The challenge of finding new recipe ideas for seniors became a bit more difficult recently, when the USDA announced its updated dietary guidelines.
Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture updates its recommendations for a healthy diet, based on updated nutritional research. Where we once followed the guidelines of the Food Pyramid, today we have My Plate.
Unfortunately, the new guidelines mean finding new seniors’ recipe ideas for nursing homes and residential care facilities.
Healthy Eating Is More Important Than Ever for Older Adults
Today we understand the importance of improving our diet as we age, to preserve physical and mental health. A good diet also encourages seniors to stay active and improves their sense of well-being.
The National Institute on Aging also recommends that seniors use diet and lifestyle choices to prevent and control chronic conditions like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
Unfortunately, many seniors already suffer from chronic conditions and take medications that can affect their dietary needs. For those with limited mobility, a reduced caloric intake may be required as well.
Finding recipes that address all these factors, in addition to the new dietary guidelines, is indeed a challenge.
Adopting Revised Dietary Guidelines in Senior Meal Planning
Seniors are notorious for their love of sugar and salt. But, as expected, the new guidelines recommend reducing both ingredients even further for older adults. Fats, at least the saturated and trans varieties, have also been scaled back.
Moving back into good graces are lean meats and eggs. Meanwhile pasta, bread and other sources of refined grains are recommended only in limited quantities.
For nursing homes and residential care facilities, these guidelines could lead to a significant increase in food costs. And now you are tasked with creating new recipes and menus to meet the revised nutritional guidelines, while maintaining the flavor and appeal necessary to encourage consumption.
Balancing Nutrition, Flavor and Cost in the Residential Care Setting
The most effective way to achieve the “Big 3” of nutritional value, taste and appeal, and reasonable food cost is through planning and control.
An automated menu solution, such as Grove Menus, will help your staff plan menus and meals well in advance, allowing you to more effectively control costs. It will also provide specific order quantities to reduce or eliminate food waste.
As for taste, every recipe in our database has been extensively tested for flavor and appeal. And, as all of our recipes have been evaluated and approved by a dietitian who is familiar with the new guidelines and senior nutritional needs, you’ll never need worry that your residents are enjoying a diet as healthy as it is tasty.
Contact us today to learn more about the Grove Menus menu planning solutions for residential care facilities, nursing homes and group homes. We would love to give you a no-pressure demonstration and explain how our solutions can help you reduce costs while improving efficiency and food quality.
And our database has plenty of inspiration when you’re in search of recipe ideas for seniors!