Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body Part 1: MCQs (Q1–Q25)
Part 1 — Questions 1–25 (Basics of Food, Nutrients & Balanced Diet)
1. Which of the following is not a basic nutrient required by the human body?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Proteins
C. Plastic — Correct answer: C
D. Fats
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — carbohydrates are a primary energy source.
B) Incorrect — proteins are essential for growth and repair.
C) Correct — plastic is a non-nutrient, not food.
D) Incorrect — fats provide energy and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
2. Which nutrient is the main source of immediate energy for our body?
A. Vitamins
B. Carbohydrates — Correct answer: B
C. Minerals
D. Water
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — vitamins help regulate body processes but are not main energy sources.
B) Correct — carbohydrates (sugars, starches) are quickly converted to energy.
C) Incorrect — minerals are needed in small amounts for various functions, not primary energy.
D) Incorrect — water is essential but not an energy source.
3. Proteins are mainly required for:
A. Providing warmth only
B. Growth and repair of body tissues — Correct answer: B
C. Increasing sugar in blood only
D. Acting as a source of vitamins
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — fats provide insulation; proteins primarily repair tissues.
B) Correct — proteins build muscles, enzymes and repair cells.
C) Incorrect — carbohydrates influence blood sugar more directly.
D) Incorrect — vitamins are different nutrient class.
4. Which food is a good source of dietary fibre?
A. Sugar candy
B. Whole wheat chapati — Correct answer: B
C. Refined cooking oil
D. Soda drink
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — candy is refined sugar with negligible fibre.
B) Correct — whole grains and vegetables are high in fibre.
C) Incorrect — oils have no fibre.
D) Incorrect — sodas contain sugar but no fibre.
5. Which vitamin is primarily obtained from citrus fruits like oranges?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin C — Correct answer: C
D. Vitamin K
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — vitamin A is abundant in carrots and leafy greens.
B) Incorrect — vitamin D is synthesised in skin with sunlight and found in some animal foods.
C) Correct — citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
D) Incorrect — vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables.
6. Which group of foods is important for building and repairing the body’s tissues?
A. Soft drinks and sweets
B. Milk, eggs, pulses (protein foods) — Correct answer: B
C. Salt and sugar only
D. Refined flour only
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — provide energy but not quality protein.
B) Correct — dairy, eggs, legumes and meat are protein sources.
C/D) Incorrect — these are condiments/energy foods, not main protein sources.
7. Which of the following helps in proper digestion and prevents constipation?
A. Eating only sweets
B. Dietary fibre from fruits and vegetables — Correct answer: B
C. Drinking only soda
D. Avoiding water
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — sweets lack fibre and can upset digestion.
B) Correct — fibre adds bulk and aids bowel movement.
C/D) Incorrect — soda and dehydration worsen constipation.
8. A balanced diet means:
A. Eating only one type of food all day
B. Eating the right quantities of various food groups — Correct answer: B
C. Always avoiding fruits and vegetables
D. Eating only junk food
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — variety is essential for nutrients.
B) Correct — balanced diet includes cereals, proteins, fruits, vegetables, fats and dairy in proper proportions.
C/D) Incorrect — avoiding healthy food or consuming junk food is unhealthy.
9. Which mineral is essential for healthy teeth and bones?
A. Iron only
B. Calcium — Correct answer: B
C. Sodium only
D. Glucose
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — iron is for blood, not primarily bones/teeth.
B) Correct — calcium supports bone and teeth formation.
C) Incorrect — sodium regulates fluids but not primary bone mineral.
D) Incorrect — glucose is a sugar, not a mineral.
10. Which food would you recommend as a balanced breakfast for a child?
A. Chips and cola
B. Idli/daliya with milk and a fruit — Correct answer: B
C. Only candy bars
D. Only plain water
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — high fat/sugar, lacks nutrients.
B) Correct — combines carbohydrates, protein (milk), and fruit for vitamins/fibre.
C/D) Incorrect — not sufficient nutrition for a growing child.
11. Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin A — Correct answer: B
C. Vitamin B complex
D. Water
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — vitamin C is water-soluble.
B) Correct — vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble.
C) Incorrect — B vitamins are water-soluble.
D) Incorrect — water is not a vitamin.
12. Which of the following helps prevent anemia (low blood haemoglobin)?
A. Eating only bread
B. Eating iron-rich foods like leafy greens and pulses — Correct answer: B
C. Avoiding protein altogether
D. Drinking soft drinks only
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — bread alone may be low in iron.
B) Correct — iron from plant/animal sources and vitamin C to help absorption prevents anemia.
