When planning a one-week menu for low-economic status people, it's essential to focus on providing nutritious meals while keeping the costs reasonable.
The menu below includes affordable ingredients commonly available in Pakistan and offers a balanced and nourishing diet for individuals with low economic resources:
Day 1:
Breakfast:
Roti (flatbread) with lentil soup (Daal) and a side of sliced cucumber.
Lunch:
Mixed vegetable curry with rice and yogurt.
Dinner:
Chickpea (Chana) chaat with tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lemon.
Day 2:
Breakfast:
Paratha (stuffed flatbread) with a small portion of yogurt and a piece of fruit.
Lunch:
Potato and pea curry with whole wheat bread (Naan).
Dinner:
Lentil stew (Daal) with rice and a side of sliced tomatoes.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Vegetable omelet with sliced cucumber and whole grain bread.
Lunch:
Cabbage and carrot stir-fry with rice or flatbread.
Dinner:
Boiled eggs with mixed salad and a simple dressing.
Day 4:
Breakfast:
Chana (Chickpea) chaat with a sprinkle of chaat masala and onions.
Lunch:
Mixed lentil soup with rice and a side of pickles.
Dinner:
Potato and onion frittata with a side of cucumber raita.
Day 5:
Breakfast:
Creamy porridge made with oats and milk, topped with sliced bananas.
Lunch:
Saag (spinach) with rice or flatbread.
Dinner:
Vegetable and lentil curry with a side of yogurt.
Day 6:
Breakfast:
Whole grain toast with a spread of peanut butter and a piece of fruit.
Lunch:
Mung bean (Moong Daal) soup with rice or flatbread.
Dinner:
Mixed vegetable stir-fry with rice and a side of sliced cucumbers.
Day 7:
Breakfast:
Semolina porridge (Suji halwa) with a handful of nuts.
Lunch:
Tomato and onion omelet with whole wheat bread.
Dinner:
Chickpea (Chana) curry with rice or flatbread.
Important Considerations:
Affordable Proteins:
Utilize budget-friendly protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, eggs, and yogurt to provide essential nutrients.
Seasonal and Local Produce:
Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables that are more affordable and readily available.
Cooking in Batches:
Prepare larger meals and freeze portions for later consumption to save time and money.
Minimal Waste:
Plan meals that use ingredients efficiently to reduce food waste and stretch the budget further.
Community Support:
Engage with local organizations, food banks, and community programs that may support low-economic status individuals with food assistance.
By focusing on cost-effective yet nutritious ingredients and utilizing efficient cooking methods, this menu can help ensure that low-economic status individuals have access to wholesome and nourishing meals.
It's essential to work with a team of nutritionists and dietitians to customize the menu plan according to the specific medical conditions and dietary requirements of the patients in the hospital.
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