How to Be a Conscious Eater

I’ve got quite the sweet tooth myself, so trust me, I know

this isn’t always easy. A raspberry-flavored salad dressing or

simple afternoon cookie can break the bank. So maybe it’s no

surprise that the average American is actually downing more

than 70 grams of added sugar a day.

Dietary fiber: 28 grams. This has been deemed a “nutrient of public

health concern.” Why the alarm? Fiber is important for main-

taining healthy digestion, yet most Americans don’t consume

nearly enough. Lack of fiber in your diet can lead to constipa-

tion and other undesirable bowel problems; not having enough

may also keep you from feeling full, which can lead to eating

too many calories and possibly gaining weight over time. Fiber

is your friend! It’s also your gut microbiome’s friend. If you’re

not sold on upping your fiber intake for the sake of living a

long and healthy life, do it for the microbes. It’s the least any

gracious host would do to make them comfortable during their

stay. #feedyourgut

OTHER INFORMATION

Total fat: For several years now, after realizing the negative

health effects of countless consumers replacing fat in their

diets with refined carbs and sugars, nutrition experts have

communicated their agreement that the upper limit for total

fat should no longer be listed on the panel. It’s the type of fat

that matters more than the amount. Don’t worry about total

fat on the label; look to avoid trans fat completely and keep

saturated fat as low as possible.

Protein: Other than select groups like teenage girls and the

elderly, most people in the United States are getting more than

enough protein in their diets just from eating a mix of different

foods.

Stuff that Comes from Factories 179

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