Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

It’s a perfectly simple answer to the “Well then, what should we eat?” outcry that Michael Pollan received after his first book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. I loved this book right from the cover — brilliant design — and thankfully, the book has some meat to it.

The first half of In Defense of Food is all about Big Food, nutritionism, and a “backstage look” at how Americans got so fat. The second half of the book starts answering the “What should I eat” question. It’s a back to basics approach, that to some of us may seem quite obvious, but there are still a lot of great tips to pick up along the way. Pollan has a really witty writing style as well. I was furiously scribbling down notes as I read this book, so here are some of his highlights on what to eat…

Tips on “Eat Food” – Food Defined:

• Don’t eat anything your great grand-mother wouldn’t recognize as food.
• Don’t eat anything incapable of rotting.
• Avoid food products containing ingredients that are a) unfamiliar b) unpronounceable, c) more than 5 in number, or that include d) high-fructose corn syrup.
• Avoid food products that make health claims.
• Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle.
• Get out of the supermarket whenever possible. (gardening, CSAs, farmers markets etc)

Tips on “Mostly Plants” – What to Eat:

• Eat mostly plants, especially leaves.
• You are what you eat eats too.
• If you have the space buy a freezer (for buying meat in bulk and farmers market produce).
• Eat like an omnivore.
• Eat well-grown food from healthy soils.
• Eat wild foods when you can.
• Be the kind of person who takes supplements (more health conscious, better educated, and more affluent)
• Eat more like the French. Or the Italians. Or the Japanese. Or the Indians. Or the Greeks. (“The whole of a dietary pattern is evidently greater than the sum of its parts!”)
• Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism.
• Don’t look for the magic bullet in the traditional diet. (Example: it’s not just the olive oil in Mediterranean diet, or just the tofu in the Japanese diet)
• Have a glass of wine with dinner.

Tips on “Not too Much” – How to Eat:

• Pay More, Eat Less. (Quality vs quantity)
• Eat meals.
• Do all of your eating at a table. (Interestingly, 18 – 20 % of eating in the US is done in cars now.)
• Don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does.
• Try not to eat alone.
• Consult your gut. (A survey of French vs. Americans, “How do you know when to stop eating? Americans: “When my plate is clean” and “When I run out.” French: “When I feel full.” Now there’s a concept!
• Eat slowly.
• Cook, and if you can, plant a garden.

Some stellar tips, some slightly elitist sounding tips (the “Be affluent” tip – yeah, I’ll get right on that) — but in all an excellent book! I enjoyed this book more than The Omnivore’s Dilemma simply because it has a more positive slant. It’s nice to read about the research behind how eating has changed in the last several centuries, but I love how Pollan has outlined real advice for people who are serious about getting healthier. The simplicity of his guidelines and his coverage of the “French paradox” — this country who eats fats and drinks wine, yet stays skinny — is similar to Mireille Guiliano’s French Women Don’t Get Fat, another excellent read.

In Defense of Food is one of those books that after finishing you keep bringing up in conversations, even a few years past it’s publish date and yes, I’m even recommending it to my mother, who is a total granola. ;)

If you’re looking for the “Cliffs Notes” version, check out Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual.

Originally published in August, 2009.

How much did you spend on food last month?  If you can answer that question, what percentage was on groceries?

One of the easiest ways to save on your monthly food expense is to create a weekly meal plan. Now, we’re not suggesting you dine-in 100% of the time (what’s the fun in that!?), only that you plan for both options. Cooking is also much healthier than dining out.

A recent OECD study found that the French spend more than 2 hours a day eating and drinking. That’s twice the amount of time at the table than Americans, Canadians or Mexicans spend - yet we’re the ones with the highest obesity rates. So we would argue that it’s more about what we’re eating over here on the North American continent! Another interesting study comparing American eating habits with the French was based on disposable income. US consumers spend 6.1 percent of their disposable income on food, while the French spend 13.6! So to add those studies together, we theorize that we have access to cheaper and unhealthier food – that we scarf down - which is then making us fat!  ;)

So here are a few tips for creating a weekly meal plan and eating the frugal bon vivant way (and quite possibly the French way).

