Question

Ramesh plans to make chapatti, dal, spinach vegetable, raita and a sweet for himself and his wife; while Mahima consumes missi roti, mint chutney and buttermilk as she has go to work as a labor in an industry. Compare and evaluate their meals.

Answer 1

Basis of comparison	Ramesh and his wife	Mahima
Main foods	Chapatti, dal, spinach, raita and a sweet	Missi roti, mint chutney and buttermilk
Food groups	Cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables and milk group; sweet adds sugar and energy	Cereals and pulses in missi roti, herbs in chutney and milk group in buttermilk
Strengths	Includes protein from dal, iron and folate from spinach, and calcium from raita	Missi roti can provide energy and some protein; buttermilk provides fluid and some nutrients
Limitations	A sweet is not essential for a balanced everyday meal; fruit is missing	Meal appears limited in vegetables, fruit and variety; its energy and protein may not meet heavy-work needs
Improvement	Add a seasonal fruit and use a moderate amount of sweet	Add a substantial serving of vegetables, a fruit and, if needed, extra dal, beans, egg or another suitable protein food; carry safe drinking water

• Mahima’s work involves heavy activity, so her meal should provide sufficient energy, protein and fluids. Her dietary needs should be assessed along with her body size, health and total daily intake.