Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do you define a ‘snack’?
- What are some considerations you take into account when choosing snacks for yourself or for others, such as nutritional content or taste preferences?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- concerning /kuhn-SUR-ning/
- potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
- stroke /strohk/
- alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/
[adjective] – making you feel slightly worried
The concerning news about the potential side effects of the medication led to a thorough review by medical experts.
[adverb] – possibly
The company’s innovative approach to product development could potentially lead to a major breakthrough in the industry.
[verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to
The teacher emphasized the importance of regular practice to improve students’ language skills.
[noun] – a sudden change in the blood supply to a part of the brain, sometimes causing a loss of the ability to move particular parts of the body
After the stroke, she underwent intensive rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in her affected limbs.
[adjective] – an alternative plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use another one
When the main route was blocked, they had to take an alternative path through the forest.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A recent study by Dr. Sarah Berry from King’s College London has brought to light a concerning trend: it suggests that one out of every four individuals may be undermining the benefits of their nutritious meals by opting for sugary and highly processed snacks.
Snacking is widespread, with over 90% of American adults indulging daily. In the UK, nearly half have two snacks a day, and about 30% snack even more. Surprisingly, many, while keeping a healthy main meal routine, add highly processed, sugary snacks, potentially leading to increased hunger. Dr. David Katz, a preventive medicine specialist, stresses mindful food choices, comparing them to preparing for different weather conditions. He emphasizes the need for an environment encouraging healthy selections as preventive healthcare. The European Journal of Nutrition study, with 854 participants from the Zoe Predict project, in collaboration with Tufts University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and international nutrition experts, found links between poor snack choices and higher BMI, increased visceral fat, and elevated post-meal triglycerides. These factors relate to metabolic diseases like stroke, heart disease, and obesity. Snacking after 9 p.m. often led to calorie-dense, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, potentially causing chronic health issues. Notably, not all snacking is detrimental; those choosing nutritious options like nuts and fresh fruit were more likely to maintain a healthy weight compared to those opting for less nourishing alternatives.
Snacking is widespread, with over 90% of American adults indulging daily. In the UK, nearly half have two snacks a day, and about 30% snack even more. Surprisingly, many, while keeping a healthy main meal routine, add highly processed, sugary snacks, potentially leading to increased hunger. Dr. David Katz, a preventive medicine specialist, stresses mindful food choices, comparing them to preparing for different weather conditions. He emphasizes the need for an environment encouraging healthy selections as preventive healthcare. The European Journal of Nutrition study, with 854 participants from the Zoe Predict project, in collaboration with Tufts University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and international nutrition experts, found links between poor snack choices and higher BMI, increased visceral fat, and elevated post-meal triglycerides. These factors relate to metabolic diseases like stroke, heart disease, and obesity. Snacking after 9 p.m. often led to calorie-dense, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, potentially causing chronic health issues. Notably, not all snacking is detrimental; those choosing nutritious options like nuts and fresh fruit were more likely to maintain a healthy weight compared to those opting for less nourishing alternatives.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did Dr. Sarah Berry’s recent study reveal about individuals and their snack choices?
- What is the concern raised in the study regarding individuals who consume nutritious meals but opt for sugary and highly processed snacks?
- How does Dr. David Katz compare mindful food choices to preparing for different weather conditions?
- What were some of the findings of the European Journal of Nutrition study in terms of poor snack choices and their impact on health?
- What are some of the potential health risks associated with snacking after 9 p.m., as mentioned in the text?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever found yourself opting for sugary or highly processed snacks between meals? If so, what are some of the reasons that prompt you to choose these snacks? If not, what are some healthier alternatives you typically opt for between meals?
- Based on your own experiences or observations, how do you think the availability of unhealthy snacks compared to healthy options influences people’s snack choices?
- Do you agree with the notion that the environment plays a significant role in shaping our food choices, as suggested by Dr. David Katz?
- Considering the implications of late-night snacking on health, what strategies or policies do you think could be effective in promoting healthier snacking habits among individuals?
- Reflecting on the study’s findings about the association between snack choices and metabolic diseases, how do you think societal attitudes towards snacking contribute to or mitigate these health risks?