We overuse the em dash in our prose.

We use the em dash more often than easy reading allows, and we are changing how we punctuate.

Cosmetic: how it looks, not what it says.

We counted it across everything we publish. Our 500 companion pages carry about 15 em dashes for every thousand words of body text, and 14 in the short summaries. Our Methods essays, where we write about our own work, run higher still at 16. The published defect records average 14, and the first one we ever posted runs at 19. The daily prompt is the exception at 3, which is closer to what the rest of this writing should look like.

The construction is not wrong. A dash can set off an aside, or land a short clause at the end of a sentence, and sometimes nothing else does the job as cleanly. The problem is frequency. When it turns up in one sentence out of five it stops being a choice and becomes a habit, and the prose takes on a rhythm that tires a reader without their being able to say why.

We want to be plain about why we are changing it. We are not changing our house style to hide our use of AI. We are changing our style to make our prose more comfortable to read. Overuse of em dashes is a rightly recognized tell of AI writing, and it detracts from the reader’s experience. Our goal is prose that is correct, pleasant to read, and easy to understand. Overuse of em dashes is a defect against that goal, and we are treating it as one.

What changes, and where. The daily prompt, the short summary at the top of every companion, and the prose of these defect records go to none: no em dashes at all. Quoted material is exempt everywhere, because a record that cannot quote a sentence cannot show you the evidence for it.

Defect records already published stay as they are. We are not going back to tidy the archive, and you can compare what we wrote before this against what we write after it.

The long pages will change slowly, because the three uses are not one habit. Em dash usage for short reveals will disappear, replaced with clear sentence structure. Then the long trailing clause usage will change to the normal colon construction. Finally, asides will use em dashes only where they earn their place. We measured what ordinary published prose actually does before deciding what earning its place will mean for us: professionally edited health writing runs between one and four em dash constructions per thousand words, and that range is now our target for our long-form prose.

Our Methods essays are exempt. In Methods, we want Craig’s voice and the AI’s voice (which writes “the room” side of each issue) to show clearly as part of us showing our work.

No meaning changes anywhere. This is punctuation and rhythm only. Where a dash is genuinely the clearest structure available it stays, and the sentences that keep one will be the ones that earned it.

Correction: 2026-10-11 07:49, ruled by Craig (per his ruling, 2026-10-11 07:29; recounted from the pages as readers saw them on 5 September 2026, with the dash corridor as defined on 29 September 2026)

The list of affected pages was corrected: 463 → 540.

Added 77 pages: Sleep and Hunger, The Satiety System, The Grocery Store, Freezer Check, Sleep Sabotage, Work Environment Scan, Refined Grains, Fat Storage Mode, Cortisol Check, Cooking Requirement, The Vending Machine, The Night Owl Problem, Fiber’s Role, Nightstand Check, The Bag Test, Why Diets Fail, The Permanent Change, The Beverage Inventory, The Invisible Causes, The Plateau Patience, The Biologist, The Nut Jar, The Scientist, The Cheese Plate, The Apprentice, The Candy Drawer, The Warrior, The Cocktail, The Vacation Excuse, The Hotel Breakfast, Economic Choice, The Work Event, The Chip Bag, The Shame Spiral, Calorie Density, The Catered Meeting, The Lunch Delivery, Processing and Nutrition, Body Fat Purpose, The Late Flight, The Partner Sabotage, The Healer, The Food Court, The Essentialist, Cortisol and Fat Storage, Intermittent vs. Continuous, The Conference, The Guide, Exercise and Appetite, The Perfectionist Paralysis, The Super Bowl Party, Insulin and Fat Cells, The Fasting Window, The Impromptu Invitation, Muscle Preservation, The Last-Minute Dinner, The Protein Powder, The Mindful One, The Insulin Index, The Glycemic Index, Nutrient Density, The Treat Cupboard, The Patient One, The Spice Variety, The Fed State, The Purposeful One, The Energized One, The Comfort Order, The Sleep-Eating Connection, The Body’s Memory, The Consistent One, The Fasting Muscle, The Aware One, The Grocery Store Layout, The Label Reading, The Socially Confident, The Dietary Guidelines History.

