorporate lifting into my week as well, but I'm a flat out runner.

I know I need to cross train more than I am. Today, with the feeling of some shin-splits coming on, I skipped the running shoes for my bathing suit and hit the pool. Tomorrow, I'll get back out running again, but incorporate some interval work and biking as well.

What's your go to workout? Do you switch it up, how?

Nutrition on a budget; sparkpeople article

2009-01-23T13:27:00.002-05:00

I've done my fair share of preaching on making healthy choices on a tight budget, but that doesn't necessarily make putting it into practice any easier.

A poor college student, I'm always excited to hear new perspectives on the topic. Thankfully my lovely mother sent me a great link to a SparkPeople article; Eating healthy on a budget, saving money without sacrificing quality.

My current favorite tips? Frozen veggies. I've got a Costco bag of frozen broccoli florets and always keep a bag of peas and other assorted vegetables. It's a quick side or fast addition into soups, pasta or stir-fry. What's your favorite cheep and easy go to meal?

Body shaping undergarments make me look like what?

2009-01-22T10:26:00.003-05:00

On my normal morning cruise around the web, I found something that stopped me in my tracks. I came a across body shaping undergarments site, (a la Spanx) Yummy Tummie. Who wouldn't want everything quickly tightened, tucked and smoothed into place, right?

While I've never personally tried out either product, I have doubts over the pictures that accompany the products on both websites. I just can't grasp the idea that a body slimming product could make the average American woman (size 14) look like this:

left: Spanx site picture

right: size 14 woman

I'd love to think that if I purchased these products, I too could be long lean and appear a size 2; but I'm not. Seeing a thin woman modeling tummy sucking garments doesn't sell me. I've heard great stories from products like these; so why can't we see them in action on a curvy, average sized woman? I'm a little discouraged to see products that aim for a nonsurgical, healthy approach to enhance what you already have, use such unrealistic displays.

What do you think? When you're shopping for clothes, would you rather see a thin model or a figure closer to your size? What do you think about advertising body concious shaping undergarments with thin women?

Men fight food cravings better than women

2009-01-21T12:26:00.000-05:00

Surprise surprise! Monday, science confirmed what women have known for years; men's brains fight food urges better.

Twenty-three participants picked their favorite food and were tempted with smell, sight and eventually taste. The study found that brain waves in the male participants was less active than in women.

Suggestions? Food scientist Marci Pelchat said "If women have difficulty ignoring food cues, maybe a key to dieting for them is to minimize those cues or to minimize the association between those cues and eating. Don't leave food out on the counter, don't go by the Dunkin' Donuts."

Taking a different route home to avoid all your favorite fast food stops may be difficult (or impossible) but there are some steps you can take to take to combat the genetic sabotage. Plan meals ahead of time, shop smart and exercise often!

What foods can you not resist?

Belated New Year resolutions

2009-01-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile, readers! I've been spending lots of time reading, eating, exercising, cooking and maybe not so much writing; but I'm back and have lots in of good ideas for the future of ASA!

Happy 20 days into your New Year's resolution! How are you doing with your goals? I posted at MLive about my thoughts on resolutions and tips to making the best out of 2009.

If you're still searching for that perfect plan, check out the Never Say Diet 2009 Challenge. Three great coaches give you guidance towards body image acceptance and lifestyle changes.

What health resolutions have you made? Looking to drop a dress size or all around feel better; share your goals with me!

New sugar alternative

2008-12-03T20:36:00.002-05:00

Are you a Splenda fan? When introduced to the U.S. in 199, those little white granules caused a big stir. Although widely used (sales topped Equal), the safety of Splenda is still questioned. Your thoughts on Splenda aside, a new sweetner is coming!

Just in time for holiday baking is Stevia. The low-calorie, natural sweetner from South America is not yet approved by the FDA, but can be found in the U.S. at some specialty stores. Are you on board?

The sugar replacement trend got me thinking. Are you an early adopter to promises of low calorie and less fattening goods? Or would you rather be behind the curve a bit and like to wait for testing approval?

Women's Health Mag slashes calories again

2008-12-01T10:06:00.002-05:00

Whew! We survived Thanksgiving! Time to finally button up those pants for the first day back to work, school and routine. Now that national binge day is over, it's time to get back to business. Women's Health Magazine posted a great article on how to cut calories in your own cooking.

