Inhumane

Eating Animals is about Jonathan Safran Foer researching the truth about the process of killing the animals people eat and society being aware and not being able to do anything about it. Foer quotes the Common Farming Excemptions (CFE) on Nevada not imposing laws to "prohibit or interfer with established methods of animal husbandry, including the raising, handling, feeding, housing, and transporting of livestock or farmed animals" (Foer 51). In allowing the CFE to do this people do not have the right to change the manner in which farm animals are treated. The CFE permits any type of cruel treatment towards farm animals as long as it is "commonly praticed" (Foer 50). It is sad that these animals cannot voice their pain and suffering and the people that can speak for them are prohibited by laws to do so. I believe that inhumane is an understatement for the situations that farm animals have to endure.

Sugar Addiction

Hi, my name is Damaris and I'm addicted to sugar! In The End of Overeating by David A. Kessler, he says, "Rewarding foods tend to be reinforcing, meaning that they keep us coming back for more" (29). Kessler goes on to describe his urge to keep eating his M&M's due to the sugar and fat in the candy. I have encountered this struggle with my Diabetes for years. I have at times found myself not being able to restrain myself from sugary foods or drinks even knowing the consequences it might have on my health. I have always thought to myself why it was that at my age and with my family's negative health experiences it was hard to control my urges. Reading Kessler's work has put some of my questions and issues into perspective, leading myself to desire a healthy body over a quick sugar craving. And in all honesty my body does feel better without the extra sugar intake which motivates me to keep my new found mentality to overcome my sugar addiction as hard as it is.

Palatability

Have you wondered why after you have a mouth watering, well portioned meal you still have the urge to keep eating? Science has defined this action as "Palatability". In Kessler's The End of Overeating, he introduces how palatability is a pleasing taste which formulates the craving to keep consuming even after we have reached the stage of homeostasis. This desire arises from a variety of things such as, the scent, texture and even its temperature. It was found that sugar, fat and salt plays a significant role in our running appetite as well. Can we overcome the yearning to want more with these inescapable things influencing us?

Health

In Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser one will notice that there is a big connection between what the animals are fed and what people are consuming, and that is "Health". The price of grain has raised so farmers try to save money by feeding the cattle sawdust, cement, dead dogs and cats, old newspapers, etc. "They're designed to eat grass and, maybe grain. I mean, they have four stomachs for a reason- to eat products that have a high cellulose content. They are not designed to eat other animals"(Schlosser, 202). Not to mention, the other things that theses animals have to endure while they are in the feedlot and how unsanitary the process of butchering them is. People try to save money by buying what's cheapest. It's more pricey to buy something healthy than to stop at a McD's and buy a few things off the dollar menu for less and not knowing what it really is that their body is consuming. Alot of these food have led to numerous illnesses and deaths. People don't understand that by saving a dollar or two it's costing them their health. You are what you eat.

Stroking

In Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, he addresses how McDonalds uses the concept of "stroking"(74). Stroking is suppose to be a motivator for the employees. It is used by giving them positive feedback. This way when employees are told "you're doing a good job" or " keep up the good work" they feel appreciated and believe that the company they're working for treats them well and sincerely cares for them. The companies believe that by doing this the employees will be more flexible with their work schedules, get the job done more efficiently and faster and prevents/holds them back from asking for raises.  

Encroachment

The restaurant chains have become so obsessed with making money that the corporations have opened up fast food restaurants closer and closer to one another. This has caused a major conflict amongst the franchisors and franchisees. The franchisees complain that the new restaurants will draw away their customers, attracting them to the new locations. This is known as "encroachment". As you pass by Queens Blvd. you will notice a wide spread of encroachment of numerous franchises. In Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation he mentions how most franchises make their large profits from royalties based on their total sales which means more money for them (49). It's no wonder these corporations make massive amounts of money when all you see is bright flashy signs at every corner luring you in.