Details

Defect f008 · registered 5 September 2026 · amended 11 October 2026 · resolved 11 October 2026

Affects 38 daily prompts, 495 companion pages and 7 pages. 540 corrected.

Affected pages last measured 11 October 2026.

Affected companions

The Pantry Test — corrected
Why Fasting Works — corrected
The 3pm Urge — corrected
Sleep and Hunger — corrected
The Non-Snacker — corrected
Counter Scan — corrected
Sugar’s Double Hit — corrected
The Party Plate — corrected
The Plateau Question — corrected
Effortless Eater — corrected

485 more…

Effort Barrier Check — corrected
The Insulin Cycle — corrected
The Late-Night Pull — corrected
The Broken Window — corrected
Kitchen Designer — corrected
Fridge Reality — corrected
Willpower’s Limit — corrected
The Free Food Table — corrected
Stress Inventory — corrected
Morning Identity — corrected
Desk Drawer Audit — corrected
The Satiety System — corrected
The Restaurant Menu — corrected
The Weekend Slide — corrected
Clean Slate — corrected
The Convenience Test — corrected
Ancient Mismatch — corrected
The Grocery Store — corrected
The Recurring Failure — corrected
Ancestor Test — corrected
Freezer Check — corrected
Breaking Resistance — corrected
The Celebration — corrected
Sleep Sabotage — corrected
Natural Rhythm — corrected
The Visible Fruit Test — corrected
The Fasting Fears — corrected
Hunger vs. Habit — corrected
The Exercise Excuse — corrected
The Long View — corrected
Work Environment Scan — corrected
Refined Grains — corrected
The Buffet — corrected
The Afternoon Crash — corrected
Controlled Space — corrected
The Snack Cupboard — corrected
Fat Storage Mode — corrected
The Drink Order — corrected
Cortisol Check — corrected
The Clear Kitchen — corrected
Cooking Requirement — corrected
Traditional Wisdom — corrected
The Vending Machine — corrected
The Night Owl Problem — corrected
Breakfast Optional — corrected
The Hidden Sugar Hunt — corrected
The Body’s Response — corrected
The Social Pressure — corrected
The Food Diary Question — corrected
Feast and Fast — corrected
The Grab Zone — corrected
Fiber’s Role — corrected
The Movie Theater — corrected
The Tired Eating — corrected
Simple Eating — corrected
The Car Food Audit — corrected
Vinegar’s Effect — corrected
The Work Lunch — corrected
The Slow Creep — corrected
Meal Timing Mindset — corrected
Nightstand Check — corrected
Artificial Sweeteners — corrected
The Unexpected Hunger — corrected
The All-or-Nothing Trap — corrected
The Sovereign Kitchen — corrected
The Checkout Lane — corrected
Set Point — corrected
The Potluck — corrected
The Return of the Cravings — corrected
Automatic Eater — corrected
The Office Candy Bowl — corrected
The Problem Foods — corrected
The Airport — corrected
The Stress Eater Question — corrected
The Clear Path — corrected
The Bag Test — corrected
The Mediterranean Secret — corrected
The Second Serving — corrected
The Portion Creep — corrected
Closing the Kitchen — corrected
The Sauce Scan — corrected
Why Diets Fail — corrected
The Trigger Food — corrected
The Weight Regain — corrected
The Permanent Change — corrected
The Beverage Inventory — corrected
The Minnesota Experiment — corrected
The “Just One” — corrected
The Invisible Causes — corrected
The Future Self — corrected
The Bread Basket — corrected
Glycogen Stores — corrected
The Spice Cabinet — corrected
The Boredom Eating — corrected
The Gatekeeper — corrected
The Liquid Calories — corrected
The Family Dinner — corrected
The Yogurt Check — corrected
The Motivation Dip — corrected
The Pragmatist — corrected
Ketone Production — corrected
The Hotel Room — corrected
The Cereal Shelf — corrected
The Emotional Trigger — corrected
The Experimenter — corrected
The Hypothalamus — corrected
The Happy Hour — corrected
The Bread Box — corrected
The Sugar Withdrawal — corrected
The Curator — corrected
The Cafeteria Studies — corrected
The Road Trip — corrected
The Pasta Inventory — corrected
