Question

Record your one day diet. Analyse each food preparation according to the food group. How could you improve your diet for the missing nutrients?

Answer 1

• Illustrative one-day record:
  • Breakfast: vegetable poha with milk — cereal, vegetables and milk group.
  • Mid-morning: guava — fruit group.
  • Lunch: chapati, dal, spinach, curd and rice — cereals, pulses, vegetables and milk group.
  • Snack: roasted groundnuts — pulses/nuts and fats group.
  • Dinner: rice, beans, mixed vegetables and curd — cereals, pulses, vegetables and milk group.
• Analysis: This sample includes energy-giving cereals, protein foods, dairy, vegetables and fruit. Actual nutrient adequacy depends on portion sizes and individual needs.
• Possible improvement: Include a variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables, a good protein source at meals, and enough water. If the record lacks a food group, add an affordable food from that group; for example, milk or curd for calcium, or green leafy vegetables and pulses for iron and folate.