SMARIKA workeducation | Page 41

ELECTIVE AREAS MEAL PLANNING AND PREPARATION FIG-1 Need of the community : Food is the basic need of life. Cooking of food started when the man discovered fire. Since then, civilizations have undergone changes many times. The changes in the taste, acceptance availability of food in different communities has created an urge for planning and preparation. early food and meal Meal planning is the implementation of the principles of nutrition in one’s daily diet in an appetizing way. It helps to plan the meals considering the nutritional needs of the family, within their budget. It helps to save time, energy and fuel. Family members’ likes and dislikes can be considered too. Food can be prepared using a number of methods which impart different appearance, taste and nutritive value to it. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is a common saying that one eats first with his eyes and then with his mouth. Hence, meal planning is incomplete without serving a well garnished meal. 33