How much do you know about nutrition? - eating habits, recommended dietary elements - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), July, 1997

You may think you know how healthy your eating habits are, but do you? To find out, take this quiz prepared by the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Ill. You may be surprised at the results.

1. A poor eating style has been linked to eight of the 10 leading diseases in the U.S.

[] True

[] False

2. The major source of energy should be:

[] A. protein

[] B. fat

[] C. carbohydrates

[] D. vitamins and minerals

3. According to the Food Guide Pyramid, from which food group should you eat the most servings each day?:

[] A. grains, such as bread, pasta, and rice

[] B. fruit

[] C. meat, poultry, fish, dry beans

[] D. dairy such as milk, yogurt, and cheese

[] E. vegetables

4. Which of these foods are rich in carbohydrates?:

[] A. bread and corn

[] B. apples and grapes

[] C. split peas and crackers

[] D. potatoes and rice

[] E. all of the above

5. Eating a variety of foods is important because:

[] A. you're bound to eat something that's good for you eventually

[] B. that's the best way to obtain essential nutrients

[] C. it's the law

6. The most important thing to look for on the food label is:

[] A. calories

[] B. fat

[] C. cholesterol

[] D. fiber

[] E. it depends

7. According to the Food Guide Pyramid, a serving of meat is approximately the size of:

[] A. a deck of cards

[] B. a paperback book

[] C. matchbox

[] D. softball

8. In order to eat healthfully, you must avoid:

[] A. movie popcorn

[] B. deli sandwiches

[] C. Chinese food

[] D. Italian food

[] E. all of the above

[] F. none of the above

9. Vitamins are a good source of energy.

[] True

[] False

10. A high-protein diet does not promote larger, stronger muscles.

[] True

[] False

ANSWERS

1. True. Nutrition is a contributing factor to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers.

2. C. Carbohydrates are the best energy fuel for the body and can be found in grain products such as whole grain bread, pasta, cereal, and rice, as well as vegetables and fruit.

3. A. The Food Guide Pyramid recommends six to 11 servings a day of grains: three to five of vegetables; two to four of fruits; two to three of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts; and two to three of dairy products.

4. E. Apples and grapes, like other fruits, contain mostly water and simple carbohydrates. Fruits, vegetables, and grains all contribute to meeting total carbohydrate recommendations.

5. B. Eating a variety of foods from the five food groups is a good -- and enjoyable -- way to get the 40 or so essential nutrients everyone needs.

6. E. Individuals have different nutritional goals. Women, for example, need to make sure they get enough calcium in their food choices. Dieters must control calories. Everyone needs to monitor fat and cholesterol, and many people need to increase fiber intake.

7. A. Two to three ounces of cooked lean ground beef constitutes one serving.

8. F. Any food choice can fit into a healthful eating style if consumed in moderation along with a balanced variety of other foods.

9. False. Vitamins are not a source of energy. They help convert food into energy.

10. True. There is no evidence that extra protein in the form of food or amino acid supplements will lead to larger, stronger muscles. Only exercise stimulates muscle growth. Excess protein is stored by the body as fat, and very high protein diets can cause dehydration and/or kidney or liver disorders.