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Michael Pollan was on Oprah today!

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Swooon! I love Michael Pollan.  His book “In Defense of Food” changed my life.  Great read if you want to learn more about the industrialization of our food.  His other book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” was quite good but not my favorite.  He has an EXCELLENT creative non-fiction writing style.

 

Michael was there to talk about the documentary Food Inc.  You can read my review of Food Inc here. It’s pretty much what convinced me to stick with my vegetarian ways, although it’s not a pro-vegetarian/anti-meat movie at all.

 

In addition to watching Oprah on DVR this evening, I have been playing with my bike and adjusting stuff.

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And trying to figure out if I have all the parts for clip-in shoes.  Hmm.  Anyone know?  I don’t think these shoes are right ones?  Or I’m missing something? (This stuff came with my used bike and the shoes are in my size!)

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I’m a newbie when it comes to bikes, obviously! 🙂

 

Dinner was bulgur (1 cup cooked), baked tofu, Alfredo sauce, and green beans.

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My mid-afternoon snack was pumpkin yogurt and granola (1 serving):

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I’ll admit:  I also had a glass of wine around 4 PM.  :)  Yes, all by myself at my desk.

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I might go rummage up a little snack – maybe toast and PB or fruit

 

Have a wonderful night!

{ 63 comments }

 

  • Wendy January 27, 2010, 8:43 pm

    I think you can get different pedals & clips, so I’m guessing you can make the shoes work. But I don’t even own a bike, so you should probably ask someone else!

    Sorry, I’m not a fan of either Oprah or Michael Pollan. To each her own!

  • Babycakes January 27, 2010, 8:48 pm

    I watched this show today too and really loved the message. Also loved Alicia Silverstone and her “kind diet” philosophy.

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans January 27, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Those are two different pedals (I’m sure you figured that part out!) But it looks like the black guys (SPD) will work with the cleat that is on there! Otherwise, you can definitely get a new set of pedals/cleats. Thanks for twittering my bike shoe post earlier!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 27, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Wine is good anytime, anywhere 🙂

    I’m so sad I missed Oprah today.. i’ve heard all about it. I wish I had DVRd it.. ah well.

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) January 27, 2010, 8:55 pm

    I keep hearing about this Oprah episode & I’m sad I missed it!
    She needs to put her episodes online

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place January 27, 2010, 8:56 pm

    ugh, i’m sad I missed this oprah episode. I did get In Defense Of Food for the holidays and I really hope to have some time to read it soon.

  • Rachel January 27, 2010, 8:57 pm

    I love Michael Pollan! I just started reading his book “In Defense of Food” & one of my weekly blog goals is to finish half of it by Saturday. I haven’t gotten very far, but it really is eye-opening & has already influenced my eating habits.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) January 27, 2010, 8:57 pm

    I loved OPRAH today. So important to my views of eating. Reminded me the Michael Pollan’s books are on my to read list.

  • Evan Thomas January 27, 2010, 9:05 pm

    I completely considered skipping my first class of the year to watch this, but didnt. It’s on my Tivo back home waiting for me at least, unless I can find it online sooner

  • Amanda January 27, 2010, 9:05 pm

    I saw Oprah today too. It happened to come on while I was at the gym. I’m sure everyone thought I was crazy when I cranked the volume up on the TV. I didn’t want to get off the elliptical because I wanted to finish the episode 🙂

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner January 27, 2010, 9:11 pm

    Wished I saw that Oprah episode….I love Michael Pollan.

  • Hannah January 27, 2010, 9:12 pm

    I personally am a big fan of Pollan’s advice on eating real foods and whole foods. It’s amazing how you feel so much better eating something unprocessed, home-cooked, and in the most natural state it can be in. If one’s focus is pure, healthful, natural foods (or things your great-grandmother would recognize as food) then a healthful, balanced life and body will follow. I’m so glad Oprah chose to talk about this!!

