Breakfast
A meal traditionally eaten in the morning to "break" the "fast" after a long period of time without food. Nontraditionally eaten any time of the day.
Color
A characteristic pf food to consider when meal planning. Can make a meal more appetizing
Dinner
A meal traditionally eaten in the evening. In the south, lunch may also be called dinner' while "dinner" is called supper.
Finished/convenience food dishes
Foods already prepared and used as part of a meal. Some convenience foods have all the ingredients included to prepare a dish but may be made at home.
Flavor
A characteristic of foods that should be pleasing to the taste and a consideration used when planning meals
Lunch
A meal traditionally served in the middle of the day and non-traditionally at other times of the day.
Meal Pattern
A time a meal is typically served based on personal or family needs
Menu
A list of foods, usually in order of being served, served at a meal.
Menu Planning
Time taken to decide on number of meals necessary for a period of time usually a week at a time, how and when the foods needed will be purchased. Amount of time needed for food preparation is also considered
Scratch cooking dishes
Dishes that us to prepared or prepackaged convenience foods. Considered "home cooked"
Semi-homemade cooking/Speed scratch dishes
Dishes that may use some preprepared foods or convenience foods as part of the ingredient to speed up the meal preparation process
Shape
A characteristic of foods considered when planning meals. A variety of shapes in a meal is more appetizing
Snacks
Foods eaten between meals as a way to minimise hunger or keep up energy levels
Temperature
A characteristic of foods considered when planning meals. A variety of temperature is more appetising
Texture
A characteristic of foods considered when planing meals. A variety os textures in a meal make it more appealing and interesting
Time saving strategy
Methods used for food preparation that makes preparation time shorter
Traditional vs. Non-trafitional mealtimes
Traditional times - breakfast in the a.m., lunch around noon, dunner (supper) in the early evening. Non traditional mealtimes may revolve around work schedules, social schedules or school schedules. For example a person working second shift (4p.m. to midnight) may have a meal considered runner at 10p.m. or lunch at 3p.m.
Variety
Using several foods in the food guidance system to create a meal to add appeal and met nutritional goals