How to make a meal plan:

1. Make a meal idea list. We use the KnockKnock What To Eat notepads, because when “fun meets function,” we actually stick with a plan. Whether you’re using plain paper, fun notepads, Excel, or an iPhone app – it’s all about recording what you’re going to eat for the week.
2. Don’t plan to cook for the whole week. We usually leave 2-3 days free of cooking plans because we know that we’ll be going out or eating leftovers. So write in “Chipotle” or “leftovers” as needed.
3. Brainstorm. Even if you’ve been cooking for decades, it can still be tough to decide what to cook for the week. We only have a few cookbooks, so mainly use magazines and online sites for recipe inspiration. Here are a few good ones: Dinner Tonight, Epicurious, Martha Stewart Food, and the Everyday Food magazine (which is a favorite for finding quick recipes).
4. Think in season. One of the reasons we really like the Everyday Food cookbook (also great for new cooks), is that it is organized by season – so you’re not off looking for fresh pumpkins in June, when clearly it’s not peak season yet. Epicurious has a cool Peak Season Map as well.
5. Try to match up some ingredients for multiple meals to save money (& not waste leftover food). For example, this week we’ll be using cilantro, jalapeno & sour cream in several different recipes. This strategy is much more important in winter, when it’s more expensive to get fresh veggies & herbs at the grocery store.
6. Don’t do all your shopping at one store. Stock up on staple items at your local supermarket, and then hit Trader Joes, Whole Foods, or farmers’ markets (in-season) for produce and specialty items. This is a great strategy to get some organic products too, as shopping 100% at Whole Foods can get pretty spendy.
7. Use up all your ingredients. It might take a few weeks to get in the rhythm of using all of the groceries that you’re buying, but stick with it and remember to throw produce that’s about to go south in the freezer for future use.
8. Make a shopping list. When you’re done adding items to your meal plan, go through your fridge & cupboards to see what items you actually need. This eliminates most of your short trips to the store. We use the free Grocery IQ iPhone app now so we have our list on the go, but previously used the All Out Of KnockKnock notepads.

We’ve found Sundays to be the best day to do a quick meal plan and go grocery shop, so you feel ready for the week.

How about you? What is your meal plan strategy?

Originally published June 2009

What to Wear in Wine Country: Fall/Winter

When temperatures start dropping, it’s a great time to show off boots and skinny jeans. For fall wine tasting, think classic and understated like skinny jeans, and boots with a slouchy sweater or cardigan, or a simple shirt dress with leggings. A scarf is always a good addition. Fall is also a good time to let your accessories carry the color — think a bright bag or shoes. “Oh look, I’m so cute and going to wine country…”

Outfit: J.Crew blouse, Gap jeans, J.Crew scarf, Steve Madden Foreway boots, Hobo International clutch

What to Wear in Wine Country: Summer

When you’re wine tasting in 80-100 degree weather, you’ll want to be as cool as possible. Try something breezy like a sundress, cuffed shorts or linen pants and a dressy tank, and sandals. Wearing brighter colors will make your vineyard pictures pop. But remember the last thing you’ll want to be trudging through gravel and dirt in is heels, so if you want to go with a little height stick to a wedge heel. Strappy and gladiator-style sandals are always a sexier option. If you’re one of those people that needs accessories, now’s your chance to show off that massive bag you own. While you won’t want to lug it all over on a vineyard tour, it’s a great way to bring your picnic or snack foods along for eating outside at wineries that allow picnics. Otherwise, a clutch is a simple option to sling around your wrist.

Outfit: Aviators, Junior Drake Nora crossbody, sandals, Hype sundress, Gilt

Wine Tasting Packing Tips:

• Remember, you can obviously wear whatever you want, but if you dress somewhere between casual and formal you’ll probably feel more comfortable and confident at the wineries.
• White is probably not the best idea. Even if you don’t spill pinot on yourself, someone else might.
• For summer, you’ll want sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly a hat.
• Bring a mini cooler for snacks.I have this mini lunch cooler from Threadless and it was perfect for cheese, fruit, snacks for an impromptu picnic.

We’re huge fans of traveling light. Whether we’re packing for a round the world trip or just a weekend adventure to Oregon wine country, we try to pack accordingly. So if you’re going on a weekend trip you really only needs a giant purse. Seriously. Make that purse double as luggage, ladies.

What do you wear wine tasting?

Liberty of London

There are so many cool items in the preview: teapots, piggy banks, bicycles, dresses, flip-flops (plus the usual… picture frames, cushions, candles etc.) — all in the amazing prints that Liberty of London is known for. Cannot wait! Some of the items (like the beach cruiser bicycle) will be online exclusives, but most items will be in-store.

Liberty of London preview pics:

Get thee to a Target store – today! :)

IKEA Spring Preview Round-Up:

Real Simple has a great preview, with 8 collection photos (and prices!). Including: new Poang chairs, lighting, textiles, and outdoor furniture. I’m loving the BLANKO table (pictured), $40 and the chairs are only $20. Holly also says that there will be a lot of new kitchen gadgets, fabric and outdoor furniture — in-store in February.

