Dietitian-approved menus for seniors are rich in crucial nutrients for bone health – which is why they feature plenty of both calcium and vitamin D.
A focus on bone health is crucial for older adults, as weakened bones can lead to falls and serious fractures. The foods we eat have a significant effect on our bones, yet many seniors find it difficult to make healthy choices.
That’s where dietitian-endorsed senior menus come in. A comprehensive meal planning system with recipes designed by registered dietitians is a highly effective way to boost bone health in the residents of your assisted living facility, group home or senior care center.
Dietitian-Approved Menus Feature Foods that Promote Healthier Bones
A well-balanced diet with an adequate amount of dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables can help improve bone health. To that end, dietitian-supported senior menus aim to feature good-for-the-bones foods like:
- Low-fat and non-fat milk, cheese and yogurt
- Canned salmon and sardines (with bones)
- Fatty fish such as tuna and mackerel
- Strawberries, oranges, bananas and papaya
- Dark green veggies like kale, collard greens and broccoli
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Tomato products
Certain breads, cereals and other grain-based foods fortified with calcium and vitamin D are also commonly featured in dietitian-approved senior menus.
Dietitian-Approved Menus Limit Foods that Can Lead to Bone Loss
Consuming too much of some foods can cause the body to lose calcium, leading to bone loss. Dietitian-approved meal planning programs limit the use of dietary dangers like:
High-salt foods, such as many processed and canned products
Carbonated soft drinks that contain phosphoric acid
Caffeinated drinks, including coffee and tea
In most cases, these foods can be offered in moderation as part of a healthy food menu program; however, they should be reserved as special treats for your residents.
Dietitian-Approved Menus Make It Easier to Meet Dietary Needs
Many assisted living facility, group home and senior care center residents have allergies, medical conditions or dental problems that limit their food choices. This presents an added challenge to meal planning, as the menus must boost bone health while also meeting individual dietary needs.
To accommodate these challenges, dietitian-designed or approved menu programs simplify the meal planning process. Senior diet extensions and food requirements can easily be addressed through the system software, which improves accuracy, saves time and makes meeting dietary needs much easier on staff.
Have we convinced you to consider implementing a food menu program? Grove Menus offers an easy-to-use, cost-effective meal planning solution that’s ideal for any assisted living facility, group home or senior care center.
The Grove Menus suite of user-friendly tools can help you boost the bone health of your residents through effective meal planning. To learn more, or to schedule a free, no-obligation demonstration of our food menu program – featuring field-tested, dietitian-approved menus – contact us today.