C/D) Incorrect — poor diet increases risk of deficiency.
13. What is the main benefit of drinking adequate water daily?
A. It increases sugar levels only
B. Maintains body fluids, helps digestion and regulates temperature — Correct answer: B
C. Replaces all nutrients permanently
D. Causes immediate weight loss always
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — water doesn’t raise sugar, replace nutrients, or guarantee weight loss alone.
B) Correct — hydration is essential for many physiological functions.
14. Which food practice is part of mindful eating?
A. Eating quickly while watching TV always
B. Chewing slowly and paying attention to hunger cues — Correct answer: B
C. Eating until overeating every time
D. Skipping all meals regularly
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — distracted, fast eating reduces awareness of fullness.
B) Correct — mindful eating involves awareness, slow chewing, enjoying food.
C/D) Incorrect — unhealthy practices.
15. Which of these is a healthy snack option?
A. Packaged chips every day
B. Fresh fruit or roasted chana — Correct answer: B
C. Candy bars as a habit
D. Deep-fried sweets only
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — high in fat/sugar, low nutrient value.
B) Correct — fruits and roasted legumes provide fibre, vitamins and protein.
16. Which statement about junk food is true?
A. Junk food is rich in essential nutrients always
B. Junk food is often high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats — Correct answer: B
C. Junk food prevents tooth decay
D. Junk food is the best sports nutrition
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — junk food is low in micronutrients, can harm health.
B) Correct — excess consumption linked to obesity, diabetes, dental problems.
17. Which of the following is an example of a complex carbohydrate?
A. Table sugar (sucrose)
B. Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat — Correct answer: B
C. Glucose drink only
D. Candy syrup
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — simple sugars are quickly digested.
B) Correct — complex carbs release energy slowly and provide fibre.
18. Which nutrient helps in absorption of calcium from food?
A. Vitamin C only
B. Vitamin D — Correct answer: B
C. Vitamin B12 only
D. Sodium only
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — vitamin C helps iron absorption; B12 is for blood/nerve function; sodium is electrolyte.
B) Correct — vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and bone health.
19. Which practice reduces the risk of foodborne illness at home?
A. Eating raw meat without washing hands
B. Washing hands, cooking food thoroughly and storing food properly — Correct answer: B
C. Leaving perishable food at room temperature for long hours
D. Drinking water from an unclean source always
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — these increase contamination risk.
B) Correct — hygiene and correct cooking/storage lower foodborne diseases.
20. Which of the following is an empty-calorie food (provides energy but few nutrients)?
A. Carrot
B. Sugary soda — Correct answer: B
C. Spinach
D. Lentils
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — rich in vitamins/fibre/protein.
B) Correct — sodas provide calories (sugar) with little nutritional value.
21. Which of these foods is a good source of healthy fats (unsaturated fats)?
A. Butter (mostly saturated)
B. Groundnut/olive oil and nuts — Correct answer: B
C. Fried chips only (trans fats)
D. Lard only
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — saturated/trans fats are less healthy when consumed in excess.
B) Correct — nuts and certain oils contain unsaturated fats beneficial in moderation.
22. Which practice will help a child develop better eating habits?
A. Forcing the child to finish everything on the plate always
B. Offering a variety of healthy foods and involving the child in food choices — Correct answer: B
C. Only allowing sweets as rewards every day
D. Not serving meals at regular times
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — may create negative associations with food.
B) Correct — variety and involvement promote positive habits.
23. Which is the best time to eat a heavy meal for good digestion?
A. Right before bed every night
B. Earlier in the evening so body has time to digest before sleep — Correct answer: B
C. While running and doing vigorous exercise
D. Never — heavy meals are always fine anytime
Explanations:
A) Incorrect — heavy meals just before bed can disturb sleep and digestion.
B) Correct — allow time for digestion before lying down.
C/D) Incorrect — eating while active or anytime without consideration can be problematic.
24. Which food group should be consumed in the largest proportion according to healthy diet guidance for children?
A. Sweets and snacks
B. Cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits (balanced staples) — Correct answer: B
C. Only fried food
D. Only sugary drinks
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — these should be limited.
B) Correct — staples provide energy, proteins, vitamins and fibre.
25. Mindful eating helps to:
A. Ignore hunger and eat mindlessly
B. Recognise hunger and fullness cues and enjoy food consciously — Correct answer: B
C. Eat the fastest possible to finish early
D. Develop taste for only very salty food
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect — opposite of mindful eating.
B) Correct — mindful eating increases satisfaction, prevents overeating and promotes healthy choices.