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How to Be a Conscious Eater: Making Food Choices That Are Good for You, Others, and the Planet
A radically practical guide to making food choices that are good for you, others, and the planet. ?
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Is organic really worth it? Are eggs ok to eat? If so, which ones are best for you, and for the chicken¡ªCage-Free, Free-Range, Pasture-Raised? What about farmed salmon, soy milk, sugar, gluten, fermented foods, coconut oil, almonds? Thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or somewhere in between?
Using three criteria¡ªIs it good for me? Is it good for others? Is it good for the planet?¡ªSophie Egan helps us navigate the bewildering world of food so that we can all become conscious eaters. To eat consciously is not about diets, fads, or hard-and-fast rules. It¡¯s about having straightforward, accurate information to make smart, thoughtful choices amid the chaos of conflicting news and marketing hype. An expert on food¡¯s impact on human and environmental health, Egan organizes the book into four categories¡ªstuff that comes from the ground, stuff that comes from animals, stuff that comes from factories, and stuff that¡¯s made in restaurant kitchens. This practical guide offers bottom-line answers to your most top-of-mind questions about what to eat.
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¡°The clearest, most useful food book I own.¡±¡ªA. J. Jacobs, New York Times bestselling author
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Is organic really worth it? Are eggs ok to eat? If so, which ones are best for you, and for the chicken¡ªCage-Free, Free-Range, Pasture-Raised? What about farmed salmon, soy milk, sugar, gluten, fermented foods, coconut oil, almonds? Thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or somewhere in between?
Using three criteria¡ªIs it good for me? Is it good for others? Is it good for the planet?¡ªSophie Egan helps us navigate the bewildering world of food so that we can all become conscious eaters. To eat consciously is not about diets, fads, or hard-and-fast rules. It¡¯s about having straightforward, accurate information to make smart, thoughtful choices amid the chaos of conflicting news and marketing hype. An expert on food¡¯s impact on human and environmental health, Egan organizes the book into four categories¡ªstuff that comes from the ground, stuff that comes from animals, stuff that comes from factories, and stuff that¡¯s made in restaurant kitchens. This practical guide offers bottom-line answers to your most top-of-mind questions about what to eat.
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¡°The clearest, most useful food book I own.¡±¡ªA. J. Jacobs, New York Times bestselling author
280 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2020
192 people are currently reading
2069 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Egan
4?books51?followersSophie Egan, MPH is an author, lecturer in the Stanford Earth Systems Program, contributor to The New York Times, and leader at the intersection of food, health, and the environment. Her newest book is How to Be a Conscious Eater: Making Food Choices That Are Good for You, Others, and the Planet (Workman, 2020). Sophie is also founder of Full Table Solutions, LLC, a consulting practice focused on food systems transformation. For over five years, Sophie served as the Director of Health and Sustainability Leadership and Editorial Director for the Strategic Initiatives Group at The Culinary Institute of America. In that role, Sophie led nationwide movements to help improve millions of meals served each day. Sophie has written for The Washington Post, EatingWell, TIME, The Wall Street Journal, Bon App¨¦tit, WIRED, and Sunset magazine. Her first book, Devoured: How What We Eat Defines Who We Are (William Morrow, 2016), is a journey into the American food psyche. She holds a master of public health, with a focus on health and social behavior, from University of California, Berkeley, where she was a Center for Health Leadership fellow. She also holds a bachelor of arts with honors in history from Stanford University. In 2016, she was named one of the UC Global Food Initiative¡¯s 30 Under 30. In 2018, she earned a certificate from the Harvard Executive Education in Sustainability Leadership program. You can find her in the mountains, on Twitter at @SophieEganM, and online at sophieegan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 28, 2020
Another impulse read, a recently purchased book in our public library. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. Ever wonder which is better, cows milk or almond milk? Maybe you heard all the kerfuffle about the amount of water used by almond farmers? Well, they are starting to use water more responsibly, but even before it turns out that cattle require more water to produce the same volume of milk. Since I like almond milk in my coffee, this little nugget made me happy.
Comparing things like water use, distance that food items travel, how food is packaged, land use issues, etc. You are free to use the information to tweak your eating and cooking habits to suit your own values.
