Adjusting Menus for Senior Wellness
February 2024
Food can support healthy aging in crucial ways, providing protein, vitamins and minerals to reduce damage and strengthen the mind and body. Nutrition researchers have touted the benefits of the MIND diet, or Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay which may reduce hypertension and slowing or reducing cognitive decline in seniors. This diet recommends limiting red meat and eating two servings of poultry weekly. Turkey is an excellent choice of lean protein for these diets since it contains vitamins and minerals that can support cognition and other functions.
Operators in healthcare and senior living need to serve dishes that satisfy a range of diets. Turkey is the perfect adaptable protein for countless delicious meals because it’s a nutrient-dense alternative to pork or beef, and a versatile option for many center-of-plate applications.
Just because a dish is healthy doesn’t mean it can’t also be delicious. For a nutritious breakfast, try serving these Turkey Bacon Avocado Egg Boats, a protein powerhouse with healthy fats and the crispiness of bacon without the pork. Though kebabs are usually made with grilled beef or lamb, this Grilled Sesame Turkey Kebabs recipe highlights flavorful turkey medallions layered with juicy vegetables. Or try this Mediterranean Turkey Burger, a better-for-you burger option featuring a turkey patty with halloumi and grilled vegetables on pita bread.
Here are some tips for making turkey dishes (and any dish) healthier:
- Switch from cooking with animal-sourced fats to plant-based oils like olive or canola.
- Go easy on the heat and avoid cooking turkey at high temperatures until browned or well done, as this process can produce damaging chemicals.
- Limit salt by increasing aromatics like herbs and spices to enhance flavor and fit within low-sodium diets.
- Incorporate more vegetables and fruits into recipes alongside turkey for delicious and well-rounded meals that can help the body fight diseases.
Adding turkey dishes to menus can help operators provide delicious meals for residents and patients that also meet their dietary requirements. How do you adapt your menu for different nutritional needs? Share your thoughts on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, and visit our Resource Center for more tips and trends.
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