Which word would be correct in the following sentences and why would it be correct?

1. We were very nervous on Friday (because or on account of) we said that we'd present our report to the class then.

2. (As or Like) I always say, your are what you don't eat.

1. We were very nervous on Friday because we had said we would present our report to the class then.

2. As I always say, you are what you don't eat.
(I don't understand that one!)

Sequence of verbs in #1:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm#sequence

You use "like" to precede a noun, pronoun, or phrase; you use "as" (or "as if" or "as though") to precede a clause. (Clauses have subject and verb.)

1. The correct word in this sentence would be "because." The word "because" is used to indicate the reason or cause for something. In this case, we were nervous on Friday because we said that we'd present our report to the class then.

To determine the correct word, you can consider the meaning of each choice and how it fits into the sentence contextually. "Because" is commonly used to indicate causation, explaining the reason for an action or event. "On account of" is also used to express cause, but it is a more formal expression and may sound less natural in everyday conversation. In this case, "because" is a better fit as it conveys a causal relationship between being nervous and having to present the report.

2. The correct word in this sentence would be "As." The word "As" is used to introduce a comparison or simile. In this case, it is being used to introduce a saying or proverb.

To determine the correct word, consider the meaning and usage of each choice. "As" is commonly used in comparisons to emphasize a likeness or similarity between two things. It can also be used to introduce sayings or expressions. On the other hand, "like" is used to indicate similarity between two things or to make comparisons. In this case, "As" is more appropriate because it introduces a saying or proverb.