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Let
Them Eat Bread
Left
to his own kitchen devices, a man is apt to focus on two major
food groups: fat and salt. We know there are better choices, but
the urges are strong. In fact, my friend Robert Pritikin thinks
that eating fat may be a trait bound into our genes since prehistoric
times. Nobody ever said that eating a healthful diet was a piece
of cake.
Actually, though, depending on how you bake the cake, it might
be. According to a survey done by the Wheat Foods Council, we're
pretty
much on track when it comes to knowing what we should eat—with
one exception: grains.
About three-quarters of us think we eat just about the right amount
of protein, and nearly 60 percent of us think we eat too much fat.
Likewise, between a third and half of us know we should be seeing more
fruits and vegetables on our plates. Most studies of what people actually
eat would match pretty closely with most of those perceptions.
What becomes clear from the survey, however, is that a lot of people
are still very confused about carbohydrates, starches, and fiber.
Yes, we have gotten the message that fiber is good: Over 40 percent
of those surveyed thought they should eat more. At the same time, though,
about 90 percent of the people were convinced they eat enough servings
of foods made from grains—bread, pasta, cereals, rice, etc.
In reality, more than 90 percent of those surveyed failed to eat at
least six servings of foods made from grain—the recommended daily
amount. In fact, the average was about half that.
Grain products, particularly less-processed ones, happen to be a good
source of complex carbohydrates, which are a primary source of dietary
fiber. Thus the survey participants were unlikely to get enough fiber
because they failed to eat enough products made from grain.
Foods rich in carbohydrates, many of which are made from grain, are
the foundation of a healthful diet. They should make up 50 to 60 percent
of the calories you take in. Chances are, you need more.
So as a simple dietary rule of thumb, set aside the potato chips, and
have some bread or low-fat crackers instead. In fact, if it's not drenched
in fat-laced icing or baked with a stick butter, you might even let
yourself eat cake.
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