At Procurement Australasia, we understand that every meal counts for Aged Care residents. Protein is essential to provide the building blocks for our body and energy intake is vital to avoid weight loss in the elderly. When you have small eaters, meals and snacks need to be higher in protein and energy.
Why high protein and energy meals are important for Aged Care residents?
Protein and energy are both important for our bodies. Both are required to be eaten each day. Protein can be found in animal products, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy foods. There are also small amounts of protein in grains and vegetables. Energy primarily comes from carbohydrate foods and fats. Protein does contain some energy, but the major sources from our diet are carbohydrates like grains, rice, flour, fruit, and starchy vegetables.
Protein plays a vital role in building and repair of cells, formation of muscles, bones, production of enzymes and antibodies. Energy is required so that we can undertake our daily activities and keep our heart and lungs working. The brain requires the most amount of energy each day.
Our bodies are designed to be fed throughout the day supplying the energy and protein we need. Our bodies respond best when protein and energy sources come from a wide variety of foods. It is important when planning menus that the daily menu provides good sources of protein and energy. Good menu ideas for the elderly include making sure milk is available as a drink across the day and making sure that there are protein sources such as yogurt, eggs and bake beans available too. Having a wide variety of menu planning strategies which incorporate high energy and protein is essential for aged care menus regardless of if they are for aged care homes or Meals on Wheels menus.
Making every mouthful count is essential for our elderly to maintain good nutrition.
Procurement Australasia is pleased to invite you to our FREE Foodservices Webinar specifically catered to the issues faced by the Aged Care sector.
Hosted by our Foodservice Ambassador, Dr Karen Abbey understands first-hand the Foodservices challenges in the Aged Care sector.
In this event, you will learn:
- Nutrition update for the Aged Care sector
- Why high protein and energy meals/snacks are important for our residents
- Make every meal count – simple menu planning strategies to fortify food
Blog written by Dr Karen Abbey – Procurement Australasia Foodservice Ambassador
