It was most ironic today to see the "Pork Fat Rules" as a poster on the wall of Emeril's kitchen before commerical (FOOD Channel) while I was heading out for a long drive to run errands before the snow blast hits. Having watched him in the past, he's gotten heavier, and looks like he's so outta shape that he'd break a sweat sitting up. I remember last week hearing him say "save the [rendered] duck fat! you can use it in salad dressings, soups" and yadda. Caretaking Runner Ducks (amongst other fowl) for my friends, I can attest to how detestable that thought is, let alone, unvegan. You factor in the many diseases implicated in added fat in one's diet, and it's even worse.
I was surprised that in 2005 (see link here for that very earlier post about Emeril) he was peddling the wonders of "pig fat" to children. How awful! He shouldn't be allowed to publish the children's book he did. Like it's author, it's a nutrition nightmare (I've skimmed it, it IS awful).
Anyway, unbeknownest to me, cued on on my iPod Shuffle was an On Point Interview with Michael Pollen about his new "small book," "Food Rules" [here's a Pollen Essay about them/it]. It was a decent discussion with some good ideas, although Michael has yet to make the big leap on going veg. Many of his 64 rules are useful reminders for some people, but his opinion that "it's more expensive to eat healthy" is based upon a meat, dairy, and egg perspective. I've written about that mindset recently, and it's disappointing to hear him say this. Just isn't true. There's also the "eat junk food only if you make it yourself" that ignores the research of Ornish, Esselstyn, and Barnard regarding added fat/oil and heart disease/diabetes. Still, he's got some catchy one-liners and probably is doing significantly more good than bad regarding influencing people about better diet choices.
...and the interview provided some neat statistics, a bit of history that some people might have missed, and, imho, is worth listening to. You can stream the audio at the link above or subscribe to the Podcast (which is probably still available as this was 01/10/10).
Bottom line: which makes more sense? "Food Rules" or "Pork Fat Rules?" If Emeril keeps "kicking it up a 'notch" and believes that "Pig Fat Rules" then sooner or later, "Bam" goes Emeril's heart or a key blood vessel. Don't let "fat" rule your life (or believe the "Conscious Cook" vegan Chef Val proclaiming that "fat is flavor."} You can decondition yourself from that craving. It's doable and advisable.
Live longer, healthier, happier. Go low-fat vegan.
I flip back and forth between liking Pollan and being exasperated with him. He does an awful lot to keep food a part of the national discussion, but I am still astounded that someone as intelligent as he is having done all that research can't make the jump to truly healthy food! As for Emeril, I rarely watch the food network, but I've noticed most of the chefs look really bloated, fat and sick. It's quite a turn off.
[Yeah, just listened to an hour of him on "Democracy Now." He gets so close, but misses the mark on the vegan end. He just won't go veg. Still, a lot of what he says is good and very helpful, particularly regarding the Farm Bill, the history of the food industry, and even coining the term "Nutritional Industrial Complex." He's also way off on the issue of fat (probably should send him a copy of Esselstyn's book), but I do believe his contributions, overall, are good.
FOOD Channel is background noise in the kitchen sometimes. I hadn't had cable for four years (just one channel out here in the boonies). I needed to get it to establish residency (long story). So, sometimes I watch bits of the shows (although I prefer my media non-linear time dependent). I have noticed how so many of the chefs are obese.
But then Emeril likes to say, "never trust a thin chef."
What a misguided idiot.... Best regards, Mark]
Posted by: vgpedlr | 2010.02.08 at 18:26