The Scale Obsession — corrected
The Stoic Eater — corrected
Liver Function — corrected
The Dinner Party — corrected
The Ice Cream Test — corrected
The Hunger Confusion — corrected
The Minimalist — corrected
Growth Hormone — corrected
The Leftovers — corrected
The Cookie Jar — corrected
The Plateau Patience — corrected
The Long-Game Player — corrected
The Reward System — corrected
The Birthday Cake — corrected
The Cracker Box — corrected
The Sleep Debt — corrected
The Biologist — corrected
Adrenaline Response — corrected
The Free Sample — corrected
The Granola Bar Stash — corrected
The Social Eating — corrected
The Observer — corrected
Insulin Sensitivity — corrected
The Late Dinner — corrected
The Nut Jar — corrected
The Perfectionism Trap — corrected
The Scientist — corrected
Blood Sugar Stability — corrected
The Appetizer Round — corrected
The Juice Check — corrected
The Comparison Trap — corrected
The Athlete — corrected
The Five Stages — corrected
The Cheese Plate — corrected
The Dried Fruit Bag — corrected
The Information Overload — corrected
The Monk — corrected
Calorie Compensation — corrected
The Dessert Menu — corrected
The Flavored Water Check — corrected
The Quick Fix Mentality — corrected
The Elder — corrected
The Lipostat — corrected
The Comfort Food Moment — corrected
The Protein Bar Box — corrected
The Spouse/Partner Challenge — corrected
The Apprentice — corrected
Metabolic Adaptation — corrected
The Pre-Meal Drink — corrected
The Candy Drawer — corrected
The Accountability Gap — corrected
The Warrior — corrected
The Nonconscious Brain — corrected
The Cocktail — corrected
The Peanut Butter Jar — corrected
The Vacation Excuse — corrected
The Coach — corrected
Food Reward — corrected
The Hotel Breakfast — corrected
The Trail Mix Bag — corrected
The Hormonal Excuse — corrected
The Teacher — corrected
Economic Choice — corrected
The Work Event — corrected
The Smoothie Supplies — corrected
The Self-Sabotage Pattern — corrected
The Architect — corrected
The Brain Stem — corrected
The Networking Event — corrected
The Chip Bag — corrected
The Self-Trust Issue — corrected
The Investor — corrected
Ghrelin — corrected
The Breakfast Meeting — corrected
The Fruit Bowl — corrected
The Shame Spiral — corrected
The Gardener — corrected
Leptin — corrected
The Office Kitchen — corrected
The Alcohol Inventory — corrected
The Binge Recovery — corrected
The Parent — corrected
Palatability — corrected
The Snack Bar — corrected
The Tea Collection — corrected
The Clean Eating Obsession — corrected
The Philosopher — corrected
Calorie Density — corrected
The Catered Meeting — corrected
The Soda Supply — corrected
The Exercise Compensation — corrected
The Sage — corrected
Food Advertising — corrected
The Lunch Delivery — corrected
The Chocolate Stash — corrected
The Mindless Eating — corrected
The Mentor — corrected
Processing and Nutrition — corrected
The Convenience Store — corrected
The Instant Oatmeal Packets — corrected
The Starting Over Trap — corrected
The Naturalist — corrected
Body Fat Purpose — corrected
The Late Flight — corrected
The Yogurt Shelf — corrected
The Partner Sabotage — corrected
The Traditionalist — corrected
Homeostasis — corrected
The Team Lunch — corrected
The Sports Drink Supply — corrected
The Restriction Backlash — corrected
The Healer — corrected
The Thermic Effect — corrected
The Sunday Brunch — corrected
The Cracker Variety — corrected
The Cheat Day Concept — corrected
The Minimalist Eater — corrected
The Reward Pathways — corrected
The Food Court — corrected
The Muffin Check — corrected
The Motivation Roller Coaster — corrected
The Essentialist — corrected
Sleep and Hormones — corrected
The Barbecue — corrected
The Sweetener Packets — corrected
The Emotional Void — corrected
The Realist — corrected
Fructose and the Liver — corrected
The Holiday Season — corrected
The Bread Supply — corrected
The Evening Problem — corrected
