8 food documentaries to watch that will change the way you think about food

When it comes to what we eat, we’re strongly influenced by what we see. Seeing displays of food makes us hungry and gives us certain cravings. That’s one of the reasons documentaries about food have such an impact on how we think about our diet. Even though we could read the same information in a book, there’s something powerful about seeing it all play out on a screen, particularly if it’s a topic that has strong visuals, like factory farming and its treatment of animals.

Along with all the food-related films that have come out in the last few years, there has been a rise of vegetarians and vegans in America. What used to be a lesser known way of eating is now a widely embraced lifestyle that’s picking up more momentum. The more we learn about where our food comes from, and what its impact on the planet is, the more people turn to a diet that eliminates animal products altogether and instead focuses on plant-based nutrition. Because we can no longer deny the fact that much of the mainstream food industry is destroying our most precious natural resources.

Here are 9 food documentaries to watch that will change the way you eat forever.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainable Secret

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV04zyfLyN4?feature=oembed

Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn are the fearless filmmakers who went through a LOT to bring us well-researched information about animal agriculture, how it’s terrible for planet Earth, and what we can do about it. People say this film is a combination of Blackfish and An Inconvenient Truth, bringing you all the facts that will transform the way you think about the food industry.

Food Inc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eKYyD14d_0

This was one of the most popular documentaries that shed light on the American food industry in an accessible way. Watching this will make you realize that most of us have no idea where our food really comes from!

Earthlings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms7yoerGaPU

Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and featuring music by Moby, Earthlings is a documentary about how animals are being abused across the planet. The film is broken up into five parts: pets, food, skins, entertainment, and experimentation. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves animals.

Forks Over Knives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZb-35oV_7E?feature=oembed

Forks Over Knives is a tremendously inspiring documentary that proves just how powerful your body is. The documentary argues that if you adopt a plant-based diet (or at least incorporate more plants in your diet), your body can literally start healing itself. You’ll hear from leading scientists and nutritionists about all the benefits of a vegan diet, and how it just might change your whole life for the better.

Fed Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVX6_LzX4mM?feature=oembed

You’ll learn some shocking facts about the American food industry from this movie (such as: 80 percent of food items in America have added sugar in them!). The threat of obesity, heart failure, and diabetes are real — and it’s time we talk about how the food industry is failing us. Katie Couric narrated and produced the film, and Laurie David, who made An Inconvenient Truth, also produced the movie.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv3vEXy_EwU?feature=oembed

What would happen if you consumed nothing but fresh juice for 60 days straight? Well, for Joe Cross, he became a lot healthier. You’ll be amazed at how much can change in a person’s life when they go from eating fast food to filling their body with a boatload of nutrients. Although this is just one person’s experience, watching this documentary is enlightening to see what the power of plant-based food holds.

GMO OMG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuN09KENCHA?feature=oembed

This is the perfect film to watch if you want to learn about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The health and environmental risks of growing and eating foods that are GMO-based are reportedly (and based on numerous scientific studies) very real. This documentary lays out all the information you need to know so you can make sound decisions for yourself.

King Corn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGSsScjwQ3Y?feature=oembed

The filmmakers will take you on a trip across the country to show you that pretty much everything you eat is made from corn. As for what that means for the environment and our health, you’ll have to watch the documentary in its entirety.