Question

Explain how the use of food groups simplifies planning of balanced meals.

Answer 1

Answer:

Balanced meals include one food from each food group- Dairy; Vegetables; Fruits; Grains and Protein. The new MyPlate icon is a good representation of a balanced meal because all five food groups are included. When planning a meal, try to include "five of five." Here are a few examples of how to do it:

• Spaghetti is a frequent menu item for many families. Spaghetti includes ground meat, vegetables (onion, mushrooms and marinara sauce) and grains (spaghetti). What food groups are missing? Dairy and Fruit. Pour milk to drink and add a fruit salad (maybe even as dessert) for a balanced, nutrient-rich family meal.

• When the weather turns cold and the family meal menu includes Beef Stew with meat and vegetables, then balance the meal by serving dinner rolls (grains), sliced fruit (whatever is in season) and milk to drink.

• If you're serving oatmeal made with milk for breakfast, then consider adding yogurt and fruit to add flavor to the oatmeal, and maybe a hard cooked egg to boost the protein. Another option would be to add a scrambled egg with salsa.

• When deli sandwiches are on the menu for lunch, add cheese to the sandwich, a side of fruit and baby carrots.

• By taking a balanced approach to planning meals you make sure your family is getting adequate nutrition. When options from every food group are available at every meal, then even picky eaters are likely to find something they will want to eat. As children get older, use the balanced meal approach to add more interest and variety to your healthy family meals. For example, try adding more vegetables into a casserole or adding fruit into a quesadilla or green salad.

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Answer 2

Use of food groups simplifies the planning of a balanced diet. This is explained as follows:

1) The main food groups are: a) cereals, bread, grains etc. b) vegetables and legumes c) milk, cheese, yoghurt d) fruits e) eggs, fish, meat, poultry

2) Each of the food groups suffice the basic needs of a balanced diet.

3) A diet rich in adequate quantity of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fats and minerals is very much essential for a healthy living.

4) By using food items from each groups makes our work easier and can easily combine to form a balanced diet.