  • Erika January 27, 2010, 9:15 pm

    You have two different pedals going on, the one on the bottom is going to be an easier one to use with clips, but you will need to get an SPD attachement to put on the bottom of your shoes to do so….You are really best off getting some new pedals with SPD capability – the shoes will work fine and the SPD cleat portion usually come with the pedals, otherwise they are like 10-20 dollars – not too bad. They will last a good while if you take care of them (like drying them after a good ride in the rain so they don’t rust, etc). Cycling is sooo fun….I love it 🙂 Congrats on getting the bike all geared up….
    Wish I could have seen Oprah today – Love all the good tidbits on health, environment she can give. Guess I’ve got to add in the defense of food on my reading list – wasn’t sure if it was good or not 🙂

  • Erika January 27, 2010, 9:16 pm

    P.S Sorry fo rhte long comment, lol…get excited about cycling 🙂

  • Liz January 27, 2010, 9:17 pm

    It looks like you need the clips for the shoes. They screw onto your shoes on the ball of the foot. That is was clips into the clip pedals. Good luck!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 27, 2010, 9:17 pm

    I am sad I missed this Oprah episode that everyone is talking about!! I would really recommend the book “Survival of the Sickest.” It was one of the most eye-opening, interesting books I have ever read.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite January 27, 2010, 9:22 pm

    I’m so bummed I missed Oprah!

  • Island Girl Eats January 27, 2010, 9:23 pm

    I am about to start reading In Defense of Food. I am really looking forward to it.

    Nothing wrong with a glass of wine on your own!

  • Jenna January 27, 2010, 9:24 pm

    I really need to try pumpkinyogurt!!

  • Teacherwoman January 27, 2010, 9:31 pm

    OMG, I caught Oprah today and think I might have to seriously change my diet. I was so disgusted by whay I learned in such little time, and I haven’t seen Food, Inc. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Wow. That’s all I can say right now.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg January 27, 2010, 9:32 pm

    I think Michael Pollan is really interesting…since I’ve been reading more vegetarian/vegan lit., I’ve come to see that the “leaders” of the public veg world aren’t too enamored with him (for good reason I guess), the slow food movement, etc. Just kind of interesting.

  • Darci January 27, 2010, 9:32 pm

    sorry, i’m no help on the shoes!

    but i sure do need to try pumpkin yogurt!! sounds SUPER yummy!!!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) January 27, 2010, 9:35 pm

    fruit sounds so amazing right now! i’m not sure on the shoes, but i do know that the right shoes increase great form and make riding so much more fun and a lot simpler (not easier) to learn!

    good luck and have a great evening 🙂

  • Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. January 27, 2010, 9:36 pm

    I am a plant nerd so I was hooked on Michael Pollan’s early books. I especially love Botany of Desire. However I’m going to have to argue for The Omnivore’s Dilemma over In Defense of Food. The Omnivore’s Dilemma has so much more information. Although I do like both.

    I haven’t gotten a hold of his newest book that is geared for kids. I am a little disapointed that his books keep getting shorter and less meatier. I guess he’s really busy now and he probably get’s paid serious dollars for anything new even if it is short with less research based information.

  • Holly January 27, 2010, 9:36 pm

    Caitlin,
    This is a random question but goes along with all your healthy eating posts…when you were working full time how did you plan your healthy meals? Did you pack your lunches? Was it hard to follow a vegetarian diet then? I am always looking for new foods to take with me for lunch at work but I feel so limited with both time and options.

    Thanks!

    • caitlin January 27, 2010, 9:59 pm

      I packed breakfast, two healthy snacks, and lunch EVERY DAY when I worked full night. I would usually drive to the gym before work, exercise, shower, go to work and eat yogurt + granola + fruit for breakfast. my snacks were usually crackers and cheese and another piece of fruit or a bar. and i’d bring tons of stuff for like… i really liked making brown rice mixes with beans, edamame, tomato, corn, and other veggies with salad dressing on top. (one tupperware container for lunch is awesome!).

      sometimes on a very busy week, i would go to the grocery store in the morning on monday while on my way to work and i’d grab a box of kashi bars + 5 different fruits and keep them in my drawer at work so i didnt even have to worrying about snacks.

      and the best piece of advice i can give you if you’re really busy with work is to make double patches of dinner and save some for lunch the next day.

      • caitlin January 27, 2010, 10:00 pm

        *full time, obviously not full night 🙂 LOL

  • Trainerpack January 27, 2010, 9:39 pm

    It’s gotta be 7pm somewhere in the world! 😉
    Drink up!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises January 27, 2010, 9:46 pm

    I would bring your shoes and pedals to a bike store. If you lived in Boston I’d recommend my favorite one. 🙂 BTW your swim workout looked awesome today. Sadly my amazing gym doesn’t have a pool. 🙁 I’m most comfortable with swimming, but I need to find a place to swim soon so I can work on speed for my next triathlon.
    I’m so excited to follow your tri training!

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid January 27, 2010, 9:47 pm

    I just finished “In Defense of Food” last night and it just blows my mind!
    I can’t believe I missed him on Oprah. I’m searching Comcast and the internet to find it . . .

