Americans typically either eat too little or too much. Now, there could be many reasons why someone has a bad relationship with food. Depression, toxic diet culture, and poor eating habits may explain why we turn to food for comfort. Whether you’re leading a healthy lifestyle or eat the occasional Big Mac, we all use food to avoid uncomfortable feelings sometimes. But the average American may be taking things too far. Did you know what half of what the U.S. population eats is processed food? A study by the Mayo Clinic revealed that less than 3% of Americans actually lead a basic “healthy lifestyle.” But what about yourself? Are you healthier than the average person? Take this quiz and find out.
In general, how would you rate your health?
- Pretty bad
- Incredible
- It’s okay
If you rate your health as incredible then you probably eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re not hungry anymore. But even then, you only eat foods full of nutrients and vitamins. And you also exercise regularly so you’re not winded up when you go up a flight of stairs.
Which one of the following would best describe your mood?
- Worn out
- Happy
- Overwhelmed
Although people can’t be happy all the time, a healthy person is usually always focused on staying on the positive side of life. This leads to a longer and happier life and can even reduce the risk of developing health ailments such as heart problems as well as avoiding a cold or the flu.
Do you like to go jogging?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
Jogging on a regular basis not only helps with weight loss but also boosts the immune system, improves heart health, reduces insulin resistance, and aids in dealing with depression and stress.
Which food group should have the most servings on a person’s plate?
- Proteins
- Fats
- Vegetables
Vegetables have the power to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart disease. It is also said to reduce digestive problems, regulate blood sugar level and prevent certain types of cancers. Now, if you're dealing with health conditions like PCOS or hypothyroidism, you may want to incorporate more protein (like Greek yogurt) into your diet. But generally speaking, vegetables are just what the doctor ordered.
How sociable are you?
- I rarely socialize
- Once or twice a week
- I socialize all the time
Seeing a friend or group of friends once or twice a week is perfectly okay. It not only decreases loneliness but it provides you with a sense of connection and happiness. On the other hand, it’s important to socialize with people who actually have a positive effect on your mood.
Which of the following phrases best describes you?
- Gym rat
- Health nut
- Couch potato
The key to being healthier than the average American is to be a total health nuts. This often means cutting out dairy, some meats and pretty much anything kind of food that’s processed. Drinking lots of water and exercising regularly is also a big deal.
What do you have the most of in your refrigerator?
- Fruits and vegetables
- Soda
- Meat
Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamin c, potassium, folate, and vitamins. They also contain fiber which regulate a healthy gut and reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
How often do you diet?
- All the time
- After the holidays
- Not often
Most people diet to shed a few pounds when they’ve gone above the weight they’re comfortable with. But on average, when people restrict themselves from eating certain foods, they end up succumbing to their cravings when they realize this lifestyle is unsustainable. There’s nothing wrong with eating food you actually enjoy as long as it’s done in moderation.
How often do you meditate?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
Meditation isn’t for everyone, but those that do find the time to practice focused concentration will find that they are able to reduce anxiety, depression as well as illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic pain.
Your job is one of the following:
- A retail job where I stand a lot
- A desk job where I sit most of the day
- I vary between standing and sitting
If you have a job that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing every hour or so, then you’re in luck. Standing all day can cause the legs and feet to hurt. On the other hand, sitting too long can lead to cardiovascular problems. But if you must sit all day, consider switch the office chair for an exercise ball.
Do you floss?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
According to the American Dental Association, one should floss on a daily basis to remove plaque and food build-up between the teeth. This will not only prevent gingivitis, but it can also reduce the risk of other health ailments like heart disease resulting from poor oral hygiene.
How often do you spend time outdoors?
- I spend time outside on the weekends
- As often as I can
- I prefer staying indoors
While most people’s schedules vary, it’s important to try to spend as much time outdoors as possible because it boosts the immune system, enhances creativity, boost energy levels and exposes the human body to sunlight which helps decrease pain.
Do you own pets?
- I don't want one
- No
- Yes
Owning a pet can increase the odds of exercising such as taking them on a regular walk or playing with them in the backyard. This can result in lower triglyceride, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Pets also provide companionship which can ease feelings of loneliness and depression.
Do you experience insomnia?
- Yes
- No
- Now and then
Insomnia is caused by depression, anxiety, poor sleeping patterns, irregular sleep schedule, stress, and a plethora of physical ailments. In some cases, medications and neurological problems can play a role, too. But without a healthy sleeping cycle, you'll struggle to be fully functional and healthy.
How often do you eat fried food?
- At least twice a week
- Once a month
- Rarely
Fried food absorbs the fat from the oil making it higher in calories, which not only leads to weight gain, but also increases cholesterol levels and raises blood pressure, which can result in heart problems.
