Food

Vocabulary

1. Pivotal (adj)
/ˈpɪvətl/ :crucial
Ex: Lionel Messi will be pivotal to the success of the team in this tournament.

2. Consequently (adv)
/kɑːnsəˌkwɛntliː/ :as a result of something
Ex: They just won an important new client. Consequently, they are celebrating.

3. Skyrocket (v)
/ˈskaɪˌrɑːkɪt/ :to rise extremely quickly
Ex: Income inequality in the state has skyrocketed.

4. Predominantly (adv)
/prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/ :usually or mainly
Ex: This disease predominantly affects young men

5. Substitute (n)
/ˈsəbstɪˌtuːt/ :a replacement for something
Ex: Soybean products are a good meat substitute for vegetarians

6. Credence (n)
/ˈkriːdns/ :belief that something is true
Ex: The police didn't give credence to Jill's claim that Jack fell down the well

7. Adage (n)
/ˈædɪdʒ/ :a proverb expressing a general truth
Ex: My mother often replies to questions with old adages.

Reading

Food plays a pivotal role in human life. Maintaining good and proper health depends, among other things, on the food we consume each day. Consequently, it is imperative that we consider the nutritional value of the food we regularly eat.


Fast food consumption has skyrocketed in the past few decades in comparison to home cooked meals. This has led to an increased prevalence of numerous health problems - predominantly those associated with being overweight.

The food we eat is often influenced by culture as well. While the jury is still out, many people consider the Mediterranean diet to be the healthiest there is. In addition to improving cardiac health, the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. This diet involves:

Eating poultry and fish at least a couple of times each week.
The use of herbs and spices as a substitute for salt (to add flavor to food).
Eating an abundance of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.
Limiting red meat consumption (to no more than several times a month).
Replacing butter with olive and canola oils.
The problem of healthy nutrition is a crucial issue nowadays and it requires a high level of awareness of humans' basic needs. Therefore, we must give credence to the old adage: “You are what you eat!”


1. Has fast food consumption increased or decreased in the past few decades?

2. What diet do many people consider to be the healthiest?

3. What old adage does the article encourage us to give credence to?

Discussion

 
1. What are your favorite dishes?

2. What are the dishes that you dislike?

3. Do you cook for yourself? Are you a good cook?

4. Are there any foods that you used to dislike as a child, but like now?

5. Do you like to try local cuisine when travelling?

6. How can the choice of food reflect one’s socio-economic status?