The essays “Escape from the Western Diet” by Michael Pollan and “Food as Thought: Resisting the Moralization of Food” by Mary Maxfield There couldn't be more contrasting essays. Pollan writes about his opinions and feelings about nutrition, the “Western diet” and its repercussions. In response, Maxfield expresses his conflicting feelings and opinions, primarily targeting Pollan's hypocritical nature and conflicting views. Maxfield's opinions and suggestions represent a more realistic approach to everyday society and its many facets. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayMichael Pollan is very adamant about his views on the “Western diet” and its effects that are caused on society. Pollan firmly believes that the overly processed nature of modern Western foods is causing myriad illnesses and harm to humans. He states that “people who eat a Western diet are subject to a complex of chronic diseases that rarely affect people who eat a more traditional diet” (Pollan 421). This is all based on the research he conducted and was able to come to the conclusion “Stop eating a Western diet” (421). Pollan realizes it's easier said than done, but one of his methods of escaping the Western diet is to "go back in time." Eating in a way where people eat together, enjoy food and take the time to prepare meals is one of the main arguments Pollan presents. His thesis is simple, Pollan suggests “[...] we would do well to go back a little native: back, or perhaps forward, to a time and place where the gathering, preparation and consumption of food were closer at the center of a life well lived” (Pollan 426). As society as a whole looks back at the past and its practices, Pollan argues that Western views on food will change and suggests, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants” (Pollan 426). This includes eating as naturally as possible, avoiding overly processed foods, and avoiding binge eating. Mary Maxwell, on the other hand, is a firm believer in the thought that if you want to eat a food, healthy or not, and if it will make you happy, just eat that food. Maxwell's essay is a clear refutation of Pollan's essay and thoughts on the Western diet, but he also offers his own views and opinions on how one should eat in one's life. The moralization of food is the main topic of Maxwell's essay. He believes that eating "naturally", as it was intended by nature, is seen by society as disgusting and uncivilized, stating that "As a culture, when we imagine eating like animals, we imagine a feeding frenzy [...] Adult human beings can eat what they want and how much they want, [and] what people really hear is, 'Go out and stuff your face with Twinkies.'” (Maxwell 446). He believes this is true and why Western societies are the way they are obsessed with “healthy eating” and avoiding foods traditionally considered unhealthy, such as processed, fried, and sugary foods, Maxwell writes, “When we try to rise above our animal nature through the moralization of food, we unnecessarily complicate the practice of eating. . Food, whether French fries or granola bars, Twinkies or brown rice, is not moral or immoral” (Maxwell 446) Essentially, “Eat the food if it suits you! ". Keep in mind: this.