Earlier this week. we reported on Gary Taubes’ controversial response to a study that challenges the theory that “a calorie is a calorie.” NPR followed-up with Taubes in a live interview, where he clarifies the arguments posed in his New York Times’ op-ed , “What Really Makes Us Fat.”

Summer is here, and we’re digging the seasonal produce. Tomatoes have led the week’s nutrition headlines, with the discovery of a link between the fruit’s bright red hue and its notorious lack of flavor (NYTimes). A recent study also reports that organic tomatoes contain more antioxidants than their big agriculture counterparts (Science Daily).

“Is the Family Dinner Overrated?” – an academic study suggests the effects of sharing a daily sit-down meal may be less magical than we think (NYTimes).  But proponents of the family supper are already fighting back (Huff Post).

Eating local may be good for your taste buds, community, and conscience, but some small farmers are projecting potential economic advantages over mass-produced agriculture (NYTimes).

The media is still reeling from Mayor Bloomberg’s soda ban: Marion Nestle argues that “consumer choice” only benefits Big Soda, while hurting the consumers themselves (The Atlantic). Nutrition experts explain that our craving for sugary drinks may be harder to kick than we think (Huff Post). And a recent study USC study proves that sugary drinks intensify the desire for high-calorie treats stimulated by junk food ads (Sacramento Bee).

Last but not least, the passing of the Senate’s version of the Food and Farm Bill has sparked speculation about the House’s soon-to-be-proposed bill. Slow Food tallies the “wins and losses”, while Tom Philpott argues the bill has still caved to Big Agribusiness – and namely Monsanto’s – lobbying against the labeling of GMO crops (Mother Jones).