Nutrition Smarts

How smart are you when it comes to nutrition?? 

Here is a little quiz to test your nutrition IQ by Cynthia Sass. 

Some things may surprise you!

1. Myth or Fact? Researchers have found that watermelon can have a Viagra-like effect.
2. Myth or Fact? The hottest new eco-friendly high protein food: Insects.
3. Myth or Fact? Thinking about what you ate for lunch may make you hungrier in the afternoon.
4. Myth or Fact? A 16-ounce “green juice” can contain more calories than you’d burn in a 30-minute elliptical workout.
5. Myth or Fact? One medium red bell pepper packs more vitamin C than a medium navel orange.
6. Myth or Fact? Five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of regular beer, and a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits all contain about the same amount of alcohol.
7. Myth or Fact? Upbeat music and bright lighting can help you naturally eat less.


Answers:
1. Researchers have found that watermelon can have a Viagra-like effect – FACT.
Watermelon contains a natural substance that relaxes blood vessels. This increases blood flow to “certain parts” of the body, thus acting as a natural form of Viagra. If you want to test the effect, be sure to bite into the white part at least a little bit – higher concentrations of the circulation booster are found in the rind.
2. The hottest new eco-friendly high protein food: Insects – FACT.
The production of bugs for food requires fewer resources (food, water, land), and generates less greenhouse gases. Because of the reasons, and the fact that insects like grasshoppers and caterpillars are rich sources of lean protein, they may become a mainstay at your local market (as they are in many other parts of the world) Cricket protein bar anyone?.
3. Thinking about what you ate for lunch may make you hungrier in the afternoon – MYTH.
The opposite is actually true based on a recent study. So if you have a case of the afternoon munchies, stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and reflect back on the flavors, aromas and textures of your lunch meal. It may help you combat a craving, or at least eat less.
4. A 16-ounce “green juice” can contain more calories than you’d burn in a 30-minute elliptical workout – FACT
A 16-ounce “green juice” made with veggies and fruit can pack 280 calories, 35 more than you’ll burn in a 30-minute elliptical workout. To prevent “eating back” what you’ve burned, stick with green drinks made from veggies (or with just a touch of fruit added). Or eat your greens instead – solid foods are more filling, and research shows that chewing boosts satiety.
5. One medium red bell pepper packs more vitamin C than a medium navel orange – FACT.
The pepper packs 152 mg of vitamin C, nearly twice as much as the orange. In addition to supporting immunity, Arizona State University research found that a higher blood vitamin C levels are tied to increased fat burning, both at rest and during exercise.
6. Five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of regular beer, and a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits all contain about the same amount of alcohol – FACT.
Each of these drinks will raise your blood alcohol concentration by about the same amount, but slowing your pace can help you avoid over-imbibing. To stay in balance, choose adult beverages you can sip versus gulp, finish a full glass of water with each drink, and avoid sugar mixers. A 100-calorie shot of rum or tequila can quickly turn into a 500-calorie pina colada or margarita.
7. Upbeat music and bright lighting can help you naturally eat less – MYTH.
Soft lighting and music actually do the trick. According to a recent study, these conditions triggered restaurant diners to eat 18% less, and they rated their meals as more enjoyable.
 

Cynthia Sass is a registered dietitian with master’s degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV, she’s Health’s contributing nutrition editor, and privately counsels clients in New York, Los Angeles, and long distance. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the New York Rangers NHL team and the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Her latest New York Times best seller is S.A.S.S! Yourself Slim: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches. 

XO-

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