You Sure About That?
Metabolism Meets Modern Life: A Quiz on Food, Genes, and Survival
If you're like me and find yourself thinking "Wait, wait, don't tell me!" during trivia, keep an eye out for this emoji: 🤔. It’s your cue that the answer is just below. So scroll slowly—when you see that thinking face, the reveal is right underneath.
1. What shift has most influenced our eating habits and weight gain since the 1950s?
A) People became lazier
B) Gym memberships exploded
C) Ultra-processed foods and desk jobs took over
D) We started cooking too much
🤔
Answer: C
Explanation: It’s not about willpower—it’s the food options we are offered. (Source: “Convenience or Catastrophe?”)
2. According to the MAHA Report, what are two major drivers of poor health in kids today?
A) Too much screen time and sunscreen
B) Over-medicalization and poor diet
C) Germs and genetics
D) Too many vitamins and minerals
🤔
Answer: B
Explanation: According to the MAHA report, we’re eating like crap, and pills are overused. (Source: “MAHA Report”)
3. What changed around 1980 that sparked a sharp rise in obesity?
A) Everyone stopped walking
B) The food environment shifted dramatically
C) Social media took off
D) The weather got hotter
🤔
Answer: B
Explanation: Fast food boomed. Portions ballooned. Physical activity tanked. Our genetics didn’t change—our environment did. (Source: “MAHA Report”)
4. How did food companies shape our eating habits post-1980?
A) They put kale in everything
B) They added more fiber
C) They engineered hyperpalatable foods
D) They banned trans fats
🤔
Answer: C
Explanation: Salt. Sugar. Fat. Repeat. These “can’t stop, won’t stop” combos are designed to keep you coming back for more. In this case, it’s not you, it’s them. (Source: “MAHA Report”)
5. What metaphor helps explain epigenetics?
A) A record player
B) A cookbook with red pen notes
C) A locked safe
D) A musical score
🤔
Answer: B
Explanation: DNA is the cookbook. Epigenetics is someone scribbling “double the butter” or “skip this one” in red pen. The edits determine which genes get turned on, off, or dialed up or down. (Source: “Cigarettes and Fish”)
6. What did Picasso’s Mediterranean-ish diet include?
A) Protein shakes, beef tallow, and creatine
B) Raw vegan smoothies
C) Olive oil, fish, vegetables, wine
D) Kale and kombucha
🤔
Answer: C
Explanation: He lived long, painted late, and dined like a southern European—with good fats, simple meals, and a splash of wine. But most importantly, no fad diets, just a Mediterranean lifestyle. (Source: “Cigarettes and Fish”)
7. How does everyday movement affect metabolic health?
A) It doesn’t—only sweat counts
B) Only cardio matters
C) NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is essential
D) Strength training is the only real option
🤔
Answer: C
Explanation: Walking, cleaning, fidgeting—it all burns energy. That is what NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is. The gym helps, but so does not sitting all day. It’s important to move your body. (Source: “Lose Weight, Stay Strong”)
8. What’s Lourdes’ take on nutrition advice and perfection?
A) Eat whatever—you only live once
B) You don’t have to live perfectly to live long
C) Forget the planet, focus on macros
D) Only organic food is safe
🤔
Answer: B
Explanation: You can do everything “right” and still struggle. Genes matter, but so does lifestyle. The key is tailoring your habits—not chasing a fantasy version of someone else’s “healthy.” (Source: “Cigarettes and Fish”)
So, how did you do?
🤩 Whoa! (8-7 correct)
You’re basically a PhD in nutrition.
Top of the class. No notes.
😐 Meh (6-5 correct)
You know just enough to be dangerous.
A few things stuck, but you might be mixing up dietary with diuretic.
😬 Ugh (0–4 correct)
You’re slacking.
Did you eat breakfast today? Maybe try again after a snack.
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Carbohydrates