The Pragmatist Eater — corrected
Cortisol and Fat Storage — corrected
The Graduation Party — corrected
The Energy Drink Habit — corrected
The Knowledge-Action Gap — corrected
The Intentional Eater — corrected
Visceral Fat — corrected
The Baby Shower — corrected
The Granola Supply — corrected
The Self-Compassion Balance — corrected
The Student — corrected
Intermittent vs. Continuous — corrected
The Conference — corrected
The Condiment Audit — corrected
The Support System Gap — corrected
The Guide — corrected
The Set Point Theory — corrected
The Wedding Reception — corrected
The Flavored Yogurt Check — corrected
The Consistency Problem — corrected
The Witness — corrected
The Hunger Scale — corrected
The Picnic — corrected
The Vitamin Water Check — corrected
The Time Scarcity Excuse — corrected
The Keeper — corrected
Exercise and Appetite — corrected
The Sick Day — corrected
The Children’s Snacks — corrected
The Perfectionist Paralysis — corrected
The Veteran — corrected
Variety and Consumption — corrected
The Super Bowl Party — corrected
The After-Dinner Sweets — corrected
The Elder Self — corrected
Protein Timing — corrected
The Funeral Reception — corrected
The Morning Beverage — corrected
The Rock Bottom Question — corrected
The Phoenix — corrected
The Hunger Waves — corrected
The Last Meal Question — corrected
The Portion Size Audit — corrected
The Core Problem — corrected
The Intentionalist — corrected
The Brain’s Energy Needs — corrected
The Farewell Dinner — corrected
The Backup Meal — corrected
The Fatigue Factor — corrected
The Craftsperson — corrected
Insulin and Fat Cells — corrected
The Retirement Party — corrected
The Cooking Oil Shelf — corrected
The Identity Conflict — corrected
The Sovereign — corrected
The Fasting Window — corrected
The Impromptu Invitation — corrected
The Freezer Meal Stock — corrected
The Blame Game — corrected
The Disciplined One — corrected
Muscle Preservation — corrected
The Rain Check — corrected
The Fruit Juice Box — corrected
The Guilt Spiral — corrected
The Pragmatic Optimist — corrected
The Cortisol Rhythm — corrected
The Last-Minute Dinner — corrected
The Protein Powder — corrected
The Emotional Eating Substitute — corrected
The Mindful One — corrected
Fatty Acid Oxidation — corrected
The Tasting Menu — corrected
The Snack Replacement — corrected
The Expectations Gap — corrected
The Gentle Warrior — corrected
Blood Sugar and Mood — corrected
The Food Gift — corrected
The Secret Stash — corrected
The Yo-Yo Pattern — corrected
The Balanced One — corrected
The Insulin Index — corrected
The Neighborhood Walk — corrected
The Kitchen Timer — corrected
The Overthinking Trap — corrected
The Confident Eater — corrected
Satiety Hormones — corrected
The Working Vacation — corrected
The Baking Supplies — corrected
The External Validation Need — corrected
The Evolved One — corrected
The Glycemic Index — corrected
The Cooking Class — corrected
The Pantry Depth — corrected
The Comfort Zone — corrected
The Transformed One — corrected
Protein and Insulin — corrected
The Office Celebration — corrected
The Refrigerator Door — corrected
The Self-Punishment — corrected
The Free One — corrected
Nutrient Density — corrected
The Menu Preview — corrected
The Water Bottle — corrected
The Self-Deception — corrected
The Honest One — corrected
The Hunger Hormone Cycle — corrected
The Cooking Fatigue — corrected
The Treat Cupboard — corrected
The Progress Photos — corrected
The Patient One — corrected
Autophagy — corrected
The Business Dinner — corrected
The Spice Variety — corrected
The Excuse List — corrected
The Persistent One — corrected
Metabolic Rate — corrected
The Leftover Dilemma — corrected
The Portion Control Tools — corrected
The Relapse Plan — corrected
The Resilient One — corrected
The Fed State — corrected
The Impulse Buy — corrected
The Emergency Food — corrected
The Inflammation Connection — corrected
The Purposeful One — corrected
