fed. It is a challenge to every meal-planner to meet it and when well done, it proves to be a satisfying and rewarding experience. Meal planning thus is both an art and a science: art in the skillful blending of colors, texture, and flavor: and science in the wise choice of food for optimum nutrition and digestion. .
. Objectives of Meal planning . To satisfy the nutritional needs of the family members. Unit RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE AND MEAL - - RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCES AND MEAL PLANNING .
To keep expenditure within the family food budget. . To take into account the food preference of individual members. .
Using methods of cooking to retain maximum nutrients. . To economize on time, fuel and energy. .
To serve attractive and appetizing meals. Providing a meal that would be enjoyed and accepted by one and all in the family is rather difficult. Individual preferences, varied nutrient needs, varied food habits, are a few factors that would influence meal planning. The crucial aspect to be considered then is how best to plan adequate and satisfying meals, within the socio-cultural, economic, regional and psychological framework of the individual.
The various factors influencing meal planning are illustrated in figure . nutritional adequacy acceptability availability income variety in meals satiety value Meal planning economize on time labour and fuel meal pattern Fig. . Factors affecting Meal Planning .
. Factors affecting Meal Planning . Nutritional adequacy: The nutritional requirement of the individual to be served is an important consideration in meal planning. This point is particularly important when we are planning meals for a family.
In a family, there might be different individuals - a child, an adolescent, an adult, a pregnant woman or an elderly person. Each of these individuals has his/her own specific nutrient requirements. The basic aim while planning meals should be to fulfill the nutrient needs of each individual How do we ensure this? This can be ensured by planning balanced meals according to the recommended dietary intakes for different individuals.
No single food can meet all the nutritional requirements.