When planning meals , there are a variety of factors you should consider including:
Dietary requirements -Meal planning should take into account the dietary requirements of the persons the meals are being planned for. For instance, if a person has increased iron requirements, the meal should be tailored to address such needs wherein foods with high iron content may be prioritized e.g. egg yolks, organ meats etc. If yet another individual requires less sodium intake , this should also be considered. In such a case, you can select foods with less sodium and chloride , and probably add very minimal amounts of salt when cooking.
Therefore, when planning meals , consider the dietary requirements of those you intend to prepare meals for.
Cultural and religious beliefs-Your meal planning may also be influenced by your cultural or religious beliefs. It could be that you are forbidden to consume certain foods, thus you may provide for these considerations.
Personal preferences-The foods you prefer or like may take more priority in your meal planning compared to those you don’t like.You may factor in this when planning your meals.
Availability of foods-When meal planning, you will consider the ease in accessing the foods you require. You’ll need to consider their availability during certain seasons. Also, you will most likely opt for foods near your vicinity for easy access.
Equipment available-In certain cases , the equipment available may determine how you plan your meals .You will want to select foods you can prepare with available kitchen equipment.
Meal patterns and frequency-The frequency of your meals will influence the portions of foods to include when planning your meals. If you include snacks, appetizers ,dessert etc you may consider this in your meal planning.
The factors mentioned above are among the most influential when planning your meals. They are likely the ones you will consider before planning your meals adequately.