No carbs or no fat? Local or organic? Vegetarian or carnivore?
These and many other questions have been the subject of more than a dozen TIME cover stories over the years, including this week’s look at the latest science about the potential harms of a diet heavy in red and processed meat. (Read, “The War on Delicious” here.) Though that diet is, to some, a beloved American tradition—and, to others, merely delicious—it’s more clear than ever that there’s reason to reconsider it. Or, as TIME’s Dec. 18, 1972, cover declared it: “Eating May Not Be Good for You.”
A pro-sugar ad that appeared in the Aug. 14, 1964, issue of TIMEIn a "note to mothers," the ad explains that no-sugar drinks could not provide children with the energy they need.Sugar InformationA pro-sugar ad that appeared in the July 25, 1969, issue of TIMEA little sugar before a meal—"in a soft drink, or a candy bar"—curbs cravings that can lead to overeating.Sugar InformationA pro-sugar ad that appeared in the Oct. 10, 1969, issue of TIME"I think of sugar as extra willpower," says the man in this ad.Sugar InformationA pro-sugar ad that appeared in the May 10, 1971, issue of TIMEAn ice cream cone before lunch keeps you energized, giving you the power to eat less during the meal. Sugar InformationA pro-sugar ad that appeared in the Aug. 30, 1971, issue of TIMEIf your friends are avoiding sugar for health reasons, this ad asks, how does that make sense? After all, kids eat lots of sugar and stay thin. Sugar InformationA pro-sugar ad that appeared in the Dec. 11, 1972, issue of TIMESugar helps kids, this campaign informs readers, by providing energy and "a sense of satisfaction and well-being."Sugar InformationTIME Photo-Illustration. Bacon: Donald Erickson–Getty Images The June 23, 2014, cover of TIMEPhotograph by Mitchell Feinberg for TIMEThe Dec. 3, 2012, cover of TIMECover Credit: PHOTOGRAPH BY DWIGHT ESCHLIMAN FOR TIME. FOOD STYLING BY KEVIN CRAFTS.The Sep. 12, 2011, cover of TIMECover Credit: PHOTOGRAPH BY BARTHOLOMEW COOKE FOR TIMEThe Aug. 31, 2009, cover of TIMECover Credit: PHOTOGRAPH FOR TIME BY BILL KALIS. INSETS, FROM LEFT: SAUL LOEB/AFP/GETTY; JOHN UELAND FOR TIME.The Mar. 12, 2007, cover of TIMECover Credit: PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ANTHONY JOHNSON/STOCKFOODThe May 3, 2004, cover of TIMECover Credit: AARON GOODMANThe Oct. 20, 2003, cover of TIMECover Credit: AARON GOODMANThe Sep. 2, 2002, cover of TIMETIMEThe July 15, 2002, cover of TIMETIMEThe Nov. 1, 1999, cover of TIMETIMEThe Jan. 8, 1996, cover of TIMECover Credit: MICHAEL EASTMAN & CLARK KINCAIDThe July 15, 1991, cover of TIMECover Credit: MATTHEW KLEINThe Mar. 27, 1989, cover of TIMECover Credit: MATTHEW KLEINThe Aug. 26, 1985, cover of TIMECover Credit: MATTHEW KLEINThe Mar. 26, 1984, cover of TIMECover Credit: ANDREW UNANGSTThe Mar. 15, 1982, cover of TIMETIMEThe Aug. 10, 1981, cover of TIMECover Credit: HENRY WOLFThe Dec. 19, 1977, cover of TIMETIMEThe Dec. 18, 1972, cover of TIMECover Credit: ROB CRANDALL