The Ethics of Eating

The last few years of my professional, as well as personal, life have been dedicated to helping others lose weight. The mantra has become simple – eat more fiber foods, drink more water, don’t eat when you aren’t hungry, and move a little more. But in the course of delivering this message, I am afraid a more deeply philosophical point has often been overlooked. This is understandable, because it is disregarded by almost every American on a daily basis. What I am referring to is the ethics of eating.

Let me give just a few examples. Our planet’s resources are slowly being depleted, and at the same time population is increasing. Growing fiber foods is 10 times more efficient than raising livestock. Because of this, eating fiber foods contributes far less to water and air pollution than eating, say, a steak. Wouldn’t ethics dictate that we should eat more fiber foods and not eat when we aren’t hungry?

Here’s another. Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate, and the health of our children is suffering as a result. It is now estimated that children being born today will be the first generation who don’t live longer than their parents. A major contributor is the standard American diet, consisting of processed and fiber-poor foods. Ethics would dictate that parents should not only defend their children from a diet that harms them, but adults should also set an example by eating the healthiest diet possible themselves. This just so happens to be a diet high in fiber foods. Think of it this way – naturally occurring fiber in a food is a marker for other healthy nutrients. The more natural fiber there is, the healthier the food.

There are many more examples – too many to list. What I am asking is this – just give thought to what you eat, and ask yourself whether or not you are eating ethically. For every instance you can think of, consuming a diet rich in fiber foods and not eating when you aren’t hungry will always be the most principled way to live. And besides, it helps you slim down, look great, and feel years younger.



The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.