Food Procurement Experts, allmanhall are Supporting Nutrition and Hydration in Care Homes

Nutrition and Hydration Week was earlier this month. Food procurement experts, allmanhall’s dietitian, Tess Warnes shares a menu of ideas for year-round inspiration…

BREAKFAST:

Including protein in breakfast can help our increased protein requirements as we get older:
• Pancakes (add protein powder to the mix) with fruit, Greek yoghurt and flaked almonds.
• Porridge topped with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and berries
• Tofu scrambled on toast
Breakfast burrito wrap with beans, egg, avocado.

SNACKS:
Especially if appetite is generally low, make things available throughout the day to encourage consumption of a wider range of nutrients.

Nutritious snack ideas could include:
• Cheese scones
• Cheese and crackers
• Hummus with pitta bread
• Peanut better on toast
• Avocado on oat cakes
• Savoury muffins
• Greek yoghurt with fruit
• Dried fruit and nuts
Including more fruit is important to increase fibre and prevent constipation as well as contributing important nutrients in the diet. Fruit kebabs are another fun snack!

DRINKS:
Mild dehydration can impact balance, concentration and energy levels. Longer term dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, renal disease and kidney stones. As we get older, we might not recognise the thirst in the same way.

To encourage residents to drink more:
• Use a drinks trolley, giving plenty of choice
• Encourage keeping a bottle or cup nearby
• All fluids count including those containing caffeine
• Smoothies are great for increasing nutrients as well as fluid. Try adding ingredients to boost energy and protein such as Greek yoghurt

Remember that fluid can be taken through foods with higher water level contents such as fruit & vegetables.

Read my blog to find out more about hydration.

allmanhall are proud partners of the NACC and award-winning experts when it comes to food procurement and consultative support.

Find out more: https://allmanhall.co.uk