Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating

Read half of the new book "Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating" by Mark Bittman. It's a hodge-podge book with the basic premise that adjusting what we eat will not only influence the planet but our pocketbooks and waistline. Bittman's solution is simple: during the day, try to eat less meat, no junk food and more vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. Then at night: eat what you want. Treat yourself to crusty white bread, a glass of wine, serving of meat. making such a simple change can not only benefit your pocketbook and waistline and health, but, as he states on page 18, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as the equivalent of driving 760-1,160 miles a year.

Bittman talks about the agendas of the USDA, food and marketing industry. But do not forget- he has an agenda too: to sell his book. But his claims are cool and easy to swallow and instead of suggesting strict adherence, he's advising small, smart lifestyle choices that ripple out into every aspect of life.

I had to return the book to the library before I finished the rest, which is primarily recipes and suggestions on what foods to have in the house. I think this book makes a good cook-book wrapped in a save-the-world/save-yourself packaging.