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Marion Nestle

Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, NYU

Marion Nestle is a consumer activist, nutritionist, and academic who specializes in the politics of food and dietary choice. Nestle received her BA, PhD, and MPH from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1988, Nestle was appointed Chair of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health. She held that position until 2004, when she became the Paulette Goddard Professor in the same department.

Nestle is the author of numerous books, including "Food Politics," which explored the way corporations influence our nutritional choices, and "What to Eat," an survey of how to navigate the modern American supermarket. Aside from her books and teaching, Nestle writes a popular blog for the Atlantic Food Channel.

How Healthy Is Vegetarianism…Really?

Banning meat from one’s diet has been hailed as essential for everything from lowering cholesterol to lowering emissions. But, as the famed nutritionist explains, the vegetarian movement is not without […]

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4 min

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A Happy, Snack-Free Cafeteria

Some local districts are working to curb childhood obesity by showing that school lunches don’t have to consist of “chicken fingers and salty foods.” Will the government listen?

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1 min

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Feed Your Pet Table Scraps

Contrary to popular belief, pets are entirely able to eat human food, even meat.

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2 min

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What “Organic” Means

With such a wide range of foods that are being called “organic” today, a nutritionist reminds us what the standards for the term truly are.

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2 min

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The Salt Eater’s Dilemma

There is a wealth of evidence showing that salt helps to generate high blood pressure, which in turn spurs myriad other chronic diseases; yet salt is nearly inescapable in the […]

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2 min

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The Caffeine Mystery

Despite decades of scientific attempts to find something wrong with caffeine consumption, proof of any medical threat remains elusive. But that doesn’t mean its labeling isn’t deceptive.

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2 min

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Thought for Food: Categories Matter, “Essential” Foods Don’t

Certain foods often become trumped as dietary “must-haves,” but as the nutritionist warns, these claims are motivated by marketing, not health.

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1 min

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Big Think Interview with Marion Nestle

A conversation with the New York University Professor of Nutrition.

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15 min

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How has globalization changed the way we eat?

We need to make sure that we’re not importing sub-par food.

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How do we eat better?

Teach your kids how to cook, Nestle says.

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1 min

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Veganism and Vegetarianism: Are they healthy?

Vegans and vegetarians are probably healthier than average, says Nestle.

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1 min

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The Trans-Fat and Foie Gras Bans: Do you agree?

Trans-fats are a problem, but they’re not the biggest problem, Nestle says.

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2 min

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Inverting the Fat-Thin Paradigm

Our evolution has become a liability, Nestle says.

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5 min

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Why do we overeat?

People are more likely to eat more the more food is in front of them.

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1 min

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What would you like to see on food labels?

Nestle wants labels to accurately reflect the calorie content.

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2 min

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Is meat from cloned animals safe?

Safe doesn’t mean acceptable.

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2 min

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Is it dangerous not to use pesticides?

Organic food is produced with pesticides, too, Nestle says.

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1 min

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Is hormonally enhanced food necessarily bad food?

It’s just not natural, says Nestle.

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1 min

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Do Americans think enough about what they eat?

They’re starting to, and the food companies are starting to notice, Nestle says.

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1 min

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Does organic food need to be more regulated?

If you charge more for organic food, the quality should match the price.

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2 min

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Can organic food be mass produced?

Organic agriculture is just as productive as the conventional alternative, Nestle says.

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1 min

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What does the organic label mean?

Nestle discusses the standards – and the loopholes.

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2 min

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What needs to change in the food industry?

The importance of the grassroots.

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4 min

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Marion Nestle Plans the Ideal Diet

Marion Nestle explains how to eat well.

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2 min

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Is the food pyramid a good guide to healthy eating?

Nestle doesn’t know anyone who uses it as a guide.

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1 min

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How do lobbies affect the way we eat?

The government can’t recommend you eat less of anything, Nestle says.

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2 min

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What was it like working for the Department of Health?

If you want to get anything done in Washington, Nestle says, you have to speak in euphemisms.

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2 min

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When did food spark your interest?

Trained as a molecular biologist, Nestle recalls how she found her way to nutrition.

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3 min

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