There are sections on processed foods (not all of it is bad) and making choices that match your ethics in restaurants. The book is chock full of useful, well researched information.
My only complaint is that it is very American oriented. The labeling section is useless to me, a Canadian. Many of the restaurant chains don't cross the border either.
Cross posted at my blog:
Comparing things like water use, distance that food items travel, how food is packaged, land use issues, etc. You are free to use the information to tweak your eating and cooking habits to suit your own values.
There are sections on processed foods (not all of it is bad) and making choices that match your ethics in restaurants. The book is chock full of useful, well researched information.
My only complaint is that it is very American oriented. The labeling section is useless to me, a Canadian. Many of the restaurant chains don't cross the border either.
Cross posted at my blog:
September 2, 2019
Egan's book is a guide for those who want to choose their food thoughtfully. The book discusses food in relation to its nutrition and also its impact on the planet. Most of this information is available online, but not in as comprehensive a package as this book. The author is not a nutrition professional, but is a journalist. As a nutritionist myself, I have some disagreements with her, such as her dislike of coconut oil due to its saturated fat, and her dislike of butter for the same reasons. She also minimizes the positive nutrition aspects of grass-fed beef. The book also discounts regenerative agriculture using grazing animals. Because of these shortcomings, this is a good, but not ideal book, in my opinion.
I received a complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
" Using three criteria¡ªIs it good for me? Is it good for others? Is it good for the planet?¡ªSophie Egan helps us navigate the bewildering world of food so that we can all become conscious eaters. To eat consciously is not about diets, fads, or hard-and-fast rules. It¡¯s about having straightforward, accurate information to make smart, thoughtful choices amid the chaos of conflicting news and marketing hype. An expert on food¡¯s impact on human and environmental health, Egan organizes the book into four categories¡ªstuff that comes from the ground, stuff that comes from animals, stuff that comes from factories, and stuff that¡¯s made in restaurant kitchens. This practical guide offers bottom-line answers to your most top-of-mind questions about what to eat."
What we eat not only affects our health but the environment as well.
Helpful and informative book.
Pub Date: 17 Mar 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own,
What we eat not only affects our health but the environment as well.
Helpful and informative book.
Pub Date: 17 Mar 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own,
December 19, 2019
I appreciated the environmental aspects of this book, since that's not often found in food books. I also found this book easy to read, and liked the various lists, graphics, bullet points, etc. I found some of the "health information" questionable (it seems like every food and cookbook under the sun proclaims the scientific superiority of their particular way of eating, and they can't ALL be right), and occasionally the book veered into preachy territory. Never the less, it was an interesting read.
July 6, 2020
Egan¡¯s book is a one-stop shop for information on what to buy organic, types of packaging, etc. There aren¡¯t radically new insights here for people who have already looked into this topic, but the information is compiled and sorted into a reference guide that is particularly useful for beginners. She focuses her recommendations around a whole foods, plant-based diet that is organic, fair trade, etc.
I like that Egan breaks down the types of food into ¡°Stuff that comes from the ground,¡± ¡°Stuff that comes from animals,¡± ¡°Stuff that comes from factories,¡± and ¡°Stuff that¡¯s made in restaurant kitchens.¡± I also appreciate her criteria of ¡°Is it good for me?¡±, ¡°Is it good for others?¡±, and ¡°Is it good for the planet?¡± (Although I would have liked farmworker justice to be addressed in more detail when it came to ¡°others.¡±)
Aside from a few limp comments, Egan ignores race and socioeconomic considerations in her text. More food writers need to incorporate these factors into their work - at minimum to acknowledge that not everyone has access to or can afford the lifestyle the writer is promoting. Egan writes that it¡¯s just ¡°awfully inconsiderate¡± of the US government to recommend cow¡¯s milk when most Americans of non-northern European descent are lactose intolerant (as if Miss Manners might need to give the government some etiquette tips). And while buying a Sodastream in the long run might save people money versus canned beverages, she sees no problem in having an extra $200 to spare for the upfront cost of the equipment. Egan assures us that the Flint water crisis is nothing to worry about anymore, but if we want to we can test our water (a quick internet search shows that some communities provide free testing but for those that don¡¯t kits can typically run $20-$150). I¡¯ll give Egan this: in her introduction she does acknowledge that factors like race and socioeconomic status have an impact on how we make our food choices. But she states that her book is ¡°simply not a guide for those domains.¡± She¡¯s honest about her limits, but this would have been a stronger, more useful book if she had woven a wider set of consumers into her narrative and recommendations. As it is, her statement implies that her book is not for the unnamed ¡°them¡±: a huge segment of people in our country - mostly people of color and poor people - who fit into ¡°those domains.¡±
If you want a quick reference book for how to read food labels or whether to buy meal kits or takeout, this book will do. If you¡¯re looking for a broader discussion about our food system and how it impacts all Americans (and how we can work towards making things better) - or even a more straightforward, serious acknowledgement of the issues at play - look elsewhere. I was hoping for a bit of both.
