Theory

Theory - - RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCES AND MEAL PLANNING Nutrients are needed by humans in specific amounts to ensure good health and well being. These nutrient needs are met by eating the right kinds and amounts of food. While planning balanced diets, we need certain guidelines regarding the kinds and amounts of nutrients that we require for maintenance of good health. Each day our body needs a supply of a number of nutrients to carry out its activities efficiently. Based on research the amounts and kinds of nutrients needed for good health have been determined. . RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCES Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) are estimates of intakes of nutrients which individuals in a population group need to consume to ensure that the physiological needs of all subjects in that population are met. At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to y y Know the various factors which influence our RDA and the difference between requirement and RDA y y Define the term balanced diet and understand the importance of consuming a balanced diet y y Discuss the use of food groups and RDA in planning balanced diets y y Understand the principles and aims of meal planning y y Identify the factors that need to be considered while planning meals y y Learn the steps involved in meal planning y y Understand the concept of food exchanges in meal planning y y Learn different ways of reducing the cost of a meal without affecting its quality OBJECTIVES