by HCSG Contributor

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5 Health Values in HCSG Dining Menus

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The families of facility residents want their loved ones to receive the best care and most nutritious meals possible. However, families sometimes have questions about certain foods included on menus. Extra carbs and protein aren’t always well understood, so we’re providing five answers to common questions about the health value of specific foods found within our facilities.

A carton of a dozen brown eggs.
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1. Eggs

Eggs contain proteins and nutrients that are great for senior health. Egg whites contain a protein that the body can easily absorb. Egg yolks contain nutrients such as choline, which helps with the brain and cognitive thinking, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote vision health.

Eggs contain proteins and nutrients that are great for senior health. Egg whites contain a protein that the body can easily absorb. Egg yolks contain nutrients such as choline, which helps with the brain and cognitive thinking, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote vision health.

Eggs contain proteins and nutrients that are great for senior health. Egg whites contain a protein that the body can easily absorb. Egg yolks contain nutrients such as choline, which can help support brain function and cognitive thinking, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote vision health. ››

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2. Complex Carbs

Complex carbohydrates provide fiber and B vitamins, and promote a slow surge of blood sugars to help the body manage energy. This is especially important for seniors and those with chronic illnesses as these complex carbs provide a consistent source of energy to the body. ››

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3. Fruits & Veggies

While fresh fruits and vegetables provide many vitamins and minerals for our residents, not everyone is able to chew or digest them easily. The HCSG menu provides a combination of fresh, cooked, and canned fruits and vegetables that contain valuable vitamins and minerals, and offer needed fiber in an easy-to-chew and digestible form. ››

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4. Protein

Many people have a lower ability to process protein through their kidneys as they get older. Our menus contain an adequate amount of protein to meet their needs without overloading the kidneys. The extra carbohydrates in desserts, bread, and snacks provide daily energy to help our residents conserve protein for healing muscle tissue and organs, instead of “wasting” the protein as energy. ››

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5. Comfort Food

We provide desserts and comfort foods, such as pizza and macaroni and cheese, because many older people or people with chronic disease or depression have suppressed appetites. These are enjoyable foods that help encourage them to eat. ››

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Bonus Tip:

Remind families that HCSG always aims to go above and beyond for our residents and clients, and we carefully construct each meal to include nutrition, flavor, appeal, and happiness. Our Registered Dietitians are always available to speak with family members within their community and work together to achieve optimal health goals for every resident.

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Elizabeth Galbraith, RDN, LD | elizabeth.galbraith@hcsgcorp.com

“I’ve had a passion for how the Food and Nutrition Departments work and prepare our foods since my days of working as a dishwasher while I put myself through college. Dishwashers and all dietary staff are my heroes.”

Elizabeth has been with HCSG since April 2017, and a long-term care dietitian since April 1981. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Colorado State University. Outside of work, Elizabeth is an avid skier and caver.

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