The Foods You Eat Impact How You Think & Behave w/ Shawn Stevenson

Subsidies Impact

Government subsidies significantly impact food production and public health. Shawn Stevenson highlights how subsidies for crops like corn and wheat, which are prevalent in fast food, contribute to obesity and chronic diseases. He explains, "The people who had the highest consumption of these government subsidized foods had a 40% greater incidence of being obese" 1. This system, originally intended to feed Americans, now predominantly supports unhealthy food production, exacerbating health issues.

   

Policy Influence

Health policies and public messaging play a crucial role in shaping health behaviors. Mike Mutzel and Shawn discuss how cultural norms and political deflection hinder public health improvements 2. Shawn notes, "Once you change what you eat, you change how you think," emphasizing the link between diet and mental clarity 3. They argue that societal change is possible if people demand better food policies, similar to how mask-wearing became normalized during the pandemic.