5 Health Values in HCSG Dining Menus

July 5, 2022July 12, 2022

Reading Time: 1 minute

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.

Slide 1

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 can help support brain function and cognitive thinking, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote vision health. ››

Slide 3

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. ››

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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