Dietetic Technician Practice Test

A 45-year-old woman following the DASH diet is consuming 1800 calories/day. Which set of nutritional goals is appropriate based on DASH guidelines?

1. 60g of total fat with up to 20g saturated fat, 70g of protein, 250g of carbohydrate, 2300mg sodium

2. 50g of total fat with up to 20g saturated fat, 90g protein, 250g carbohydrate, 1500mg sodium

3. 90g of total fat with up to 25g of saturated fat, 90g protein, 270g of carbohydrate, 2300mg sodium

4. 55g of total fat with up to 12g saturated fat, 80g protein, 250g carbohydrate, 2300mg sodium

The correct answer is: 55g of total fat with up to 12g saturated fat, 80g protein, 250g carbohydrate, 2300mg sodium

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes the consumption of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing saturated fat and sodium to help manage blood pressure and promote overall health. In this context, the appropriate nutritional goals would include a balanced distribution of macronutrients as well as limits on saturated fat and sodium. The recommended total fat intake on a DASH diet is generally around 25-35% of total calories, with saturated fat kept to a minimum—ideally less than 7% of total calories. Additionally, the DASH diet recommends limiting sodium intake to around 2300 mg per day (or even further to 1500 mg for those with specific health needs). The nutritional goals in option D align well with these DASH guidelines. A total fat intake of 55g, which represents about 27% of total calories, falls within the acceptable range for fat intake. The saturated fat goal of 12g is in accordance with reducing saturated fat intake, representing about 6% of total calories, which is below the recommended limit. The protein intake of 80g fits within the general guidelines for protein, and the carbohydrate intake of 250g is also appropriate and