It's a common misconception to believe home cooking is better for you than running to a restaurant, but that might not be the case. Some of the tips are old yeah I know types, but they all could bare repeating. Check out the calorie cuts in some simple ways to alter your already favorites.

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T10:40:00.005-05:00

The most dangerous holiday to dieters is upon us, readers. I'm heading home for a Thanksgiving Day 10K, double dinner celebrations and family time. What are your dinner and workout plans? Check back on an update to my holiday weekend, for now, check out this Thanksgiving calorie cutting article from Women's Health and Hungry Girl's Thanksgiving ask for help section. Happy holiday!

Ask a pro: Reebok Global Instructor Jade Alexis part 2

2008-11-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

Remember Jade Alexis? She's the fun, functional and fierce Reebok Global Instructor I interviewed last week. Check out the rest of my interview with her, here!

ASA: Has the launch of Reebok's female-focused fitness initiative helped to broadcast your message of making workouts fun?

Jade: Reebok's message falls in line with my desires to have a FUN work out. Thus far, working with Reebok and knowing that their initiative is in line with my philosophy encourages and motivates me to be on point and keep it FUN!

ASA: You talked about preventing burn outs through balance, how do you keep your workouts balanced?

Jade: On a regular basis I do the things I really enjoy; ride, swim, box, do weights, and practice yoga. In occasion when I need a change of pace, I may play basketball or try a new/different class or workout w/ a friend. Additionally, I make sure to incorporate all: weight/strength training, cardiovascular and flexibility into my week. Most importantly I balance training with rest and recovery, I have 1-2 days off a week.

ASA: What role does nutrition have in your life? What's your favorite quick go to meal and what's your guilty food pleasure?

Jade: Nutrition is VERY important, it effects my energy levels, my health, my sleep ... Favorite quick to go meal is Greek Yogurt w/ blueberries and granola ...guilty food pleasure, sweet potato fries and I LOVE crumbles, apple or berry w/ a scope of ice cream!

ASA: What's your favorite at home exercise and at home workout equipment?

Jade: Exercise: Push up Equipment: Jump Rope What products does Reebok make that could help women workout from home or on the go while traveling? - Jump rope - resistance bands - dumb bells - stability balls

ASA: Living in a four season state; how do you keep exercising new and exciting when you're stuck indoors or in the same environment?

Jade: When it gets to cold to be outside, I move it indoors and can do many of the same things indoors that I do outdoors, swim, ride - its not as climatic or as refreshing being indoors though.... I also try new things there are a variety of classes offered at the gym, so its always new and exciting to try a new class or different instructor.

Healthiest city in the U.S.

2008-11-21T10:26:00.000-05:00

I promise, I'm not all about depressing news. How about the nation's healthiest city? Drum roll please, and the award goes to Burlington, Vermont!

A distance of about 32 marathons away from the round town of Huntington, West Virgina, the nation's unhealthiest. Check the article for some comparisons on how both 'ton towns measure up; then tell me about your city!

I posted at my MLive blog with my thoughts on the fit life in Michigan, but my workout routines have rarely ventured out from there.

Check it out and let me know what's up with your town. Tell me where you're from or where you've been; conducive environment to a chiseled six-pack, or more likely to see townie guts with remnants from last night's six pack?

A look at the fattest city in the US

2008-11-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

Wanna know where I'm not going to move when I graduate? Huntingington, West Virginia. The tiny town on the west edge of the state is among the many nationwide struggling with the weak economy. Among the financial issues is one of a bigger size; obesity. Nearly half Huntington adults are over weight, making them the most obese city in the country.

How does this happen? Five foot nine, 233 pound mayor David Felinton says in an Associated Press article at comcast.net there's more important issues at hand for Huntington. "We've got a lot of economic challenges here in Huntington. That's usually the focus."

Usually when the top obese city list comes out, I shurg in my couch, thinking; how can it get that bad? There's no excuse for forgetting about your health, but the article was very well put together. Take a look at what life has been like in Huntington, and put yourself in those steal toed work boots. What would you do? I try to promote healthy eating and exerising on a budget, but environment has a great effect on us all. With so much on their plate (literally and figurativly) is there hope for Huntington?

