Plan a Balanced Diet for Individuals with Specific Dietary Needs or Deficiencies

General Principles in Planning a Balanced Diet

To plan a balanced diet, one must consider the five main food groups: fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, dairy or alternatives, and fats and sugars. They are all necessary but in different proportions.
Fruits and vegetables should form a major part of most meals, contributing to vitamin, mineral, and dietary fibre intake.
Protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and dairyproducts provide essential amino acids necessary for growth, repair, and bodily functions.
Carbohydrates (preferably wholegrain) are the body’s main energy source, while fats in moderation supply concentrated energy and fatty acids.
Dairy or dairy alternatives contribute to calcium intake, which is crucial for healthy bones and teeth.

Balanced Diet for Specific Dietary Needs

A Coeliac requires a strict gluten-free diet. This involves substituting foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye with gluten-free grains, such as rice, quinoa, and corn.
Someone with Type 2 Diabetes would benefit from a diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, packed with high-fibre foods, along with low-fat proteins and dairy products.
For Vegetarians or Vegans, nutrient needs must be met with careful planning, especially for nutrients typically obtained from animal sources, such as protein, iron, calcium, and Vitamin B12.
Those with Lactose Intolerance should avoid lactose-containing items and opt for lactose-free alternatives. Consider fortified foods or supplements for adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

Balanced Diet for Nutrient Deficiencies

For Iron Deficiency, iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruits, fortified grains, and dark-green leafy vegetables should be incorporated into diet plans.
A Calcium Deficiency can be addressed by consuming more dairy products or calcium-rich alternatives (broccoli, okra, tofu, nuts, seeds), and fish where the bones can be eaten (sardines, pilchards).
For Vitamin D Deficiency, include foods like oily fish and eggs. However, sunlight exposure and supplementation may be necessary as it’s challenging to obtain enough vitamin D from diet alone.

Conclusion

The key to planning a balanced diet for individuals with specific dietary needs or deficiencies is to tailor it to individual circumstances while ensuring the diet remains varied and balanced.
Some people may need nutritional or dietetic referral to help manage their dietary needs more effectively. Knowledge of food sources, alternative ingredients, and preparation methods is crucial for anyone aiming to design a healthy, tailored diet.