You know as far as diet goes, for a while I was really obsessed with counting fat grams along with the rest of the world.

The quote "You know as far as diet goes, for a while I was really obsessed with counting fat grams along with the rest of the world" by Jean Smart reflects her past experience with dieting, specifically focusing on the trend of counting fat grams that was popular in the late 20th century. During this time, many people became fixated on reducing fat in their diets, believing it to be a key factor in achieving weight loss and overall health. Smart openly admits that she was part of this societal obsession, reflecting how diet culture can sometimes lead individuals to focus excessively on specific aspects of food, often at the expense of a balanced and sustainable approach to eating.

The reference to "counting fat grams" alludes to the low-fat craze that dominated the health and nutrition scene for several decades. In the 1990s, many diet programs and food brands focused on reducing fat intake, promoting the idea that cutting fat would lead to weight loss and better health. Smart’s statement acknowledges that, like many others at the time, she became absorbed in the counting and restriction mindset, which is often driven by popular trends rather than a well-rounded understanding of nutrition.

Smart’s quote also reflects the broader influence of diet culture on personal choices, where individuals, driven by social norms or media influences, adopt rigid dietary rules. Her admission to being "obsessed" suggests that this focus on fat grams became an overwhelming and potentially unhealthy preoccupation, a sentiment shared by many who followed the low-fat movement.

Ultimately, Jean Smart’s reflection on her past behavior highlights the challenges of navigating diet trends and the importance of finding a more balanced and sustainable approach to eating. It serves as a reminder of how easily people can fall into restrictive habits based on societal pressure, and the need to approach nutrition with a healthier mindset that values balance over obsession.