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) January 27, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I can’t believe I forgot this was on! 🙁 The DVR is set for its repeat tonight — thanks!

  • Matt January 27, 2010, 9:50 pm

    Michael Pollan is amazing. Have you read his new book “Food Rules”? I am almost done with it!

  • Laura January 27, 2010, 9:59 pm

    Awesome “free” clippy bike shoes!

    Also, Caitlin, I noticed that you rode your metric century with your aerobars… Was this pretty common? Did you like them? Do you always train with them?

    • caitlin January 27, 2010, 10:01 pm

      It’s kind of considered bad form to ride on the aerobars when you are next to other people because you dont have as much control over the bike.. so… to answer your questions:

      no, yes for solo rides, and i switch between the drop bars and the aero bars, but am like 90% drop bars.

  • Tiffany @ A Dantat's Life January 27, 2010, 10:00 pm

    I love Michael Pollan too! I love his food rules, I watched a clip of him on Oprah today. Btw, I’m still loving your pumpkin yogurt — I have it almost everyday too!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is January 27, 2010, 10:07 pm

    Per your suggestion, wine is helping me get through my book proposal. It works wonders some nights!

  • Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN January 27, 2010, 10:11 pm

    There’s nothin’ like treating yourself to a nice glass of wine. 🙂 It’s the little things in life! ENJOY!!

  • CK January 27, 2010, 10:18 pm

    Just something to think about-

    Everything changes. At what point is it the earth shattering, life changing moment you’ve been waiting for your whole life to make these changes? Do you wait for someone significant to die, to get married? When are you going to take the time to evaluate your own life instead of comparing it to others? When are you going to get off your ass and tell yourself it will get better, but realize you need to be the catalyst in all of this? When everything crumbles around you, it’s not about picking up the pieces, it’s about finding sturdier foundation- one that fits the life you are building for yourself, not the one you built for yourself in high school. No one could have predicted the place you are at now, not even you. Take pride in your unpredictable lifestyle. If you are not happy, ask why not? Get down to basics. Don’t question your job or money and focus on simplicity. Anyone can be happy so give yourself the chance to be happy. Everyone deserves a happy ever after.

    • caitlin January 28, 2010, 8:48 am

      AMEN!

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle January 27, 2010, 10:42 pm

    Nothing wrong with a solo happy hour once in awhile! I wish I could help out on the bike shoes but I have no idea, sorry 🙁

  • Karla January 27, 2010, 10:46 pm

    Michael Pollan’s book seem interesting. I have a hard time wanting to read his books though (although I’ve gifted them before), because I’ve heard so much about them that the books are ruined for me. In my Land Use class when we talked about food systems, the Pollan fans went nuts and it was a little frustrating for me. I think there are different underlying food issues that need to be addressed, but again I haven’t read his books. That being said The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food are on my list of books to read.

  • Amber K January 27, 2010, 11:07 pm

    I love reading Michael Pollan’s books too

    And hey, if you like the taste of wine, more power to you!

  • Elizabeth January 28, 2010, 12:28 am

    I love Michael Pollan! I read In Defense of Food, and then was really excited when I was required to read it last year in college. I also had the chance to see him speak this year, and it was amazing. Some of the local farmers came to see him too and they don’t agree with everything he says, so it was cool to get to talk to them when we happened to run into some of them.
    One thing that stuck with me was that he said he eats “junk food”, as long as he makes it himself. He loves fries but doesn’t have them more than once a month, because they’re so much work! I think that’s a really good way to eat in moderation, because it’s all too easy just to grab a candy bar or chips.

  • Jenn (www.j3nn.net) January 28, 2010, 12:52 am

    Your dinner looks scrumptious! I’ve never had bulgur, I’m intrigued. 😀

    Nothing wrong with having a glass of wine by yourself!

    Jenn

  • Fallon January 28, 2010, 2:23 am

    You have to get special cleats installed underneath your shoes for the bike!

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 28, 2010, 3:09 am

    I really really want to read that In Defence of Food book; I put it on my chirstmas or birthday list every year but I’m yet to get it! Maybe I’ll just buy it anway :/
    Wish I could help with the bike, but the only knowledge I have of them is that they have 2 wheels and some pedals!!
    Have a good evening 🙂

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) January 28, 2010, 6:04 am

    You deserve a nice glass of vino. Something about enjoying some alone just feels so right. I can’t wait to watch Oprah on DVR. I haven’t had meat since watching that movie on July 19th. Now I just need to work on the cakes, cookies, brownies, candy, whoopee pies (sigh). Love those things.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers January 28, 2010, 7:52 am

    How cool the bike shoes just happened to be your size!! I haven’t tried clip on shoes yet…

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing January 28, 2010, 8:33 am

    I love MP too. I love at the end of his book when he says that if you always stick to real food, you never have to worry about nutrition because it will always be a given. So simple yet so true!

