Test Your Knowledge

Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor or registered dietitian the following questions related to food intake levels:

1. Should I follow everything listed on the Dietary Guidelines?
   
   
2. Do I need to keep my salt intake lower than the general recommendation (2,300 mg)? If so, what is my guideline?
   
   
3. Past guidelines have suggested that I need to keep my fat intake lower than the general recommendation. Now that the guidelines have changed in terms of fat recommendations, can I change my diet?
   
   
4. Am I in a risk group that requires me to make additional changes to my diet?
   
   
5. Are there any other recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines that should be adjusted for me? What about for my family?
   
   
6. Can you recommend an eating program to help me get closer to my dietary recommendations?
   
   
7. Might I benefit from consulting a dietitian? Could you recommend one?
   
   
8. Do you know of good cookbooks that can help me plan meals that incorporate these guidelines?
   
   
9. How often can I safely stray from these guidelines and indulge my appetite for less healthy foods?
   
   
10. Where can I get a copy of the full 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans?