Traditional foods and methods of cookery are well-adapted to the circumstances in which they were developed, but somethings they can be less appropriate than they were formerly.
  In cooking for a large family or group of people, it is essential for their health that a balanced diet is provided.

A balanced diet will include the basic carbohydrates and fats, a reasonable quantity of protein, meat, milk, fish, eggs, cheese, pulse and a quantity of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  In cooking foods, some nutrients tend to be reduced by over-cooking. This is partially true of vitamin B1 and C, and should be borne in mind when calculating cooking times.
Peopel who have less time for cooking now than formerly often find it convenient to use pre-packed, ready-prepared frozen or canned foods, even if they are more expensive or less familiar.
  A scientific knowlege of nutrition can be applied to modify traditional method of cooking to make them both more nutritious and more appropriate to present conditions of living.

A balance diet should include a variety of foods, for only by eating a wide range of meats, dairy products, starches, vegetables, and fruit can a person acquire all the nutrients neccesary for health.
  When planning a week's menus, therefore, variety is an important considration, while each menu needs to contain the full range of nutrients-proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and traces of vitamins and minerals.
When you are planning your menus it is also neccesary to consider the relative prices of the foodstuffs available and to adjust your plans accordingly. it is best to use foods that are in season, since they are likely to be cheaper and fresher than food that is out of season and has had to be preserved, stored and transported.
  Try never to buy more than you need. As food loses its freshness, it tends to lose its nutrient value too, and food that has begun to decay can be dangerous and is wasted.