Don't worry, eat happy

A decade ago I read Michael Pollan's "Our National Eating Disorder" in The New York Times magazine.  Pollan addressed Americans' food anxiety as a major—overlooked—part of the health equation. Given our culture's belief that people need specific rules for eating, Pollan's perspective was refreshing, and perhaps a little rebellious. It struck a chord with me, and this particular article continues to be one I refer to when thinking about a "big picture" view of health. Americans like to eat by the numbers; it feels exact and scientific, a "guarantee" we'll reach our goal. But what if the numbers don't add up?

In theorizing that how we eat is just as important as what we eat, Pollan cites Paul Rozin's research as support. Rozin, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, has written about the meaning of food in our lives, with a particular focus on French vs. American attitudes. For example, Rozin and his coauthors write that in the United States, "... food often seems to be more a focus for worry than for pleasure."  Rozin says Americans worry more about what we eat, and yet are less likely to considers ourselves healthy eaters. Add to this that research shows constant stress can have a serious impact on health, and we're left to wonder if all of the worrying is worthwhile.

How do we decide what to eat, then?  America doesn't have the strong, unified food culture of France, and instead we're bombarded with new health advice every month. Our instinct is to adhere to rules; we like clear instructions in black-and-white assuring us that if we do "a" + "b," we'll get to "c."  Today Dr. Oz is a leading health expert, with over 2.5 million Twitter followers and a daily talk show. Visiting only the homepage of his website -- without even clicking anywhere else on the site --  readers are offered an assortment of nutrition advice, including a "flat belly plan," "hormone diet recipes," "clean detox program 30-day meal plan,"  "packaged food rules," "the science behind the HCG diet," and "the best weight-loss tricks for your body," among other health articles. But what if having so many health rules actually makes us unhealthier?

Julia Child used to sign off of her television show, "The French Chef," with a cheery "Bon appétit!" Which may be all the health advice we need.  Maybe the best advice is the simplest: Enjoy your meal.