  • faith January 28, 2010, 8:36 am

    caitlin-
    i think the top is a look pedal and the bottom is a spd like otherss have said…i still say froggers. spd’s are popular, especially among commuters because the insert goes up in your shoe, but eh…you have to buy pedals in pairs anyway. you can keep your shoes, when you get your pedals you just need to have the shop change out the bottom plate and get it positioned correctly.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) January 28, 2010, 8:36 am

    Love Michael Pollan! I thought it was too funny, though, how Oprah was all about saying how you should form your OWN opinion. She learned for the last beef scandal, apparently!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 28, 2010, 9:15 am

    I recorded Oprah but haven’t had a chance to watch it yet. I have not been able to read Michael Pollan’s books yet either but he spoke at my workplace a year or so ago and he was very interesting to listen to. I had already become a vegan before seeing Food Inc. but it too convinced me that my choices were right for me.

  • Jessie January 28, 2010, 9:21 am

    I loved this interview. I like that they are getting this info out to people who may have never heard of Food Inc. Plus, I could get my hubby to watch this and I am less likely to get in trouble when I splurge on certain more expensive, local and/or organic items when grocery shopping.

  • Errign January 28, 2010, 9:38 am

    Hi Caitlin,

    It looks like the black pedal will work with the cleat that’s on the shoe, but even if it doesn’t, like I mentioned, bikenashbar.com is a super cheap place to get new pedals 🙂

  • Unknown January 28, 2010, 10:03 am

    You should definitely practice T1 to T2 for your upcoming triathlon – it’s difficult for some people to run into their shoes (already clipped into the bike). Additionally, it takes more balance to get into the shoes on a turn (particularly if the transition itself is at a right angle – poor race planning!). I always encourage others to practice transitions specifically before a race!

  • Lisa January 28, 2010, 10:32 am

    I actually just rented Food Inc on netflix and im super excited to watch it!

  • Clarke January 28, 2010, 10:57 am

    It looks like you don’t have cleats on your shoes at all. Those shoes appear to be MTB shoes, not road shoes (road shoes usually have much smoother, stiffer bottoms, while the MTB shoes have actual soles that flex more). Those appear to only fit with basic SPD cleats, which go with the black, square pedal you’re showing. As someone with pretty bad knee problems, I can say that while these are ok for shorter rides, if you plan on doing long training rides and a century, you’re a)going to probably want to look at getting road shoes and b) using a cleat that goes with the SPD-SL pedal, the silver pedal you’re showing (it could be a Look pedal though, very similar). Basic SPDs have little to no float, so your feet are basically locked in one position, which eventually will kill your knees. SPD-SLs have more float (be sure to get the yellow cleats, not the red ones) and are good for someone on a budget- you can usually find really good deals online. If you’ve got more money to spend, Speedplays are awesome and have the most float you can find (at least when i was looking a couple years ago). Good luck!

    • caitlin January 28, 2010, 10:58 am

      Thank you!

  • Carolina John January 28, 2010, 12:14 pm

    looks like the shoes need cleats on them. the pedals take an SPD cleat, which is the same type I use. they are pretty easy to get in and out of. but you need to pick up some spd cleats. they are cheap.

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) January 28, 2010, 12:25 pm

    just watched my dvred Oprah. yes, this man is oddly sexy..when someone can talk about GOOD eats, it makes me happy.

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD January 28, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I admit, I have a glass of wine as early as possible many nights! : )

  • Lisa January 28, 2010, 5:29 pm

    Hey Caitlin! So, I just watched Food, Inc for the first time and it was a HUGE eye-opener. I know I don’t want to be a vegetarian b/c I enjoy meat too much, BUT i do plan on cutting my consumption down and focusing on buying only grass fed, etc. I also want to start incorporating Meatless Mondays like the website suggested. Anyways, just wanted to thank you for posting on the topic—you are the reason I went and watched the movie.

    • caitlin January 28, 2010, 5:32 pm

      HOW EXCITING 🙂 every little bit we do helps… thank you!!

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