SR2e UppInt U7Test
SR2e UppInt U7Test
SR2e UppInt U7Test
Thriving on Mini-Meals
The United States has the highest percentage of overweight people on the planet. The
statistics are staggering. It is estimated that over 60 percent of adults in the U.S. are
overweight, and of those, nearly half can be considered obese. Eating disorders are
common in a country where the average intake of calories is reaching 4,000 per day.
In an attempt to lose weight, many Americans try all sorts of extreme diet plans, only
to end up banging their heads against the wall. The majority of people, who start on
extreme diets, normally give up after only a short time. Of those that actually stick
with the program and lose some weight, most gain it back within a couple of months.
So how can Americans fight the battle against obesity? One group of experts suggests
that by simply eating six small meals every day, anyone can lose weight, have fewer
cravings 1 and successfully maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The idea is simple: A person eats six small meals a day, instead of the traditional three
large meals a day. By eating six small meals throughout the day, a person does not
experience bouts of extreme hunger. This prevents our natural cravings for sugar and
carbohydrates. The six mini-meals maintain the body's blood sugar level, which also
prevents food cravings.
How Big Are the Meals?
First off, each meal should consist of healthy, low-fat food items. There are several
ways to determine how much food you should eat in a day. You can decide a daily
calorie intake goal and then divide that by six. However, some people find that
counting calories is one of the main reasons they cannot stick to more conventional
diet programs. Instead, they focus on keeping the mini-meals small, balanced, and
low fat. A general rule-of-thumb is that each meal should have one portion each of
protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, and that each portion should be no larger than
your own fist.
Eat a Balanced Diet
As mentioned, it is important to remember to keep each meal balanced. To some
people, eating mini-meals can feel like eating six snacks a day. It is important that you
do not think of the mini-meals as snacks. They should be thought of as small meals.
Pay attention to what you eat, so that you can make sure to eat a balanced diet that
contains foods from all of the food groups. Try to choose low-fat items from each of
the food groups and you won’t go wrong.
Enjoy Eating
Eating the mini-meals does not mean that you cannot eat most of your favorite foods.
You can and should eat your favorite meals, just in smaller amounts. Of course, there
are some foods that are best to avoid, and you may find that some alternatives are
even tastier.
Getting Results
1
cravings strong desire to eat
Select Readings, Second Edition Upper‐Intermediate Chapter 7 Test 1
©Oxford University Press. Permission granted to reproduce for instructional use.
Of the thousands of people who have made the switch to mini-meals, the results seem
to be extremely positive. The majority of people have lost weight, kept the weight off,
and started on their way to a healthier lifestyle.
3. Which of the following is true? You should think of the mini-meals as _____.
A. small snacks
B. large meals
C. small meals
D. large snacks
4. True or false? You cannot eat your favorite foods when you’re on a diet.
A. True
B. False
9. The reason that the six small meals a day approach works is that _____.
A. it helps maintain a constant blood sugar level
B. you think about eating more
C. you spend more time eating
D. your food cravings increase
10. True or false? The author says that counting calories doesn’t work for most people who
are trying to lose weight.
A. True
B. False
Select Readings, Second Edition Upper‐Intermediate Chapter 7 Test 2
©Oxford University Press. Permission granted to reproduce for instructional use.