Wondering how this year's list stacks up against the last? Check out Top 15 Crusaders for Health in the Food Industry 2012.
Amongst all the junk food commercials and donut sandwiches, there are a handful of health heroes. These aren't just people who eat organic greens for lunch and free-range eggs for dinner; they're moving and shaking the way we think about our food, including where it comes from, the implications it has on our environment, and what our meals mean for our bodies. Here, we recognize 15 superstars (in no particular order) that have devoted themselves to improving American's relationship with food.
1. Marion Nestle
Nestle has got her hand in nearly every facet of America’s food industry. Her blog,
, covers topics from nutrition and biology to health policy and food marketing. She’s been teaching nutrition for nearly four decades and currently teaches sociology, food studies, and public health at NYU. Nestle is the author of many books, but her latest — “Why Calories Count: From Science to Politics” — is all about understanding the intersection of health and food amidst all the mass marketing and misinformation put forth by major food manufacturers. Currently, Nestle updates her blog regularly and presents at universities and conferences on topics such as genetically modified foods and the role food companies play in our food system. (
Photo: www.foodpolitics.com)
2. Michael Pollan
As one of the foremost activists for change in the overwrought food industry,
is an outspoken and often controversial figure in the food and farming space. Though probably best known for his book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” (which hung out on The New York Times Bestseller list for more than three years), Pollan has continued to write. In his most recent book, “Cooked”, Pollan explores how cooking connects us to plants, animals, farmers, and culture (amongst other things). (
Photo by Ken Light)
3. Michelle Obama
After launching the
campaign at the start of 2010, the First Lady has made healthifying America’s eating habits (especially for kids) her job. The ultimate goal is to eliminate childhood obesity and help kids live healthier lives with good food and a little extra physical activity. This year, Obama held the second annual “
,” where she asked children ages eight to 12 to whip up nutritious, tasty, and affordable recipes. Unfortunately, we weren’t invited to the White House kids’ “State Dinner” with the winner of this year’s challenge. (
Photo: www.whitehouse.gov)
4. Mark Bittman
As an author and New York Times writer,
likes to weigh in on what’s wrong with the American diet. A
himself, Bittman is an advocate for the “flexitarian” diet — which means eating vegan during the day, but allowing for more flexible consumption after 6 pm. His super popular book, “How to Cook Everything”, is a go-to resource for basic kitchen skills. Not only does he push for humans to stay healthy, Bittman relentlessly encourages us to keep the environment happy and healthy, too. Oh, and in his spare time, he runs
. (
Photo: www.markbittman.com)
5. Mike Bloomberg
As the mayor of New York City,
takes his role seriously, making waves in the name of public health. From smoking bans to
, Bloomberg’s initiatives aren’t without controversy and backlash. Passionate about combating obesity, he’s pushed for salad bars and
in school cafeterias. Plus, he’s managed to eliminate trans fats from tons of restaurant items, and make it mandatory for chain restaurants to clearly post calorie counts on menus. We’re excited to see what goals Bloomberg sets (and reaches) next. (
Photo: www.nyc.gov)
For the full list of 2013's top health crusaders in the food industry, go to Greatist.com.
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