IAHC Nutrition and Lifestyle 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to IAHC guidelines, which macronutrient is the primary source of energy for the brain and central nervous system?
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Fiber
Correct answer: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the brain's preferred and primary fuel source, providing glucose that powers cognitive and nervous system functions.
Question 2: When coaching clients on sleep hygiene as part of a lifestyle intervention, IAHC recommends adults aim for how many hours of sleep per night?
- 5–6 hours
- 6–7 hours
- 7–9 hours (Correct answer)
- 9–11 hours
Correct answer: 7–9 hours
The CDC and IAHC-aligned guidelines recommend 7–9 hours of sleep per night for adults to support optimal health outcomes.
Question 3: A health coach working under IAHC principles encourages a client to adopt the 'plate method.' What does the plate method primarily involve?
- Counting calories precisely
- Dividing the plate into portions of vegetables, protein, and grains (Correct answer)
- Eliminating all processed foods
- Tracking macronutrients with an app
Correct answer: Dividing the plate into portions of vegetables, protein, and grains
The plate method divides a standard plate into half vegetables, one-quarter lean protein, and one-quarter whole grains to guide balanced eating without calorie counting.
Question 4: Which lifestyle factor does IAHC recognize as having a bidirectional relationship with obesity?
- Hydration
- Chronic stress (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D intake
- Screen brightness
Correct answer: Chronic stress
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which promotes fat storage and cravings, while obesity itself can elevate stress hormones, creating a bidirectional cycle.
Question 5: An IAHC-certified coach is helping a client reduce sodium intake. Which food category is typically the largest source of dietary sodium in the American diet?
- Table salt added at home
- Processed and packaged foods (Correct answer)
- Natural dairy products
- Fresh vegetables
Correct answer: Processed and packaged foods
Processed and packaged foods account for roughly 70% of sodium intake in the US diet, far exceeding salt added during cooking or at the table.
Question 6: In IAHC lifestyle coaching, 'non-exercise activity thermogenesis' (NEAT) refers to which of the following?
- Calories burned during structured gym workouts
- Energy expended in all movement outside formal exercise (Correct answer)
- Basal metabolic rate at rest
- Heat generated by digesting food
Correct answer: Energy expended in all movement outside formal exercise
NEAT encompasses all energy burned through daily movements such as walking, standing, and fidgeting that are not part of planned exercise sessions.
IAHC Nutrition and Lifestyle 1
According to IAHC guidelines, which macronutrient is the primary source of energy for the brain and central nervous system?