Apartment Therapy has a spring textiles preview of the three new lines which they’re calling “a mix of Scandinavia & Japan”, including: HENNY — polka dots and lines, RENATE — spring and floral, CHARLOTTA –  by a Swedish manga artist with cityscapes (love this one!).

ShelterPop has a few pictures of the actual products (sometimes it’s easier to get a feel for how things will fit your home sans-styling).

The new lines are rumored to hit IKEA stores in February. Reminder: the fabric tends to sell-out super early and they often don’t reorder, so keep in mind if you’re planning any projects.

Are you planning on buying anything from the IKEA Spring line?

who: Gretchen Rubin
where: New York City

1. my three computer monitors – I love having three monitors. Try it!

2. running shoes - it’s the rare occasion that gets me to wear any other shoes.

3. blender - I make smoothies practically every day, and I love firing up my blender.

4. filofax - I love all things internet and networked, but I still depend on my trusty Filofax for my calendar.

5. diet soft drinks -I drink tons of soft drinks. And I love each sip.

6. contact lenses - I recently got a stubborn case of conjunctivitis and had to give up my lenses for weeks. Boy, I missed them!

7. my blog – when I started my blog, I had no expectations that I’d enjoy it. But now it’s a huge engine of happiness for me. the happiness project

8. subways, buses, and taxis – one of my favorite things about living in New York City is that I don’t have to drive.

9. ziploc bags – I have a huge collection of Ziploc bags, in all sizes, and find a million ways to use them.

10. books – Any and all books make me happy. amazon

Thanks Gretchen! If you haven’t checked out The Happiness Project, the “Best Of” is a great place to start, I also love the weekly Wednesday Tips. Happy Thanksgiving!

[photos: totalaldo, josiahmackenzie, astralpup, bitchbuzz, jacreative, manicomi, jliba, tamakisono, wonderlane]

who: Nubby Twiglet
where: Portland, Oregon

1. dries van noten shoes – I own six pairs of this Belgian designer’s shoes because not only are they amazingly crafted (seriously, they wear forever) but the designs are truly breathtaking. My favorite pairs are the wedges from his Fall 2007 collection style.com

2. philosophy ‘vanilla birthday cake’ lip gloss -This lip gloss smells just as good as the name implies and wears extremely well. Yum! $12 philosophy [psst... get 25% off with coupon code: ENJOY through Friday, November 20.]

3. forever 21 - I’d been shopping at their stores for years when I was contacted by them earlier this year to design their fashion blog, The Skinny. They were an absolute dream to work with and I will be featured in their new magazine as well! forever 21

4. saint cupcake - Best cupcakes in existence. If you’re ever in Portland, Oregon, you MUST try one! $2.50 saint cupcake [Note: As a fellow Portlander I can vouch for their cupcakey goodness!]

5. nixon watches - I have been wearing a black version of their Chalet watch for close to two years now and the compliments never seem to stop. It’s streamlined enough that I can wear it while I’m designing all day and it doesn’t catch on anything. This watch is solid, simple, timeless and it matches everything! $120 nixon

6. moleskine planners - What can I say? Molskine makes the best planners because they have a secret pocket in the back and the paper is perfectly smooth. I would seriously be lost without mine. $10 moleskine

7. miu miu bags – I’ve loved Miu Miu since the mid-90s but it was never in my budget to afford any of their pieces. Finally, when I was graduating from my design program, I splurged on a bag as a gift to myself. Since then, I’ve added three more to my collection. They are all very well made, streamlined and I’m sure they will still be in my regular rotation in ten years. from $26/week miu miu

8. new york city – I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, but New York is like a second home to me. I visit at least twice a year and some of my closest friends live there. I spent a month there this summer and lived in the East Village with my best friend, rode across the Williamsburg Bridge on the back of a motorcycle and freelanced for a marketing agency. New York always turns on the charm! nyc

9. house industries type posters – I just ordered a few of these screen-printed posters for my office. They’re fantastic quality and a great gift for those who are type obsessed! $35 house industries

10. mac studio fix – I’ve been using MAC Studio Fix for the last 10+ years and it goes on so smoothly that I don’t need to use foundation. Truly a time-saving, all in one base. Enough said. $26 m.a.c. cosmetics

Thanks Nubby! Alright, you’re next… what’s on your list?

who: The Frugal Bon Vivant
where: Portland, Oregon

1. tuna niçoise sandwich – One bite of this sandwich takes me straight back to France. I found this recipe in a recent Everyday Food magazine, and it’s become a weekly summer meal! about $10 everyday food

