Dare to take this diet quiz

From higher energy levels, to decreased illness, and  healthier weight, there are numerous reasons to evaluate what you eat. Take this quiz to see where you stand with regard to your eating habits and let the results reveal your truth.

1. My usual breakfast is:
   • a. Oatmeal or high-fibre cereal with low-fat milk and some fruit.
   • b. Sausage or bacon, an egg, and a muffin.
   • c. A cup of coffee and maybe a slice of white toast.
2. My favourite fruits:
   • a. Change with the seasons: I love berries, peaches, watermelon, apples, mangoes and more!
   • b. Are the occasional apple, orange or banana.
   • c. Are the cherries in chocolate-cherry ice cream.
3. On a typical day, I eat this many vegetables:
   • a. Loads — a salad with lunch, several at dinner, and even a snack.
   • b. Two — a salad or side dish with dinner and some lettuce or tomatoes at lunch.
   • c. One — assuming french fries count.
4. Whole grains are a _________ part of meals in my house:
   • a. Big.
   • b. Small.
   • c. Nonexistent. I prefer the white bread, white rice and white noodles.
5. My beverage of choice is: 
   • a. Water.
   • b. Coffee or hot tea.
   • c. Soda, fruit punch or bottled tea.
6. When I eat chicken, I:
   • a. Usually have it sliced without skin.
   • b. Have it grilled, with the bone and skin.
   • c. Have it battered and fried.
7. My regimen for supplements is:
   • a. Consistent — I take a multivitamin every day.
   • b. Inconsistent — Once in a while, I might take one.
   • c. Nonexistent.
8. When it comes to dairy foods, I:
   • a. Make sure I have several low-fat servings a day.
   • b. Have an occasional container of yogurt, cup of milk or piece of cheese.
   • c. Add milk to my coffee.
9. When I grocery shop, my cart is mostly filled with:
   • a. Unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, orange juice and raw meat.
   • b. A mix of fresh foods, packaged foods and frozen meals.
   • c. Boxes, cans, jars and precooked meals.
10. My typical dinner is:
    • a. Slow and social. I eat with my family, relatives or friends.
    • b. Quiet. I often watch TV while dining.
    • c. Expedient. I just grab whatever's at hand.
11. If I were hungry at 3 p.m., I probably would:
    • a. Have a piece of fruit or a fistful of nuts.
    • b. Tell myself that dinner is just a few hours away.
    • c. Have a candy bar, cookie, bag of chips or scoop of ice cream.

If you circled mostly (a.)

Your meals — and your way of eating — are in line with the age-defying traditions of long-lived, healthy people in places like Crete and Okinawa.

Take this challenge

• You can take your nutrition-packed good habits to new heights by
• Trying new fruits and vegetables
• Adding more types of whole grains to your cooking repertoire
• Snacking on good fat–rich nuts, and savouring mealtimes even more.

If you circled mostly (b.)

You're modestly healthy, but you're not doing much to prevent disease or add healthy years to your life.

• Your diet's too low in fruits, veggies, whole grains and bone-building calcium.
• And it's also too high in sugars, refined carbs and artery-clogging fats.
• As a result, you may be feeling tired and moody, and have digestive problems.

If you circled mostly (c.)

Not only have you put yourself at greater risk for many serious diseases, but you are eating in a way that saps you of energy, reduces brainpower, and makes you susceptible to colds, flu, and other everyday challenges.

Start by making these small changes:

• Add a multivitamin and calcium supplements to your daily routine
• Substitute fruit for sweets
• Start meals with a salad.

When you head to the store, avoid the center isles and this will help you avoid those processed food options that negatively impact your quiz score.