What’s the biggest and most important meal of the day?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Despite the old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, one should really focus more on a lunch meal that is healthy and full of nutrients as this is the food that will provide the energy to carry on for the rest of the day.
How often do you drink coffee?
- 1-2 cups a day
- I’m a coffee addict
- Never
Drinking coffee in moderation isn’t bad at all. In fact, drinking 1-2 cups a day may actually help prevent ailments like heart failure, which is when a heart is so weak that it makes it difficult to pump blood throughout the body.
Is mental health equally as important as physical health?
- Yes
- No
- It depends
Mental problems, particularly things like stress and depression can increase the risk of physical health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Therefore, mental and physical health are equally important.
Do you go to your doctor for a yearly physical?
- Yes
- No
- I always forget
Getting a yearly physical ensures that you’re okay. It also allows doctors to spot potential health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer before they become a serious threat to your overall health.
How often do you make a homecooked meal?
- All the time
- 3-4 times a week
- Never
Homecooked meals are so much better because the ingredients used are fresher and one has more control over how much salt or sugar to add to the mix. So, by eating meals that are homemade and wholesome, one can stabilize their weight and live healthier.
Do you use sunscreen when you go outside?
- Sometimes
- No
- Yes
Sunscreen should be applied all the time regardless of whether the day outside is warm and sunny or of it is overcast outside. This is because UV rays can damage the skin regardless of whether it’s summertime, cloudy or cool.
How many hours of sleep do you get each night?
- 3-4 hours
- 5-6 hours
- 8 hours
According to research, a person should sleep a minimum of 7 to 8 hours. Those who sleep less may feel like this is an indication that they are stronger and younger, but it’s actually a warning sign that there’s something wrong with their health.
How often do you read the ingredient list on a product before buying it?
- Always
- Sometimes
- Never
It’s okay to read the ingredient list on a product to better understand how much added sugar, added salt or saturated fat there is. On the other hand, there’s no such thing as a perfect product unless it’s grown naturally, so don’t skip out on something you really like just because it’s not healthy.
How often do you feel stressed?
- It comes and goes
- All the time
- Not at all
Bad stress resulting from problems at work or problems at home can be bad for the body and even lower the immune system. However, there is such a thing as good stress, such as when our pulse quickens as a result of a competition, going on a date, or riding a roller coaster.
Do you take any prescription medicine?
- No
- Yes
- Sometimes
Although there are circumstances in which one can’t avoid taking prescription medicine either temporarily or on a regular basis to manage a health condition, a healthy person would not require any.
What is your opinion on veganism?
- It’s the only way to go
- It’s a choice
- It’s unhealthy
Like vegetarians, some people may choose to go vegan for health reasons while others do so because they don’t believe in slaughtering animals to get a decent meal. Either way, it’s an individual’s choice.
How strongly do you agree with the saying: “You are what you eat?"
- No
- Yes
- It depends
This expression often implies that whatever people put in their bodies could eventually affect their health. So, eating healthy foods promotes good health, whereas eating junk food and lead to decreased energy levels and health ailments.
When was the last time you got sick?
- Last year
- Last month
- I haven’t been sick in a long time
If you can’t remember the last time you were sick, there’s a good chance you’ve been doing everything you’re supposed to be doing such as exercising regularly, eating clean, organic foods, and keeping the stress level down to a minimum.
How often do you work out?
- 1-2 days a week
- 3-5 days a week
- Never
Working out 3 to 5 days a week doesn’t just improve strength and cardiovascular fitness, but also mental health. By working out regularly, one is able to burn off stress and tension caused by everyday problems, thereby improving one’s mental health.
Do you use the microwave to heat up your food?
- Yes
- No
- Occasionally
Unless you’re a vegetarian or vegan, there are some good reasons why meat and poultry should be part of your balanced diet. This includes the fact that they are rich in iron and protein and are great for muscle strength, bone strength, heart health and brain function as long as they are eaten in moderation.
Do you consume meat products?
- Yes
- No
- Occasionally
Unless you’re a vegetarian or vegan, there are some good reasons why meat and poultry should be part of your balanced diet. This includes the fact that they are rich in iron and protein and are great for muscle strength, bone strength, heart health and brain function as long as they are eaten in moderation.
Do you buy organic meats and produce on a regular basis?
- Yes
- No
- I don’t care
Organic meats and produce retain their natural vitamin levels versus products that have chemicals in them or have been modified by genetic means. This also ensures that produce will taste better because the soil used to grow them was clean as opposed to those filled with chemicals that sap the minerals and vitamins away.
