March is Nutrition Month! This year, dietitians want you to know that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to healthy eating – let us help YOU find YOUR healthy!
Nutrition Month 2021 focuses on the idea that what is “good for you” is not the same for everyone. Dietitians can help Canadians reach their health goals while considering their:
- Culture & Food Traditions
- Preferences
- Health Conditions & Nutritional Needs
How can we apply this “Good for You” model to Senior Living?
Culture & Food Traditions:
Food traditions can contribute to one’s identity, provide comfort and bridge a connection to family and home. By incorporating food traditions into the menus, this gives an opportunity to promote inclusivity and the development of new food skills.
Preferences:
We all have our food and fluid preferences and accommodating those preferences is vital to promote enjoyment and improve intake of our Residents. A Dietitian will consider the Residents’ food preferences when developing their nutrition care plan. Why eat something if we don’t like it?
Health Conditions & Nutritional Needs:
Eating can be both nourishing and satisfying. A Dietitian will take into account the Resident’s wishes and quality of life. It’s essential to support the Resident’s view on “what is good” for them based on their values and beliefs. It’s important to understand what balance means to all Residents!
Interested in learning more? Find recipes, articles and great resources at NutritionMonth2021.ca