Pom alright

2008-11-17T10:34:00.000-05:00

A box of these cute little guys arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago. The friendly folks at Pom Wonderful contacted me asking if I was interested in a couple jugs of juice. I've never been a big pomegranate fan, but I am familiar with some of the health benefits so I decided to agree and give the juice a go.

First off, I can't think of a way to make drinking juice any more fun than the bottles Pom Wonderful uses. Juice aside, I made sure to save a couple of these guys to use latter (maybe a cute coffee table vase?).

The juice is decent. It's not my favorite, but it wasn't gross. It tasted similar to Manishewitz grape wine I'd sip on at Passover Dinner. I didn't see my little 8 oz bottle at the store, but my local super market did have the double sized version for a little over $3. A little steep for my nutrition on a budget preaching, but I did find another way to make the juice work.

Dinner.

The Pom Wonderful site has a pretty good section on how to use pomegranates in every day cooking. I ended up making a quick dinner that put the S.F.C (same freaking chicken) to shame. I brought a combination of pom juice and chicken stock to a roiling boil then stirring in a spoonful of flour to thicken the mixture. Serve that over chicken or ham for a yummy pomegranate glazed treat. The whole process took me about 10 minutes and I faked a fancy dinner in the process, definitely worth it for a little splurge.

Pom juice is a fantastic, healthy, versatile treat; something a little more grown up (and easier to feel good about) than a candy bar at check out and also a chance to change up dinner.

Are you a pom juice drinker? Seen the funky bottles? What do you think?

Odds and ends from Nancy Clark

2008-11-14T14:20:00.002-05:00

I recently found registered dietitian Nancy Clark's monthly nutrition newsletter in my inbox, score! Here are some highlights from her jam packed Novermber/December articles:

Protein
The maximal effective single dose of protein to build new muscle is ~35 grams of high quality protein (milk, egg, fish, meats) at one time. While most athletes easily eat this amount—plus more—three times a day to fulfill their daily protein requirement, elderly folks may not. Hence, they become weak and frail. The bottom line: Be sure you (and your parents and grandparents) maintain your health and vitality by enjoying protein with each meal!

Organic foods—are they better?
Many athletes debate whether or not they should buy organic foods. In terms of nutritional value, studies in the US suggest no significant differences, but studies in Europe report higher amounts of nutrients, including antioxidants. Eating a larger portion of conventionally grown produce can resolve any potential differences.

The bigger issue relates to protecting the soil and limiting water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers that seep into the ground. For those reasons, buying organic produce is a smart choice, particularly if it is locally grown, uses less fuel to be transported, and supports local farmers.

Simple strategy for eating better
If you want to improve the quality of your diet, think about one thing you could do each day to contribute to a healthier intake. Write down your goal for the day, then assess your level of confidence in achieving that goal. For example, your goal might be to eat fruit with lunch. If you are very confident you can do that, go for it. But if you are not at all confident, take a look at the barriers, and perhaps figure out another way to boost your fruit intake. Banana on cereal for breakfast? Fruit smoothie for a post-exercise recovery drink?

The bottom line: Set yourself up for success by developing sustainable eating habits. Stop making resolutions—dietary “shoulds”—that repeatedly fail.

Want food help?
The best dietary advice comes with a one-on-one consultation with a sports dietitian. To find your local expert, check out the referral network at www.SCANdpg.org.

Recommended Reading
Helpful books can be a welcome gift. Here are a few suggestions for your active friends and family members. Of course, I recommend these books that I have written:

Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, 4th Edition (2008)
The sports nutrition bible for learning how to eat to win.

The Cyclist’s Food Guide: Fueling for the Distance
For cyclists who are doing long rides or tours.

Food Guide for Marathoners: Tips for Everyday Champions
Perfect for novice marathoners who fear hitting the wall!

Excellent books by other authors include:

American Dietetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide by Roberta Duyff
What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating by Miriam Nestle
Vegetarian Sports Nutrition by Enette Larson-Meyer
Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family by Ellyn Satter
Healthy Homestyle Cooking by Evelyn Tribole

Nancy's newsletters are packed with info! I highly suggest making your way to her site to sign up for the free monthly letters!