I like that Egan breaks down the types of food into ¡°Stuff that comes from the ground,¡± ¡°Stuff that comes from animals,¡± ¡°Stuff that comes from factories,¡± and ¡°Stuff that¡¯s made in restaurant kitchens.¡± I also appreciate her criteria of ¡°Is it good for me?¡±, ¡°Is it good for others?¡±, and ¡°Is it good for the planet?¡± (Although I would have liked farmworker justice to be addressed in more detail when it came to ¡°others.¡±)
Aside from a few limp comments, Egan ignores race and socioeconomic considerations in her text. More food writers need to incorporate these factors into their work - at minimum to acknowledge that not everyone has access to or can afford the lifestyle the writer is promoting. Egan writes that it¡¯s just ¡°awfully inconsiderate¡± of the US government to recommend cow¡¯s milk when most Americans of non-northern European descent are lactose intolerant (as if Miss Manners might need to give the government some etiquette tips). And while buying a Sodastream in the long run might save people money versus canned beverages, she sees no problem in having an extra $200 to spare for the upfront cost of the equipment. Egan assures us that the Flint water crisis is nothing to worry about anymore, but if we want to we can test our water (a quick internet search shows that some communities provide free testing but for those that don¡¯t kits can typically run $20-$150). I¡¯ll give Egan this: in her introduction she does acknowledge that factors like race and socioeconomic status have an impact on how we make our food choices. But she states that her book is ¡°simply not a guide for those domains.¡± She¡¯s honest about her limits, but this would have been a stronger, more useful book if she had woven a wider set of consumers into her narrative and recommendations. As it is, her statement implies that her book is not for the unnamed ¡°them¡±: a huge segment of people in our country - mostly people of color and poor people - who fit into ¡°those domains.¡±
If you want a quick reference book for how to read food labels or whether to buy meal kits or takeout, this book will do. If you¡¯re looking for a broader discussion about our food system and how it impacts all Americans (and how we can work towards making things better) - or even a more straightforward, serious acknowledgement of the issues at play - look elsewhere. I was hoping for a bit of both.
April 5, 2020
My copy of Egan's newest book arrived during the first days of COVID-19 in the US. I'm a huge fan of hers from her New York Times columns and her first book, Devoured (five stars for the Italian-American food chapter!), but I was worried I wouldn't have brain space to give this my full attention as we all figure out our new normal. Boy, was I wrong.
Big wins:
*Egan didn't know we'd all be sheltering during a pandemic in 2020, but she organized this book in a great way to accommodate our need for 1) quick, digestible info, and 2) something that's easy to pick up, put down, and revisit later. I'm a working mom with a toddler, and this was huge for me.
*Up-to-date science! UP-TO-DATE SCIENCE! I work for a science institution and I was thrilled to see Egan reference Seafood Watch and many other well-respected primary science sources/thought leaders to back up each section.
*Color-coded sections. Genius! I can't stress enough how much the section divisions and beautiful look-and-feel (illustrations, etc.) add to the easy-reading quality.
*Guidance and suggestions, never preaching. Egan is a new mom herself and knows that we don't need to be told what to do...but we do have a responsibility to keep ourselves, our families, and the world thriving. I like how she drew lines where they needed to be drawn.
