ately after eating, the data is more accurate than other methods.
- Disadvantages include patient error in entering accurate food quantities. In addition, it is possible that the week long food log does not accurately represent a patientís normal eating habits since they know the foods they eat will be analyzed and therefore may eat healthier.
Generic Nutrition Questionnaire
Do not be daunted by the following list. Reading through the sample questions will simply give you an idea of probing questions you might use to ascertain your patientís nutritional status.
- Would you describe you appetite as hearty, moderate, or poor?
- Are you on a special diet? Specify the type of diet. Who recommended the diet? If you have been on a special diet in the past, define it.
- Have you ever had any problems with weight? Underweight or overweight?
- Do you eat at approximately the same time every day?
- Do you skip meals? If so, when?
- Do you usually eat between meals? What do you snack on most often?
- Are there any foods you do not eat because you donít think they are good for you? If yes, what?
- Are there any foods you do eat regularly because you think they are good for you? If yes, what?
- Are there any foods you cannot eat? What happens when you eat this food?
- Are there foods you avoid because you donít like them?
- How is your food usually prepared, e.g. baked, broiled, fried?
- Are you on a diet now to lose or gain weight? If yes, what kind? Who recommended it?
- How do you feel about your weight?
- Are you taking any vitamin or mineral supplements? What and how often?
- Do you smoke? How many cigarettes (cigars or chewing tobacco) per day?
- Do you drink any alcohol? How much per day and when?
- How often do you exercise? What types of exercise do you do?
- Who in the house plans the meals? Buys the food? Prepares the food?
- Are there times in the month when there isnít enough money for food or you run out of food?
- How many of your meals are eaten at home? School? Work? Restaurants?
- How many hot meals do you eat per week?
- What condiments do you use? Examples include butter on bread, sugar on cereal, salad dressing, gravy, etc.