Page 4 - Bella Vista Gardens Newsletter Spring 2018

4 BELLA VISTA NEWS, SPRING 2018
Health & Wellbeing

Food for the Soul

Our dietary requirements change as we age — our There is research that highlights that eating with others
metabolism slows down and our energy requirements promotes healthy eating, and emotional health. At
decrease. Ageing makes us prone to conditions such as Cranbrook Care, we believe the lively and social
Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease and environment during mealtimes is just as important as the
muscle wastage. It is therefore important that older quality of the food being served, with meal times being
persons make sure that they eat regular nourishing meals an ideal opportunity for residents to make new
to maintain their health and wellbeing. At Cranbrook friendships and lessen the loneliness common among
Care, we provide a variety of nutritious and healthy meals seniors. We cater for residents that don’t want to always
for our residents, who greatly benefit from the variety of have their meals in the dining room, so there is the
food on offer. option to dine in their own rooms, in a sunny spot on the
terrace, by the fire on a winter’s evening, or in one of the
How Much Should I Eat - What is a Balanced Diet? many lounges. Special celebration meals or meals to be
Many people become less active as they age. If this is the shared while entertaining friends and family can be taken
case for you, your diet should also change. It is important in function rooms or private dining spaces, and can be
to get the right amount of food to get the energy and ordered online via the website, or in direct consultation
nutrients you need. This will help your body to cope if with the Residential Services Manager.
you get ill or stressed. A balanced diet includes the
following: At Cranbrook Care, we cater for our resident’s nutritional
needs meeting the core needs of quality cuisine
• Fruits (including “how” food is served to residents) and social
• Vegetables dining, which are key factors in healthy ageing. Cranbrook
• Grains (for example breads, cereals, rice, pasta, oats) Care provides award-winning cuisine, with an á la carte
• Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds and menu changing with the seasons, and meals prepared by
legumes/beans onsite chefs using the finest fresh ingredients. Our
• Milk, yoghurt and cheese dedicated Food Services Team and onsite Pastry Chef
work hard to ensure residents enjoy nutritious meals –
Mid meal snacks are a fantastic way to achieve adequate with the Executive Chefs designing varied menus in
nutrition and hydration for older persons. Many mid meal consultation with an in-house Dietician/Nutritionist. We
snacks provide a good source of calories and additional tailor meal options to suit residents' personal taste
protein, as well as assisting with increasing fluid intake. preferences, health or allergy requirements.
For those with a small appetite or who have lost weight,
mid meal snacks create additional opportunities outside
of mealtimes for increased nutritional intake. Some ideas
include: cakes, muffins and loaves, scones, biscuits, slices,
cheese platters and yoghurt.