Nutrition Basics
What nutrient is the body’s main source of energy?
Carbohydrates
What year was Canada’s most recent Food Guide released?
2019
What is the term for food passed down through generations, reflecting cultural traditions?
Traditional foods
What does BMI stand for?
Body Mass Index
What does “% Daily Value” on a nutrition label show?
How much of a nutrient is in a serving compared to daily needs.
What is the safest internal cooking temperature for chicken?
74°C (165°F)
What fruit is the most consumed worldwide?
Bananas
Which nutrient builds and repairs body tissues?
Protein
Name the three main food groupings in the 2019 Food Guide plate model.
Vegetables & Fruits, Protein Foods, Whole Grain Foods
Give one example of how religion influences food choices.
Examples include halal, kosher, fasting, or vegetarian practices in Hinduism.
Name one limitation of BMI as a health measure.
Does not measure muscle mass, body fat distribution, or overall health.
If a food is labeled “low sodium,” what does that mean?
140 mg of sodium or less per serving.
What kitchen tool is used to prevent cross-contamination between raw meat and vegetables?
Separate cutting boards
What Canadian city is known for poutine?
Quebec City (or Montreal)
Which vitamin is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight?
Vitamin D
What is the recommended proportion of vegetables & fruits on your plate?
Half the plate (50%)
What does the phrase “food is identity” mean?
Food choices reflect culture, heritage, and personal values.
What is the recommended minimum amount of daily physical activity for teens?
60 minutes/day
What is a health claim you might see on a package?
“High in fibre,” “Good source of calcium,” “May lower cholesterol.”
What cooking method uses water at 100°C?
Boiling
What is the only vitamin your body can make on its own?
Vitamin D
Name the 6 essential nutrients.
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, Water
Why did the 2019 guide reduce the emphasis on dairy as a separate food group?
To focus on plant-based proteins and variety; dairy is included under protein foods.
What do we call a food that is eaten regularly and in large quantities in a culture, often forming the basis of the diet (e.g., rice, bread, maize)?
A Staple Food
Name two long-term health risks linked to poor nutrition.
Obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, some cancers.
What trick do companies use to make sugar content look smaller on labels?
Listing multiple forms of sugar separately (glucose, fructose, cane sugar, etc.).
Why should leftovers be cooled quickly before refrigerating?
To prevent bacteria growth in the “danger zone” (4–60°C)
What spice was once considered more valuable than gold?
Saffron (or black pepper, depending on history context)
What is the difference between a micronutrient and a macronutrient?
Macronutrients are needed in large amounts (carbs, protein, fat, water); micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts (vitamins, minerals).
What is one criticism of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide?
Some argue it is less culturally inclusive, harder to apply in low-income households, or too broad in recommendations.
Explain how globalization has changed local food traditions.
Increased access to global cuisines, fusion foods, processed foods, and shifts away from traditional diets.
What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Mental health is a state of well-being; mental illness is a diagnosed condition affecting mood, behavior, or thinking.
What is “food marketing to youth,” and why is it controversial?
Advertising unhealthy foods to children (e.g., sugary cereals) influences eating habits and health outcomes.
What does the Maillard reaction do to food?
Creates browning and complex flavors when proteins and sugars react with heat.
What food never spoils if stored properly?
Honey