Nowadays, we have many choice of food but our choice may not necessarily ensure we get a nutritionally balanced meal. For example, we may have a piece of cake to finish a meal. Though it contain some vitamins and minerals, the amounts may not sufficient.

A healthy diet should contain all kinds of food in the right proportion. It should provide enough energy for activities, enough protein for growth and repair, enough vitamins, minerals, water and roughage for maintaining heath.

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins should be in ratio of about 5:1:1.

To set a good menu, first, we should know the nutritional needs of the clients. Different people will have different requirements, as nutrition is dependent on sex, age, work and how active the person is. Manual workers will need a diet higher in energy-giving foods than office workers; adults require less body-building food than growing children. Special diets are often required in institutions. For example, a patients in hospital may be unable to eat certain food because of illness.

In addition, a diet should be well-balanced in texture, colour, seasonings and sauces.

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NUTRITION ==> CARBOHYDRATES | LIPIDS | PROTEINS | VITAMINS | MINERALS | WATER & FIBRES | HEALTHY DIET | FOOD ADDITIVES