Are you putting protein into practice?

Today we’re living longer and healthier lives than ever before, but research shows that undernutrition is common among older people with 44% of elderly Australians at risk¹. Protein is important at the extremes of our life stages; in the early years essential for our children’s normal growth and development, while in later years being vital for the preservation of muscle mass and the benefits this brings to strength, mobility and general health.

Nestlé Professional has developed an educational booklet to support foodservice operators in aged care to meet their residents’ needs for protein. “With research highlighting the need for more protein to support healthy aging², the dilemma when working in aged care is how to meet these increased needs,” says Karen Kingham, Brand Nutritionist Nestlé Professional. “This is particularly so when surveys show many of the over 65s are not even achieving minimum protein need³.”

Furthermore, “Small appetites and changes to taste perception can make providing tasty, nourishing and nutritionally complete meals for aged diners a challenge,” says Mark Clayton, Nestlé Professional Executive Chef.

The solution to healthy aging is complex, but research tells us that maximising protein intake at all meals is an important part of the process. Experts say that we should be aiming for around 25–30g of protein at each meal for the over 65s to achieve this¹.

The booklet, Your Practical Guide to Protein in Aged Care, is a 27 page guide supporting aged care kitchens with basic information around protein; where to find the best sources and why it’s so important for healthy aging, plus guidance around menu planning and how to put the recommendations for more protein into practice in your menu.

This advice is supported with 16 nutritionally assessed and tested recipes using a range of protein fortification strategies, showcasing NESTLÉ DOCELLO Protein Enriched Dessert Mixes, as well as utilising pantry staples to deliver tasty and visually appealing meals across your menu.

To download your free copy of the Practical Guide to Protein in Aged Care visit the Nestlé Professional website — https://www.nestleprofessional.com.au/nutrition/your-practical-guide-protein-aged-care.You can contact us on 1800 20 30 50.

1. Flanagan D et al. Psychological strategies. 2012.
2. Bauer J et al. Am J Med Dir Assoc. 2013.
3. Taylor & Luscombe-Marsh. Food Australia. 2015

For more information visit: https://www.nestleprofessional.com.au