Egan inspired me to up my grain game, understand all the nonsensical eggs descriptors at the store, double-check that my frozen shrimp is slave-labor free, and buy meal kits (come on, I need pandemic meal-planning break!!!!!!!) without the guilt when we can afford them. I love it. I really, truly love this book.
I decided to buy a batch of these books from an independent bookseller and match each with a favorite fiction book for holiday presents this year. It's hard to find such down-to-Earth, up-to-date information, tailored for our sad/scared minds. Thanks to Egan for showing me that I can still think about sustainability and family health during the greatest modern global crisis (without losing sleep).
Big wins:
*Egan didn't know we'd all be sheltering during a pandemic in 2020, but she organized this book in a great way to accommodate our need for 1) quick, digestible info, and 2) something that's easy to pick up, put down, and revisit later. I'm a working mom with a toddler, and this was huge for me.
*Up-to-date science! UP-TO-DATE SCIENCE! I work for a science institution and I was thrilled to see Egan reference Seafood Watch and many other well-respected primary science sources/thought leaders to back up each section.
*Color-coded sections. Genius! I can't stress enough how much the section divisions and beautiful look-and-feel (illustrations, etc.) add to the easy-reading quality.
*Guidance and suggestions, never preaching. Egan is a new mom herself and knows that we don't need to be told what to do...but we do have a responsibility to keep ourselves, our families, and the world thriving. I like how she drew lines where they needed to be drawn.
Egan inspired me to up my grain game, understand all the nonsensical eggs descriptors at the store, double-check that my frozen shrimp is slave-labor free, and buy meal kits (come on, I need pandemic meal-planning break!!!!!!!) without the guilt when we can afford them. I love it. I really, truly love this book.
I decided to buy a batch of these books from an independent bookseller and match each with a favorite fiction book for holiday presents this year. It's hard to find such down-to-Earth, up-to-date information, tailored for our sad/scared minds. Thanks to Egan for showing me that I can still think about sustainability and family health during the greatest modern global crisis (without losing sleep).
August 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, which is a useful guide to eating healthy and ethically. Key points that I took away are:
1. The best thing the average American can do for the planet is to reduce the amount of red meat we eat.
2. Eat lots of beans, small fish (sardines, mussels, etc.), and opt for glass packaging instead of plastic.
3. Embrace eating as a social act - social connectedness is one of the best predictors of longevity.
1. The best thing the average American can do for the planet is to reduce the amount of red meat we eat.
2. Eat lots of beans, small fish (sardines, mussels, etc.), and opt for glass packaging instead of plastic.
3. Embrace eating as a social act - social connectedness is one of the best predictors of longevity.
September 2, 2021
I really liked the style of Egan's writing. She made sustainable/conscious eating a totally reasonable and doable task and I loved her tips and tricks to navigate eating. I found myself sharing multiple facts (after saying our load: wow, that's insane, no way, etc.) I read in the book with whoever was around me everytime I sat down to read. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in eating, food, or the earth. So really everybody.
February 6, 2020
A new way of looking at your diet based on both nutrition and it's impact on the planet. Sophie Egan touches on topics as varied as seafood, organic food and the restaurants you are eating in. I found it to be in depth but easy to read. It was also eye opening and I'm already beginning to think more thoughtfully about what I consume.
April 7, 2020
Appreciated the simplicity of this book! That being said, I would say this is more of a beginner's guide eating consciously- also a nice book to have on the shelf and refer to for general questions. Absolutely loved the illustrations and how many useful resources are sprinkled throughout the chapters too
May 19, 2021
I thought this book was really well organized and well written. It provided me with a wealth of information on so many thing relating to being a conscious eater. I highly recommend this book to anyone concerned with the environment and food safety.
I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 7, 2024
Mindful is my mantra for 2024, and this book is a tremendous resource. How to Be a Conscious Eater is worthwhile and enjoyable reading about everything we could/probably consume, and how to make ourselves, our family and the planet healthier. Author Sophie Egan writes about the effect of meat animals on our water supply, climate change/hotter Earth and the antibiotics used in most meat animals too. She writes about the need for ourselves and the planet to not necessarily give up all meat but reduce and enjoy more legumes, veggies and fruits.
This book is so full of great, reliable info that I took pictures of graphs, website URLs and took notes as well.
