MEAL PLANNING EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: What is the main objective of meal planning?

Answer: The main objective of meal planning is to ensure the nutritional adequacy of
the food we eat every day.

Question: Name the two ways of classifying foods into groups according to their
nutrients.

Answer: Foods can be classified into groups based on physiological functions and based
on nutrients.

Question: List the five food groups in the Five Food Group System.

Answer: The five food groups in the system are:

Cereals, Grains, and Products

Pulses and Legumes

Milk and Meat Products

Fruits and Vegetables

Fats and Sugars

Question: What is food exchange, and why is it important in meal planning?

Answer: Food exchange is the substitution of one food item with another in the same
group in such a way that the nutrients provided remain the same. It is important in meal
planning to ensure a balanced diet and meet individual nutritional needs.
Question: Define a balanced diet and mention its characteristics.

Answer: A balanced diet is one that contains different types of foods in quantities that
adequately meet an individual's nutritional requirements. Characteristics of a balanced
diet include:

Meeting nutritional requirements

Including foods from all food groups

Containing a variety of foods

Consisting of seasonal foods

Being economical

Satisfying individual tastes and preferences

Question: What are the factors affecting meal planning?

Answer: Factors affecting meal planning include nutritional adequacy, age, sex, physical
activity, economic considerations, time, energy, skill, seasonal availability, and cultural
patterns.

Question: Explain how diet modification can be achieved for family members of various
age groups.

Answer: Diet modification involves serving the same meal with variations in quantity,
quality, and frequency of eating. It can be achieved through quantitative modification,
qualitative modification, and modification in terms of frequency.
Question: What is the significance of food exchanges in meal planning?

Answer: Food exchanges help modify the diet for individuals according to their needs,
likes, dislikes, and food habits while maintaining nutrient balance. They make meal
planning more flexible and interesting.

Question: Provide an example of a food exchange for protein-rich foods.

Answer: One glass of milk is equivalent to one egg, one medium-sized katori of meat,
one big katori of pulses, one big katori of curd, 1/4 cup of paneer, or 3 cups of
buttermilk.

Question: How can a sample menu for a healthy adult be used as a reference in meal
planning for different family members?

Answer: A sample menu for a healthy adult can serve as a reference menu, and
modifications can be made to suit the nutritional needs of different family members by
adjusting the quantity and type of foods in the menu.