Most shoppers look at the price first, but the label on the side of the box tells a longer story, and reading it takes only a few seconds. It lists every (11) the food contains, from fat and sugar to salt. A bowl of whole (12) such as brown rice or oats releases energy slowly, while beans and fish supply the (13) that muscles need to repair themselves. Fresh fruit adds (14) C, which the body cannot store for long. Nutritionists warn that a spoonful of (15) poured over breakfast can undo much of the good work.
Mr. Alvarez opens his shop at six in the morning. By seven the counter is full of fresh (16), cut from animals raised on farms only an hour away. Years behind the block have taught him to (17) good meat from poor meat at a glance. He is glad to explain which cuts have firm (18) and which ones carry more fat. Older shoppers tell him that heavy meals are harder to (19) than they once were, so he points them toward lighter choices. Beside the door hangs a small board with an old (20) about eating slowly.