Ebert Reviews Forks Over Knives

A little update on Forks Over Knives, the movie I discussed a few weeks ago.

Roger Ebert's illustrious thumb

Roger Ebert, the country’s most well-known movie critic, has put out his take on the film – and I’d consider it a glowing review.

I don’t really want to debate Ebert’s point of view, but I did take issues with some of the claims he makes in his review (click here to read it in its entirety).

Like this one:

What every human being should do is eat a vegetarian diet based on whole foods. Period. That’s it. Animal protein is bad for you. Dairy is bad for you. Forget the ads: Milk and eggs are bad for you. Skim milk is no better, because it contains proportionately more animal protein. What you’re trying to avoid is dietary cholesterol. You also need to cut way down on salt and sugar, and run like hell from high fructose corn syrup.

Roger Ebert, by Arcimboldo

Okay, I don’t think there are many nutritionists out there that will argue that salt, sugar and high fructose corn syrup are good for you, but there are plenty who would disagree with the idea that animal protein in all forms is bad for you.  Ebert is not a dietician, scientists or nutritionist – he’s a movie critic.  And that’s a darn bold claim to be making without substantiation.

Regardless, he goes on:

Over the years I tried vegan and low-protein vegetarian diets, benefitted from and enjoyed them. I found by experience that all one needed was a rice cooker, a knife, a chopping block, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. I got all the protein and calcium I needed. I enjoyed it. But I was tempted. I strayed into the elysian fields of pizza, steaks, hamburgers and soft drinks. I once was blind and now I see.

…

The bottom line: I am convinced this message is true. A plant-based whole foods diet is healthy. Animal protein is not necessary, or should be used sparingly as Asians did, as a flavoring and not a main course. This adds the advantage of allowing us to avoid the chemicals and carcinogens pumped into livestock and poultry. Fast food is lethal. Parents who feed it to their children are helping them get hooked on fat, salt and sugar addiction. The facts are in. Didn’t I warn you to stop reading?

P. S.: I have recently decided to ditch my canned nutrition and switch to a liquid diet based on fresh fruits and vegetables. Yes, I consulted my physician.

Anyways, I still haven’t seen the movie – it’s not currently playing in sleepy little towns in north Florida, but I’m sure it will eventually.  I’ll reserve my judgement till then.

Thanks for reading!