Did You Know...

That broccoli and spinach are rich in vitamin B6 which helps to lessen the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?

That the American Cancer Society recommends that we eat at least 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetable every day? Eighty percent of Americans get less than half of this amount.

Test Your Nutrition IQ : How Healthful is Your Diet?

Many experts believe that America's love affair with refined foods is a major reason why we have the highest rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The average American diet, heavy on convenience foods, is often inadequate in nutrients which show promise of fighting off chronic illnesses. Take the following quiz to see how your diet stacks up:

1. What do you eat typically for a snack?
a. fruits, vegetables, whole grains
b. candy bars, cookies, chips
c. I seldom eat between meals

2. How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you eat in an average day?
a. seven or more
b. three to five
c. less than three

3. How many vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes do you eat every day?
a. Two or more
b. One
c. Fewer than one each day

4. How many servings of dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cantalope, or sweet potatoes do you eat a day?
a. Two or more
b. One
c. Fewer than one a day

5. Which of the following represents your typical breakfast meal?
a. Cereal or toast, fresh fruit, milk or yogurt
b. Eggs, bacon, toast, coffee
c. I don't usually eat breakfast

6. Which of the following represents your typical lunch or dinner meal?
a. Fish or chicken, rice, tossed salad, roll, low fat milk
b. Roast beef with gravy, whipped potatoes, peas, roll, low fat milk
c. Hamburger, french fries, diet soda

7. What do you typically eat for dessert?
a. If I eat dessert at all, it's usually fresh fruit
b. Non-fat yogurt, fruit ice,or oatmeal cookies
c. Pie, cake, or candy

How Did you Score?:
Give yourself 2 points for every a answer
Give yourself 1 point for every b answer
Give yourself 0 points for every c answer

If you scored:

11-14 points:
Congratulations! You are eating a healthful diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and disease fighting phytochemicals.
7-10 points:
Your diet is average! You may want to boost your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean servings of protein. Watch your snack habits!
0-6 points:
Your diet needs a makeover! Eat regular meals, snack of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and watch your consumption of sugary, fatty foods.