A middle-aged man follows a diet consisting mainly of sugary beverages, refined grains, and fried foods but reports adequate protein intake and no current diagnosed disease. Using the course definition (a nutritious diet maximizes health), how should you evaluate this diet?

• A. Nutritious, because meeting protein needs alone is sufficient to maximize health and prevent chronic disease in all people.
• B. Nutritious, because the presence of fried foods shows adequate energy intake which is the only factor that matters for nutrition status.
• C. Not nutritious: despite sufficient protein, the pattern of high added sugars, refined carbs, and fried foods increases long-term risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and should be improved to maximize health.
• D. Indeterminate, because current absence of diagnosed disease proves the diet will not affect his future health and therefore it can be considered neutral.

Answer: (C)