Most people think that diet means living on raw vegetables and fruits. It is a myth. Diet plans are meant to suit the individual requirements according to the person’s physical and mental status. When planning diets we must keep the following risk free diet plans in mind to maximize chances of implementation and effectiveness.

A diet plan must satisfy the family budget. Without economic consideration even the best diet plan will fail. Further, time and energy must be saved in meal planning. Using convenience foods, quick-to-do recipes that are nutritious will motivate a person to follow a diet.

A healthy diet plan must meet the basic nutritional requirements .A good meal plan will include sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals that suit the person’s age, sex and nutritional status.

Diet must not only be balanced but also suited to the person’s occupation, lifestyle, family culture and background. Foods recommended in the diet must give maximum nutrients. For instance malted cereals, sprouts, raw vegetables and fruits enhance nutritional availability.

Cooking methods like closed vessel cooking, pressure cooking, dry roasting can also be followed to prevent loss of nutrients while cooking and processing. Plan diet from what is available locally. Using seasonal foods, easily available foods are always better than using exotic ingredients. Variety is absolutely essential while formulating diet plans; or else, monotonous food pattern is difficult to follow and hard to practice. Variety can be brought about by playing with the color, texture, taste and cooking methods of food.

When individual likes and dislikes are carefully considered there is a better chance of sticking to the diet plan. It also brings in satisfaction of following a diet that is tailor made and likable.

Never try diets that drift away from the normal eating pattern of the family. Menu used must bring in better quality and nutrition in the existing diet. Most people think that diets don’t give satiety. Plan a menu that ensures small frequent consumption of food with necessary fiber, proteins and fats to give satiety.