This chapter tries to explore what is appropriate nutrition from a holistics point of view. The basic issue in appropriate nutrition is identified as equitable distribution of land, water and political power. without radical land reforms, and increase in purchasing capacity for the poor, all other efforts to reduce malnutrition tend to be ineffective.

We also explore the effects of development projects, deforestation and the Green Revolution on nutrition. Generally, the effects of these have been adverse on poor people's food security. We identify nutritional guidelines for the majority, who are undernourished, and for the 5% of the population, who are affluent. Public policy and programmes with respect to malnutrition are briefly discussed.

In conclusion, we discuss food ideologies, food preferences, behaviour and nutritional intake, as also some major controversies that affect nutrition of people adversely.

Appendices include some useful and practical nutritional information, alternatives in farming and seed generation practices as also moves towards more poor people oriented forest policy, which is ultimately a nutritional and food security issue for the poor.