What’s the first drink you reach for when you’re thirsty?
- Soda
- Tea
- Water
Although drinks like a soda or a beer is everyone’s favorite drink, one needs to opt for a water bottle when they’re thirsty. Drinking water allows the body to maintain the balance of body fluids needed in digestion, circulation, body temperature regulation, and the transportation of nutrients.
What is the first thing you do when you get a fever and a runny nose?
- Grab some over the counter cold medicine
- Ignore the symptoms
- Drink lots of fluids
There’s no sense in suffering through a cold or the flu. So, check the medicine cabinet for some cold and flu medicine or go to the pharmacy to buy some.
How often do you drink a glass of milk?
- Every day
- Never
- Sometimes
Drinking a glass of milk sometimes is good for the body as it is not only a stress buster, but is also rich in protein and helps fight off multiple diseases, including obesity.
How many alcoholic drinks do you consume in a week?
- I lost count
- I don’t drink
- 1 to 2 drinks
Although not drinking would be a safer option, consuming 1 to 2 alcoholic beverages a week is totally fine, especially at a social gathering. But anything more than that can lead to excess weight, beathing difficulties, drowsiness and slurred speech.
Do you smoke?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
The correct answer should always be no. Smoking not only damages the lungs, but it can put people at risk of developing severe respiratory conditions such as emphysema or worse, cancer.
When was the last time you ate fast food?
- Several weeks ago
- Yesterday
- Today
The correct answer should be several weeks ago. Fast food isn’t something people should be eating on a regular basis as this can lead to obesity that can result in more complicated health problems like diabetes, heart attack or stroke.
How often do your muscles ache?
- Never
- Often
- Sometimes
Healthy people often experience no muscle aches because they consume an abundant amount of potassium and magnesium either through healthy eating or through vitamin supplements.
How often do you get dizzy throughout the day?
- Often
- Sometimes
- Never
While dizziness may be a symptom of pregnancy in women, this condition can also be a sign of other health ailments such as lack of nutrition, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, or diabetes. A healthy person shouldn’t be experiencing these symptoms unless there’s something wrong.
How many push-ups are you able to do in a minute?
- 1-10
- 11-20
- More than 20
It’s not necessary to do hundreds of push-ups to be fit, especially as one gets older. But you should be able to get in at least a couple of push-ups in. Of course, the more you do, the better you will feel.
Can you hold a plank position for about a minute or more?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
Planking is basically like doing a push-up without actually going down. It might not seem hard, but it can be, especially when someone is out of shape. But a healthy person should have no issues holding their weight for a minute.
Do you walk a lot every day?
- No
- Not sure
- Yes
A healthy person should be able to take the recommended 10,000 steps a day. If you’re not sure, then you should invest in a step counter to see how many steps you are taking per day. If it’s under 10,000, then it’s time to start taking more walks in the park.
Are you able to touch your toes?
- No
- Yes
- I try
A healthy person should have enough flexibility that they are able to touch their toes. A heavy gut should not be getting in the way of one reaching all the way down. If you aren’t able to do this, then it’s not too late to start trying every day.
Are you able to balance on one foot for more than 10 seconds?
- I never tried
- Maybe
- Yes
It takes practice. Most people won’t even get it their first time trying but it’s worth doing. Not only does it force you to concentrate, but it also strengthens your core and leg muscles as you try to stay balanced.
How often do you lift weights?
- Sometimes
- All the time
- Never
Lifting weights is a great way to get toned sexy arms and legs. But it’s not necessary to lift super heavy weights. Even small 2 pound weights can work wonders if you stay consistent, use proper form, and create muscle confusion.
Which type of fat do you often use while cooking?
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
Aside from the fact that olive oil has a lower smoke point, it’s considered one of the healthiest oils to use when cooking. And best of all, it can also be used as a salad dressing and even as a nourishing hair mask when used topically on your hair.
Do you take vitamins?
- Sometimes
- No
- Yes
There’s no substitute for getting vitamins the natural way such as eating fruits and vegetables. But we don’t always have time to eat healthy or regularly, so that’s why vitamin supplements are so useful.
What do you put in your coffee?
- Milk and sugar
- Sugar
- Milk
Adding a little milk to your coffee is the way to because milk is nutritious and full of vitamins. Avoid adding sugar to your coffee because it can increase your calorie intake and increase weight over time.
Do you add a lot of salt to your meals?
- Never
- Yes
- Sometimes
Although too much salt is bad for you, it’s okay to taste the food first and then add extra salt if necessary. It’s certainly a better approach than adding too much salt without tasting. But if you do, you can dilute the saltiness with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
You are:
4/50
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