I¡¯ve come across a good portion of this same info over the past few years in different magazines, books, newspapers, etc but this puts together the pieces of what it means to be a mindful, conscious eater. Highly recommended!
This book is so full of great, reliable info that I took pictures of graphs, website URLs and took notes as well.
I¡¯ve come across a good portion of this same info over the past few years in different magazines, books, newspapers, etc but this puts together the pieces of what it means to be a mindful, conscious eater. Highly recommended!
July 9, 2022
Is it good for me? Is it good for others? Is it good for the planet? Sophie Egan covers a lot of common food questions and filters her answers through the lens of those 3 questions. Really solid primer on conscious eating with some pretty pictures of lobsters and such throughout.
July 25, 2021
Read as an audiobook and would recommend reading print or ebook copy instead - you'll want to take notes.
September 6, 2020
As an Eco-Dietitian, I devoured this book like it was a bowl of strawberry rhubarb crisp! In the age of a concerning climate crisis, I truly believe this needs to be required reading for everyone. Its message around the importance of engaging in simple food purchasing habits that support planetary health is so very fundamental, and reads like an inspirational and educational guidebook with an accessible, homey and fun flair. Egan makes it clear that no one needs to magically become a different person, but that increasing awareness around choices and making even a few easy shifts can have an impact. It's not just about the food itself, but the packaging, the additives, the farm workers, the animals and what we waste that all need to be considered. Been looking to do your part in leaving the world a better place? Start here!
May 25, 2020
Very informative read and as someone who is getting more into the food world and conscious consumerism I was here for it!! However, it got a little diet culturey at the end and was talking about the calorie counting at restaurants and choosing low calorie sides and...idk man I know people who have disordered eating patterns and this feels like it would trigger people. Like a little disclaimer would have been better and also you can be a conscious consumer and still down a 1400 calorie burrito bowl???
July 18, 2020
I SO appreciated Sophie Egan's practical guide that eschews fads and hysteria in favor of a common sense approach to eating that is full of information and wisdom. I recommend it to anyone who believes that food is important and should also be enjoyable.
May 18, 2021
If this is a topic you're curious about, this book is a good place to start. I found it realistic and approachable with an introduction to a lot of the issues behind our food choices. Like most things, it's best to get your information from multiple sources.
January 5, 2021
Good resource for anyone, new or experienced, who¡¯s looking to make more responsible food choices. Easy to read and organized well!
June 9, 2021
Holy crap I learned so much! SO much! I have a lot to think about and will definitely use this knew knowledge to make changes.
Just wow.
Just wow.
March 30, 2020
I was surprised by this book. I was expecting it to be more health consciousness in eating than political. That's my bad for not reading the description carefully before requesting a review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley. Still, my honest opinion is that the author's opinions are presented well and there is useful information about making healthier choices both in eating and packaging.
As the book progresses, the author uses cherry picked facts with documentation to back up her assertions. In the end, it felt preachy and judgemental.
As the book progresses, the author uses cherry picked facts with documentation to back up her assertions. In the end, it felt preachy and judgemental.
August 14, 2021
An interesting book that challenged the way I thought about our food system. It really highlighted the need to think about choosing local or organic options as well as whole options. It expanded the way I thought about food to include impact on the environment and the workers who grow, pick, and process it.
January 26, 2024
Bro science and my gains respectfully disagree with the protein myth chapter... but otherwise?
July 20, 2021
This book is a great jumping off point on what to include in your diet and why it should be good for you and the planet. It provides many additional resources if you'd like to do additional research. Encouraging flexitarian-ism,the author goes through various food groups to promote a diet filled with whole foods - mainly fruits, vegetables and whole grains, some meat. "Every day, about three times a day, each one of us has responsibility, and delicious opportunity, to align our food choices with our personal values." She writes to address our two most pressing challenges: obesity and climate change, and in doing so provides sounds, actionable advice.
