A meal consisting of yam and a lot of vegetables is not balanced because it does not contain

Step 1: Analyze the question We need to find which food class is missing from a meal of yam and plenty of vegetables.

Step 2: Identify what the meal contains

• Yam is rich in carbohydrates (starch), which gives energy.
• Vegetables supply vitamins (such as A and C), minerals (such as iron and calcium), and roughage (fibre). They also contain a lot of water.

Step 3: Check the options

• A. Carbohydrates: present in the yam.
• B. Proteins: yam and vegetables have very little protein, so this class is essentially missing.
• C. Vitamins: present in the vegetables.
• D. Minerals: present in the vegetables.

A balanced diet needs carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins, minerals, water and roughage in the right proportions. This meal has no good protein source such as fish, meat, eggs, beans or milk. It also has almost no fats or oils, but that is not one of the options.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. proteins.

Exam tip: For "balanced diet" questions, list what each food gives you.

• Yam, rice, garri and bread give carbohydrates.
• Vegetables and fruits give vitamins, minerals and fibre.
• Beans, fish, meat, eggs and milk give proteins.

Then find which class has no source in the meal. Remember that protein is the "body-building" nutrient, needed for growth and repair. Without it, a meal is not balanced.