Ask a pro: Reebok Global Instructor Jade Alexis

2008-11-12T11:05:00.003-05:00

Jade Alexis is a spin, bootcamp and cross-training specialist out of New York City. She's one of 17 women in the Reebok Global Instructors Team aimed at giving women more options to make workouts fun.

I got a chance to send Jade a few questions to find out how her methods of training work. Check out some of her responses today and check back for more later on!

ASA: What kinds of exercising are involved in a boot camp session?

Jade: My boot camp training session includes a plethora of total body and body weight exercises and incorporates many sports conditioning drills. The exercises involved in the class included things such as running, hopping, jumping, push ups, squats, lunges, and speed ladder drills/agility.

We also do short sprints, slides and have the body move in different directions and at different speeds. Each session encompasses all; strength, cardiovascular and functional exercises.

ASA: How is boot camp training beneficial?

Jade: Beneficial because it motivates one to work hard and push to a state of mind over matter in which new limits can be reached - one can reach and feel a great sense of accomplishment. From a physical standpoint, you burn a ton of calories, build strength and develop cardiovascular endurance all while having fun!

ASA: What is the proper attire for boot camp training? Does Reebok offer specific boot camp gear?

Jade: Clothing that won't restrict movement. Really, whatever is comfortable. Reebok has several shoes, cross trainers that are appropriate for this type of class.

ASA: A lot of popular weight-loss television shows (Celebrity Fit Club, The Biggest Loser) rely on boot camp training, why do you think this is and what options do women have to mimic boot camp training on their own?

Jade: I suspect that these shows use boot camp training because it is fun or at least it can be! Its great for TV and when done well and incorporated with a good nutrition plan and sufficient rest then weight loss/results are guaranteed - that's great for these TV shows.

Several of these shows such as the biggest loser have workout videos that can allow women to mimic boot-camp workouts on their own. Taking a boxing class or a boot camp class and learning the moves and drills can give women some of the tools to be able practice "boot-camp" on their own at home.

ASA: What does cross training accomplish that a single track routine does not?

Jade: Over time a single track workout routine will likely get boring and the body will adapt to doing the same exercise over and over again. One will reach a point where the body no longer gets the same results from the same workout. Cross-training mixes things up so that the body is constantly challenged in different ways to avoid boredom, as well as engage more and different muscles and prevent the body from adapting which will ultimately help avoid a plateau in results.

ASA: You talked about keeping workouts fun, functional and fierce; can you explain this a bit more? How do you encourage fun, what workouts are most functional and why, and what is it to exercise fierce?

Jade: Fun! Exercise should be fun, we should smile and laugh and enjoy the exercise we are doing, it shouldn't be a dreadful experience. I encourage fun by encouraging people to participate in activities/sports/exercises that they enjoy doing - that's why boot-camp is fun, it takes pieces from different sports that many enjoy. Additionally, good, upbeat music, smiles, good positive energy and words also aid in creating a fun workout.

Functional! Involves doing movements that mimic our everyday activities so that we can become stronger and more efficient in our daily lives and/ or sports that we participate in

Fierce! Means to go hard! Give it all, 100 % and be intense.

How to choose the right gym

2008-11-10T12:45:00.000-05:00

Last week it was 70 here. Seventy degrees in November. I rode my bike to classes in a short-sleaved shirt, jeans and sunglasses. Global warming, you're not always a bad guy.

Thanks to the sunny weather I also took off for an afternoon run. Gosh am I gonna miss running under the red and yellow trees with beautiful blue skies.

We may be fighting off cold weather for now, but eventually I'll be snow shoeing it around campus with white fluff up to my waist. Don't believe me?
Yep, when I take this year's homage to Antarctica, it will most certainly be gym season. Memberships can be costly though; are you getting everything you want out of your gym? Check out my MLive MichFit post on guidelines to choosing the right gym!

There you'll find great links there to a couple resources with checklists, budget conscious tips and an anti-rip off guide. Location, price, programs, amenities, fine print, what can't you live without?

Tell me about your dream gym! Tell me about your gym. Love it? Hate it? Just live with it anyway? What would be the one thing you would change if you could? Comment or email me at asizableapple@gmail.com.

More business on the pink ribbon

2008-11-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

I've seen more pink ribbons in the last month than a nurse would in a newborn ward. Every stop to think about the whole trend?

