Question

'Without dietary planning it is difficult to meet the requirements of people' — discuss this statement giving suitable reasons and examples.

Answer 1

1. People have different nutritional needs according to their age, sex, activity level and physiological condition. For example, an adolescent needs nutrients for growth, while an older adult may need soft, easily digestible food.
2. Dietary planning helps provide an adequate, balanced and varied diet while considering food preferences, culture, available time, cooking skills and economic resources.
3. It helps select suitable alternatives—for example, groundnuts can provide some of the nutrients supplied by more expensive cashew nuts—and reduces food waste.
4. Without planning, meals may not meet a person’s energy and nutrient needs, which can affect health, fitness and working capacity.