| Where’s the Love? |
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| by Kara Wahlgren | |
| Monday, 03 March 2008 | |
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Someone’s fat-bashing past has come back to haunt him—and you might be surprised. I know I was. Apparently a few years ago, Food Network guru Alton Brown posted his feelings on the obesity epidemic on a culinary arts forum. Suffice to say it wasn’t the most tactful quote. “I’m passionate about this country getting off its fat butt and getting into shape,” he ranted. “I see a lot of very heavy people at my demos and book signings and I don’t like that. They come up and they’re so nice and they say, ‘Gosh, we love food and love your show’ and I want to say ‘I think you might lay off both and go for a walk.’” Hmm. I’m not sure which metaphor I want to throw out here—the one about the gift horse, or the one about the double-edged sword, or the one about biting the hand that feeds you. Or in this case, the hand that gets fed by you. I mean, this is a guy who makes a damn good living off of people who like food. His best-selling cookbook dedicates a whole chapter to deep-frying. I’m not sure he has the right to condemn people for following his rules. I’d like to think he was aiming for a positive message, but his delivery could use some serious fine tuning. Especially for a guy who makes a living as a chef. (Oh, sorry. He clarifies, “I'm a filmmaker who happens to make short films about food.” He also happens to write cookbooks and cash large checks from the Food Network. But, sure, he’s a filmmaker.) Then again, he’s not much kinder to himself. He once described his body as a “quivering pile of goo.” While we’re overusing metaphors, what’s the saying about trusting a skinny chef? Bookmark:            Trackback(0)
Comments (3)
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written by Sue M., March 04, 2008
I love Alton Brown! I totally agree with him! I hate to say it, but the Food Network is all about entertainment, not about healthy eating. When I watch Paula Deen put 2 sticks of butter where I normally use 2 tablespoons of butter, I am amazed! The viewers have to learn to use their own judgement, then go for a walk!
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written by Amber, March 04, 2008
Maybe it wasn't the most PC way to say it, but he's kind of right about people needing to exercise. People with BMI's between 25 and 29 who exercise have better health prospects than those with BMI's of 19-24 who are heavily sedentary.
And how many of the Food Network's other chef's have done shows dedicated to greens? He even says clearly in that episode that he eats greens as often as possible, 1-2 times per day. ... written by Get off the high horse, March 04, 2008
I have no problem with someone who makes a living off food--and good tasting fried food--to say we need to cut back on the food and exercise. I take fried chicken over a steamed chicken breast any day, but I know not to eat it all the time. Loving good food doesn't mean you have to be a glutton. So eat the moon pie but take care of your health as well.
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