Nutrition discussion

Green team

Introduction

· The purpose of this presentation is to explore, assess and evaluate the nutritional menus available to the elderly population of Hispanics residing in assisted living centers.

· We will also research the optimal nutritional needs of the elderly population and then tailor revisions for healthier food selections based on the Hispanic culture and the elderly.

Examples of Assisted Living Menus

Current Menu Analysis

· Nutrition is important in all stages of life

· The hispanic food selections are delicious and nutritional but at times are high in sodium, fatty meats and high in simple sugars.

· The focus of the menus had a variety of carbohydrates and proteins but very little fiber. This age group should include fibers and proper water intake during every meal for proper digestion purposes.

· Foods provided in a hispanic population should still include adequate amount of protein, dairy, vegetables, grains and fruit selections for healing properties.

· The menu should include foods that have selections of low and high caloric options for dietary needs along with healthy fats, like avocados, fatty fish and cheeses.

· The latin menu offered a variety of carbohydrate, that is not ideal for the aging population. Fiber should be incorporated in every meal.

Sample Breakfast Menu

· Assorted cold cereals (105 kcal )

· 1 cup oatmeal with flax seeds (184 kcal)

· or 1 scrambled egg (91 kcal)

· 1 slice avocado wheat toast (150 kcal)

· 1 cup cantaloupes (60 kcal)

· 1 cup water, coffee, tea, cafe con leche and milk (0- 113 kcal)

Sample Lunch Menu

· Arroz con pollo (½ cup rice, 3 oz spices and peas) (240 kcal)

· or 3 oz grilled atlantic salmon fish (366 kcal)

· ½ cup dinner salad (20 kcal)

· 1 slice wheat bread (151 kcal)

· Steamed green beans with Red peppers (44 kcal)

· Natilla (delicate cream custard) (356 kcal)

· Beverage of choice ( water, coffee, tea, variety of juices, vita malt) (0- 220kcal)

Dinner Sample Menu

· 6 oz lentil soup (with squash, potatoes) (230 kcal)

· ½ cup steamed broccoli and carrots (19 kcal)

· ½ cup brown rice (216 kcal)

· 1 cup melon fruit salad (30 kcal)

· Sugar free soft serve vanilla yogurt (67 kcal)

· 1 cup beverage of choice (water, unsweetened fruit juices, decaf teas) (0- 176 kcal)

Compare Menus

Agape Senior and Grove facilities provide repetitive menus with little variety and poor options; moreover, high sugar desserts are encouraged at every meal. They offer margarine for breakfast, which is an unhealthy source of trans fats and is detrimental for health (American Heart Association, 2017). Furthermore, both facilities do not offer gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian options. Both menus provide a variety of proteins; however, they are prepared either fried or barbequed. They accompany their meals with dinner rolls, which is a source of unhealthy carbohydrates. Lastly, healthy fats such as baked salmon fish dishes are missing from the menus as well. Both lists have high caloric, low nutrient meals such as barbeque beef platter or beef king casserole.

Our Sample Menu replaces margarine with healthy avocado on a slice of toasted wheat bread for breakfast. Also offered on the menu is grilled fish. Grilled fish is a good source of Omega-3 fats, which are critical for a healthy heart (Grodner, Stump & Dorner, 2020). Dinner rolls are replaced by whole wheat bread which is a good source of complex carbohydrates. Also, the menu created is based on cultural preferences and incorporates healthy palatable choices such as chicken with yellow rice and lentils, which are good sources of grains and proteins. The Sample Menu includes all the necessary foods needed for optimal intake of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.