1) Your motto is, “Why cook when I can order take out? The value meal will save me money and time and keep me full.”

2) You never seem to be happy with the way you look even when you look good.

3) You rationalize that if you eat out of the box, the calories don’t count.

4) Breads, pastas, and sweets make you feel happy.

5) You never met a meat you did not like. You always feel better when you eat meat with every meal.

6) With your busy days and constant meetings, you forget to eat lunch.

7) You’re proud to wear shorts and a tank top and the idea of wearing a swimsuit does not make you panic.

8) You order the single burger without the sauce so that you can get the large fries – and you order the diet soda too.

9) You’ll try any diet in order to fit into your skinny jeans again.  Coffee and tea become your meal replacements.

10) You prefer to eat frequent little snacks than sit down to a full meal.

11) Your favorite foods tend to be white, sweet and fluffy.

12) You have to make an effort to find room on your plate for veggies.

13) Your car is a one-stop convenience store, where snacks are always available.

14) You rarely overeat, nor do you deprive yourself.  You like to snack on veggie and fruit trays.

For each statement, place your score in the corresponding box.

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Now add rows A and B.  The highest score represents your Food Quotient.  See the profile descriptions on the next page.

Take Out Wizard

You live for take out foods and know all the good places to feed those cravings. You avoid the healthy items on the menu. You’re a sucker for the Value meal – always looking for the most food for the dollar.  “Why cook when you can eat out?” is your motto.

Best bet is to avoid the fried, battered, dipped, creamy sauces.  Opt for grilled, lean cuts and steamed veggies with low fat sauces – preferably on the side. Watch the extra toppings.  Drink tea and water.

Deprivation Diva

You think, “If I don’t eat, I’ll get skinny.”  Wrong! You tend to let your emotions control your eating.  You care more about looking good than feeling good and will endure great sacrifice to look skinny at your High School reunion. You often feel hungry and lethargic but it’s worth it to fit in your skinny jeans. You survive the hunger pangs through frequent coffee and tea stops. Sadly, you look in the mirror and see yourself as fat.

Skipping meals results in low energy and any weight loss is due to a decrease in water and muscle, not fat.  Fat carries 4 Vitamins:  A, D, E, and K and low levels can cause poor hair and skin.  Best bet is to eat small meals throughout the day and be sure to add lean protein and fiber.

The Prowler

You are always on the prowl for snacks especially when you are bored or stressed. You take comfort in food.  You love happy hours, parties and buffets that you can graze to your delight. You think that if the food is free the calories don’t count. After all, you skipped meals so that you can snack more because snacks don’t seem to carry the caloric punch of meals.  The box says “low fat” — so you eat extra.  You have a habit of eating out of boxes in the pantry so that you really do not have to think about the calories. You also eat very fast then reach for the Tums.

Best bet is to eat when you’re hungry and not bored or stressed.  Have healthy snacks on hand so that you can make better choices:  air popped popcorn, fresh fruit, low fat yogurt, nuts, veggies, hummus, whole grain crackers, peanut butter, sorbet, graham crackers.

Carb King/Queen

You never met a carb you didn’t like! You crave bread, pasta, and sweets – and you rarely refuse that second round of drinks.  Carbs are confusing as there are “good,” “bad,”  “simple,” “complex,” “refined,” “unrefined” – and to really mess you up, there are also “net carbs.” You just know that sugary cereals and bread sticks make you happy.  You’re not much of a meat eater and prefer vegetarian items.

Remember that the more colors you eat the more vitamins you get! Best bet is complex carbs that break down slower and will not zap your energy so fast. Get these from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are high in fiber. Skip the processed foods and limit high sugar treats.

Caveman

You are a meat-loving machine and are always on the hunt for a protein high.  Your favorite season is barbeque season.  You are the King of the Grill! Your side dish is the #3 Meat Special.  Veggies?  Maybe you’ll save a tiny corner of your plate for them.

Compliment meals with whole foods that can give you more vitamins and minerals. Find some grains, fruits and vegetables that you like – your brain needs the carbs. Choose lean cuts of meat that you can grill or broil.

On the Go

You’re running constantly to meetings, soccer practice, errands, and events.  The trouble is, your only exercise is pressing on the accelerator.  Who has time to eat healthy?  For that matter, who has time to eat?

Best bet is to prepare ahead for meals and snacks. Keep healthy foods in your office and car that will hold you over and help you avoid the fast food drive throughs.  Cook meals in bulk ahead of time that you can easily warm up when you land.

All American

You are the envy of the neighborhood with your great body and perfect eating habits. You look terrific in spandex because of your healthy lifestyle. You have mastered the habit of balance and moderation.

Share your healthy eating tips and recipes with others and encourage them to give your habits a try. Remember:  It’s okay to splurge every now and then – enjoy that slice of birthday cake.