June 13, 2020
Being a conscious eater doesn't mean forking over your entire paycheck to support only the top-of-the-line products or precious artisanal foods. But it does mean being aware of the true cost of food--and doing everything in your power and within your means to adjust your expectations and weekly shopping habits accordingly
I appreciate this book for existing in the crossroads of sustainability and health, because if we are privileged enough to care about one, then the other should also be part of the equation. I appreciated that Egan addresses the realities that so many have around food--that the ability to ask about where your food came from is a luxury, but is worth doing if you're able. In this book, she breaks down food into four categories: stuff that comes from the ground, stuff that comes from animals, stuff that comes from factories, and stuff that's made in restaurant kitchens. In each part, there are short essays on different topics. What has stuck with me the most in the days since finishing this book is the fruits that should be purchased organic and what all those labels on egg containers actually mean! It's a straight-forward, easy to digest guide to eating with the best interests of your body, other humans, and the planet in mind. And Egan is quick to give suggestions of what little steps can be done, if you're unable to commit to a huge change. Well worth the read!
I appreciate this book for existing in the crossroads of sustainability and health, because if we are privileged enough to care about one, then the other should also be part of the equation. I appreciated that Egan addresses the realities that so many have around food--that the ability to ask about where your food came from is a luxury, but is worth doing if you're able. In this book, she breaks down food into four categories: stuff that comes from the ground, stuff that comes from animals, stuff that comes from factories, and stuff that's made in restaurant kitchens. In each part, there are short essays on different topics. What has stuck with me the most in the days since finishing this book is the fruits that should be purchased organic and what all those labels on egg containers actually mean! It's a straight-forward, easy to digest guide to eating with the best interests of your body, other humans, and the planet in mind. And Egan is quick to give suggestions of what little steps can be done, if you're unable to commit to a huge change. Well worth the read!
May 4, 2021
I really loved and enjoyed this book. Author is expert in health & nutrition, she gave various useful information about the food choices we should make, their impact on us as well as on our environment.
Book is divided in 4 sections - 1) Food that comes from plants 2) Food that comes from Animals 3) Food that comes from factories 4) Food prepared in Restaurants
There is too much information provided, more than I expected - organic foods, nutrition labels, various food certifications with their meanings, water and other resources requirements for crops/animals, carbon blueprint, food delivery services, meal kit services, eggs, cage-free meaning and cholesterol in them, artificial sweetener, tap water v/s bottled water, plastic usage, waste management, massive use of antibiotics in animal industry - list is very big.
Author don't ask you to become Vegan but just provides all necessary information we should look before buying something and putting that in our belly. Food choices are measured from all perspectives - our health, planet's health and workers' health.
I never thought about the effort farmers/workers do to put food on our table, what is the impact on our planet. After reading this book, at least I have minimized wasting food.
It's a must read for everyone and bible for heath enthusiasts.
Book is divided in 4 sections - 1) Food that comes from plants 2) Food that comes from Animals 3) Food that comes from factories 4) Food prepared in Restaurants
There is too much information provided, more than I expected - organic foods, nutrition labels, various food certifications with their meanings, water and other resources requirements for crops/animals, carbon blueprint, food delivery services, meal kit services, eggs, cage-free meaning and cholesterol in them, artificial sweetener, tap water v/s bottled water, plastic usage, waste management, massive use of antibiotics in animal industry - list is very big.
Author don't ask you to become Vegan but just provides all necessary information we should look before buying something and putting that in our belly. Food choices are measured from all perspectives - our health, planet's health and workers' health.
I never thought about the effort farmers/workers do to put food on our table, what is the impact on our planet. After reading this book, at least I have minimized wasting food.
It's a must read for everyone and bible for heath enthusiasts.
March 10, 2020
*I received this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review*
I have been on a journey with my food choices and while I still do enjoy a good bbq burger and packaged candy I try and fill my diet mainly with plant based options, unpackaged snacks, and foods that are both healthier for me and for the planet. This book both encouraged me as well as challenged me in some areas that I wasn't as interested in before.
This book is divided into four sections: food from the ground, food from animals, food from packages, and food from restaurants and through the book Sophie goes through every based on three guidelines: is it good for me, is it good for others, and is it good for the planet?
The book is beautiful and I love all of the infographics and diagrams that fill up the book and make it more fun to read. I also thought that the information was laid out in a way that makes the complex statistics easier to read. I especially liked when she broke down labels and claims and what was actually telling the truth and what was fluff.