Fat Adaptation — corrected
The Breakfast Buffet — corrected
The Coffee Station — corrected
The Fear of Missing Out — corrected
The Selective One — corrected
The Insulin Response — corrected
The Food Delivery Apps — corrected
The Night Snack Zone — corrected
The Social Identity Conflict — corrected
The Selective Eater — corrected
Protein Leverage — corrected
The Kids’ Menu — corrected
The Meal Prep Setup — corrected
The Energy Crisis — corrected
The Energized One — corrected
Carbohydrate Tolerance — corrected
The Comfort Order — corrected
The Visual Cues — corrected
The Loneliness Eating — corrected
The Connected One — corrected
The Fasting Stages — corrected
The Sample Plate — corrected
The Kitchen Layout — corrected
The Sleep-Eating Connection — corrected
The Rested One — corrected
Electrolytes and Fasting — corrected
The Appetizer as Meal — corrected
The Water Quality — corrected
The Mindset Block — corrected
The Believer — corrected
The Body’s Memory — corrected
The Special Occasion Trap — corrected
The Produce Drawer — corrected
The Fresh Start Illusion — corrected
The Present One — corrected
The Stress Response — corrected
The Happy Hour Alternative — corrected
The Grocery List — corrected
The Identity Maintenance — corrected
The Consistent One — corrected
The Fasting Muscle — corrected
The Kitchen Purge — corrected
The Processed Food Ratio — corrected
The Deprivation Mindset — corrected
The Abundant One — corrected
Hunger and Circadian Rhythm — corrected
The Work Snack Run — corrected
The Meal Frequency — corrected
The Binge Trigger — corrected
The Aware One — corrected
The Compensation Effect — corrected
The One Bite Rule — corrected
The Kitchen Traffic — corrected
The Metabolic Damage Fear — corrected
The Capable One — corrected
The Thermostat Analogy — corrected
The Compliment Response — corrected
The Visual Appeal — corrected
The Sabotaging Thoughts — corrected
The Thoughtful One — corrected
The Body Weight Equation — corrected
The Grocery Store Layout — corrected
The Self-Talk — corrected
The Kind One — corrected
The Addiction Debate — corrected
The Midnight Fridge — corrected
The Default Meals — corrected
The Hunger Tolerance — corrected
The Tolerant One — corrected
The Gut Microbiome — corrected
The Farewell to Food — corrected
The Environment Reset — corrected
The Rebound Effect — corrected
The Moderate One — corrected
The Obesity Epidemic — corrected
The Decision Already Made — corrected
The Serving Sizes — corrected
The Frustration Point — corrected
The Patient Investor — corrected
The Setpoint Range — corrected
The Food Ritual — corrected
The Negative Self-Talk — corrected
The Compassionate One — corrected
The Industrial Food System — corrected
The Diet Start Date — corrected
The Kitchen Lighting — corrected
The Black and White Thinking — corrected
The Gray Area — corrected
The Sugar Industry — corrected
The Food Mood — corrected
The Social Media Food — corrected
The Hunger Fear — corrected
The Fearless One — corrected
The Processed Food Industry — corrected
The Holiday Gathering — corrected
The Water Access — corrected
The Label Reading — corrected
The Informed One — corrected
The Bliss Point — corrected
The Lunch Packing — corrected
The Impulse Barrier — corrected
The Fatigue Excuse — corrected
The Energetic One — corrected
The Food Matrix — corrected
The Evening Routine — corrected
The Snack Visibility — corrected
The Socially Confident — corrected
The Dietary Guidelines History — corrected
The First Bite — corrected
The Stress Management — corrected
The Stress-Proof One — corrected
The Micronutrients — corrected
The Next Meal — corrected
The Full Audit — corrected
The Pattern Recognition — corrected
The Whole Person — corrected

The 38 prompts are counted here but have no page of their own; they reach readers in the daily email and in each companion's opening line. 7 pages are counted here but not listed.

All known defects