Dear nutrition scientists: Most individuals and households are not trying to maximize nutritional status. Instead, they are trying to maximize overall well-being or happiness (what economists call 'utility'). This has implications for nutrition research. 1/18 Brownies are delicious and make me happy. But, brownies are definitely not good for my physical health. So, is the optimal amount of brownie consumption zero? If you ask a nutrition scientist, they will say, ‘don’t eat it. well, a little bit, very occasionally is OK.’ 2/18