2. yurt and cabin camping - You don’t have to go to Mongolia to get in on the yurt action. Cheaper than a hotel and easier than tent camping — I would vote Oregon campgrounds as some of the best facilities. from $27 reserve america

3. mia outlaw boots - I snagged these at The Rack for quite a deal! I’m mentally ready for fall now. $130 onlineshoes

4. bicycle print - I discovered this print at Flatstock Seattle during Bumbershoot this year. It’s so colorful and happy! love, love, love! $25 strawberryluna

5. le perroquet - It’s summer in a glass! (1 part pastis, 1/2 part mint syrup, 5 parts water) Diabolo menthe is also excellent (just water and mint syrup). $8.99 amazon

6. gap 1969 sexy boot jeans – I previously had a long-standing commitment to J.Crew hipslung jeans — and then they dumped that line of jeans! So after six months of wearing ratty jeans, I checked out Gap’s redesign and I’m happy to report that I’m a new convert! from $59.50 gap

7. atomizer – I don’t carry cosmetics in my purse, (and my style has never been too girly-girl) but I simply adore these mini atomizers. They’re perfect for traveling. I have sparkly gold for my L’Occitane perfume and purple for rose water. $10 sephora

8. greece – Last year at this time, I was in Greece. September is the perfect time to visit — shoulder season, but still great weather. $cheaper than you think! travelocity

9. scarves – Granted, scarves aren’t a new style statement, but holy hell I love them! I was only so-so about scarves, until I went traveling and now scarves are my thing. I go in practically any store and make a bee-line for the scarves. I got most of mine in Turkey, but banana republic has cute ones lately.

10. pete yorn & scarlett johansson – I’ve found my fall soundtrack. I was initially skeptical of this album, but ended up loving it. $7.99 amazon

You’re next. What’s on your list?

Quick picks

• Brass Take Flight bracelet by threebird’sdesign
• Sweet porcelain honey pear $6 (Buy 1, get 1 50% off)
• Plant Markers by Blue Sky Pottery – BOGOBonVivant gets you Buy 1, Get 1 Free!
• Garden for Victory posters by Victory Garden of Tomorrow – “my frugal poster” gets you Buy 1, Get 1 Free!
• Midwest Seed Bombs by Visual Lingual – BOGOFrugal gets you Buy 1, Get 1 Free!

1. Plant Markers by Blue Sky Pottery

I’m absolutely in love with these stoneware clay plant labels! In the shape of a tomato (2.25″ x 3.25″), each plant marker has a different veggie or herb imprinted. There are 30+ markers to choose from and each one comes with an 8″ stake. Since the markers are fired and glazed you can use them year after year.

Price: 3 markers for $24, but Deb has offered a Buy One, Get One Free deal (with no quantity limit!) for Frugal Bon Vivant readers! Just mention BOGOBonVivant in your note to the seller (including what stakes you want) to get 6 markers for $24. Thanks Deb!

2. Garden for Victory posters by Victory Garden of Tomorrow

I first ran across these WWII “propaganda” victory garden posters in late spring (when the nation was victory garden and Michelle Obama-crazy!), when I was searching for victory garden prints. I’m a huge fan of vintage-y posters, so these updated versions are really cool! They would be perfect for a mud room/gardening area or even in a kitchen. My favorites: Grow Food on an organic farm, Break New Ground. Plant an urban garden, and Keep ‘Em Flying. You can raise your own chickens.

Price: 1 – 12″x18″ poster for $12. Joe has offered Frugal Bon Vivant readers a Buy One, Get One Free deal until the end of August! Just mention “my frugal poster” (and then write in what poster you want for free) in the comments section at checkout to get 2 posters for $12. Sweet deal, Joe!

3. Midwest Seed Bombs by Visual Lingual

These seed bombs come in the cutest little printed bags. If you need inspiration to join the guerrilla gardening movement, these should do the trick! So go practice random acts of gardening with this 4.5 ounce wildflower mixture.

Price: 1 packet (5 seed bombs) for $6. Maya has also offered Frugal Bon Vivant readers a Buy One, Get One Free deal until the end of August! Just mention “BOGOFrugal” in the comments section at checkout to get 2 seed packs for $6. Thanks Maya!

4. Grow Your Own Food T-Shirt by Happy Family

Here’s another “victory garden” themed item. I’m loving this ” Grow Your Own Food” shirt. Cute and simple design.

Price: $18

OK, gardeners & non-gardeners: what’s your latest Etsy find?