While some information wasn't entirely relevant to me as I am in Canada and our labels and standards can differ, I really enjoyed this book and I am sure I will continue to think about it in the future.
I have been on a journey with my food choices and while I still do enjoy a good bbq burger and packaged candy I try and fill my diet mainly with plant based options, unpackaged snacks, and foods that are both healthier for me and for the planet. This book both encouraged me as well as challenged me in some areas that I wasn't as interested in before.
This book is divided into four sections: food from the ground, food from animals, food from packages, and food from restaurants and through the book Sophie goes through every based on three guidelines: is it good for me, is it good for others, and is it good for the planet?
The book is beautiful and I love all of the infographics and diagrams that fill up the book and make it more fun to read. I also thought that the information was laid out in a way that makes the complex statistics easier to read. I especially liked when she broke down labels and claims and what was actually telling the truth and what was fluff.
While some information wasn't entirely relevant to me as I am in Canada and our labels and standards can differ, I really enjoyed this book and I am sure I will continue to think about it in the future.
April 5, 2020
I loved ¡°How to Be a Conscious Eater!¡± Even after decades of working in the food world I learned something in every chapter. My copy of the book is covered with flags and notes for items to integrate at home and work. It¡¯s an incredibly valuable resource for life. It should be turned into a course for all eaters. Thinking about and being more informed about how food choices impact ¡°ourselves, others and the planet¡± is critical anytime and especially now in the midst of the pandemic.
Sophie is a true thought leader and excellent translator of often complicated and confusing information about ¡°how to be a conscious eater.¡± Her personal and professional experiences place her at the perfect intersection of food to so generously share her expertise with us all. This is a book for everyone who wants to truly make a difference through their 3x+ meals per day choices! The bite sized chapters are easy to absorb and infuse into your life immediately. It is an action oriented book that creates impact. It¡¯s a must read and must act book and you¡¯ll enjoy every morsel(word)!
Sophie is a true thought leader and excellent translator of often complicated and confusing information about ¡°how to be a conscious eater.¡± Her personal and professional experiences place her at the perfect intersection of food to so generously share her expertise with us all. This is a book for everyone who wants to truly make a difference through their 3x+ meals per day choices! The bite sized chapters are easy to absorb and infuse into your life immediately. It is an action oriented book that creates impact. It¡¯s a must read and must act book and you¡¯ll enjoy every morsel(word)!
October 21, 2019
On many levels, this book opened my eyes to the alphabet of causes and concerns. As you read you will be enlightened to the many different decisions one as to make just to keep a clear conscious about what you spend your money on. Having retired from the retail grocery business for over 30 years the book shows me how things have changed. Corporate profits, consumerism, health and earth ideals are only a few of the topics that get your gears in motion to consciously shop with the future in your mind. It¡¯s no small task to include her voice inside of you say what you should buy and eat, how to dispose of the package, if the animal suffered or if the plant was baptized in poison, if the farmworker washed their hands or wore gloves bagging the field greens, how much water it took and it goes on and on. Everybody holds the key, there is no one gatekeeper. Sophie¡¯s book holds the key to starting in your own home and pocketbook.
July 20, 2020
Solid information in clear writing and format: short paragraphs, graphs/pictograms, bullet points. For example, when discussing almonds and water use, does not drag the reader through a long history of water use in California, but does in a brief chapter "Almonds: heath nuts or water hogs?" explain the issue, including a one-page chart showing water needed for various foods, tip, cheers to the potato ! Respectful of readers' intelligence, questions, concerns as well as what they like to eat. And wonderfully, it delivers what the title promises.
I also love this book for its balanced delivery. There is no chapter: "Vegan or sick murderer?"
Would love to see a " How to Be a Conscious Voter: Making Choices That Are Good for You, Others, and the Planet " (Paperback)
Note: It does not take a month to read this. I kept it out of the library a month to try ideas I read in the book and such.
I also love this book for its balanced delivery. There is no chapter: "Vegan or sick murderer?"
Would love to see a " How to Be a Conscious Voter: Making Choices That Are Good for You, Others, and the Planet " (Paperback)
Note: It does not take a month to read this. I kept it out of the library a month to try ideas I read in the book and such.
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