Fed Up

“Wonderful: wise, witty, and full of unexpected insights.”
—Bill Bryson, bestselling author of The Body

“One of the country’s foremost evolutionary biologists gives us a terrific book that cuts through the noise of fad diets and nutrition advice by turning to the most reliable guide we have: the deep history of the human body. A wise, accessible, and evidence-based framework for eating well in a world that has made eating badly all too easy.”
—Michael Moss, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Salt Sugar Fat

“What is the most ‘natural’ human diet? Like all searches for the supposed nature of humans, this question has spawned unsupported dogmatism, crackpot ideology, and fraudulent fads. Renowned Harvard paleoanthropologist Daniel Lieberman offers fascinating, accessible science concerning human biology and behavior, showing that there is no singular natural diet, where reality is far more interesting. Rare is the book that is this wise and sensible while also being this fun to read.” —Robert M. Sapolsky, New York Times bestselling author of Determined

“We’ve long heard the phrase, ‘We are what we eat,’ but where does our desire to eat originate? In Fed Up, acclaimed Harvard evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman examines the evolutionary roots of human eating behavior. Why are we drawn to certain foods? Why do we make the choices we do? And can we exert more control over those instincts for our own health? Insightful and engaging, this book provides a fascinating look at the forces that shape our diets and, ultimately, our healthy longevity. It is a valuable read for anyone seeking to better understand their eating habits and how to improve them.”
—Jordan M. Metzl, MD, author of Push

“What kind of food should we eat to maintain good health? It’s a surprisingly complicated
question. Paleoanthropologist Lieberman relies on nutritional science and the lens of evolutionary biology to investigate the hoopla of eating fads and demystify popular diet programs. . . . [Lieberman’s] commentary is thoughtful, fact-filled, and frequently humorous. . . . Ultimately, there is no simple, one-size-fits-all diet that improves health and extends longevity. But for all who are hungry for reliable information about nutrition and would like to cut through the confusion about overhyped or fearmongering diets, Fed Up is a satiating read.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A game … exploration of diet fads and the quest for the perfect plate. . . . A book that neatly punctures food myths while encouraging a splendid, healthful diversity at table.”
—Kirkus Reviews