Might not be as good as it seems, says one of my fellow MLive bloggers.

Need a little more info? Check this MSNBC health article- the politics behind the pink ribbon. I wrote about this a little bit about a year ago, but I think cancer and your money are both big enough topics to give another go around.

Does the pink campaign sway your purchases at all? What's your favorite way to support breast cancer? Here's mine!

Women, wash your hands!

2008-11-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

My grandpa use to freak out about how little we washed our hands. My parents were always too busy shuffling a kid or two to swim practice or helping someone with their science project to make sure everyone's hands were scrubbed clean before dinner.

And don't lie, you don't always wash your hands after going to the bathroom or before eating. Yep, there's a lot of invisible bugs festering around all of us, but maybe more on women?

I was pretty surprised to read this MSNBC health article citing a study that claimed women have more bacteria on their hands then men.

The researchers aren't sure why women harbored a greater variety of bacteria than men, but Fierer suggested it may have to so with the acidity of the skin. Knight said men generally have more acidic skin than women.
Other possibilities are differences in sweat and oil gland production between men and women, the frequency of moisturizer or cosmetics applications, skin thickness or hormone production, he said.

Yuck. Note to self, scrub those palms more often. Also found this quote later on in the article pretty interesting:

The average hand harbored 150 species of bacteria.
Not only did individuals have few types of bacteria in common, the left and right hands of the same individual shared only about 17 percent of the same bacteria types, the researchers found.

By the way, does anyone else think about how many germs you come in contact with while at the mall? How many bodies slipped on that sweater, ran their snotty hands over that Guitar Hero box or held onto the oh-so-not-clean railings? I make it a point to try out as many Bath and Body Works products as possible; better yet if they have an anti-bacterial try me soap by the in store sink!

What do you think? Does this prompt you to wash more, or have you always been a regular washer? How 'bout hand sanitizers, do you swear by a certain brand? Fill me in on comments!

Do you want 4-year-old fries with that?

2008-11-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

Ewwwwwwwww. Not much left to say, ladies. If you have had time to hit up the fast food drive through in the last month, then you can make time for this 5 minute video. This is another gem sent to me (keep 'em comin', mom!) from Hungry Girl.

I know I'm not the only one whose come across a little left over from a long lost Happy Meal; hmm, how long has this been here? It doesn't look too old. Maybe just four years old? You've GOT to check out this video on how fast food vs. real food ages.

What do you think? Does proof like this and movies like Supersize Me stop you dead in your tracks, make you re-think your Big Mac or not phase you a bit?

You want some YouBars?

2008-10-31T10:59:00.001-04:00

CONTEST CLOSED.

I know you do! The lovely folks at YouBars saw my post and offered up a discount!

The first 10 readers to race over and create a bar can get 10% off! Type 'asizableapple' into the coupon code section of the view cart page for a couple bucks off.

Hmm... almond butter and goji berries or coffee crystals and pecans? I'm still working on my combination; tell me about yours!

Wondering why a head of broccoli is more than a happy meal?

2008-10-29T11:03:00.000-04:00

Ready to tear your hair out if one more person brings up the election? At ease, hair follicles, no political chatter here. If you're paying attention to the election or living under a rock, odds are you're fairly knowledgeable on where the two popular candidates stand, but what about their opinion on food?

I came across a pretty cool New York Times blog interviewing author Michael Pollan who says talking about the nation's food policies are just as important as any other hot topic.

One of Mr. Pollan’s concerns is that national policies subsidize the least healthful calories that we eat. He notes that the “building blocks” of fast food are soy and corn, used to make hydrogenated soy oil, the protein and starch in cattle and chicken feed, and high-fructose corn syrup used in sodas and sweets.

“That’s what we’ve been heavily subsidizing, encouraging farmers to grow more of, and that’s what makes fast food so cheap,” he said. “Meanwhile over in the produce section, the head of broccoli costs more than a fast-food hamburger. Why is that? We do very little to encourage farmers to grow what are called specialty crops, which is actual food you can eat. We need to level the playing field between the unhealthy and healthy calories.”

Any living, breathing, eating, grocery shopping American should take some time out to think about national food policies. The NYT blog is only a snippet of a 20 minute interview with Pollan. What do you think? Voice your opinions in comments or email me!