1. Eatwell Guide
The eatwell guide shows the type and proportion of different groups of food which are needed to make up a healthy, varied diet. It applies to all healthy people over two years of age
Not every meal has to be in the same proportions as the eatwell guide. However, balance should be achieved over a period of time
No foods are banned but frequency needs to be considered

2. Fruit & vegetables Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, juiced - 150ml max
Vitamin C - healthy skin and iron absorption
Vitamin A - growth & repair of tissue and eyesight
Folate - red blood cell production
Fibre - healthy gut, to prevent constipation
Carbohydrate - energy
Breakfast – a glass of juice or a heaped tablespoon of dried fruit or a banana with your cereal
Snacks – an apple or a handful of grapes or a pear. Try freezing juices to make summer lollies
Lunch – a side salad or a tomato and lettuce in a sandwich or three heaped tablespoons of baked beans
Dinner – three heaped tablespoons of vegetables like peas or carrots or sweetcorn
Dessert – Serve frozen or fresh berries with your jelly or ice cream. Make a fruit crumble or fruit based dessert

3. 5 a day New logo Only one portion claim for juice and smoothies
No agreement on criteria for composite foods

4. Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates
Carbohydrate - energy
Fibre - healthy gut, to prevent constipation
B vitamins – utilise energy from food
Folate - red blood cell production
Chose wholegrain options for more fibre
Wholegrain or wholemeal varieties such as wholegrain breakfast cereal or wholemeal bread are high in dietary fibre. Brown rice and potatoes also provide fibre

5. Dairy and alternatives
Calcium - healthy bones & teeth
Protein - growth & repair of tissue
Protein – energy
Low fat choices
Calcium for healthy bones
Protein for energy and repair
Remember the importance of whole milk and full fat cheese in older people to increase energy intake
Use full fat/whole yoghurts
However, watch out for overweight residents as in these cases it might be more appropriate to use lower fat versions of milk and dairy products.
Guidelines recommend 1 pint whole milk / per day / per resident. This can be used in drinks, milky puddings, custards etc throughout the day

6. Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins
Protein - growth & repair of tissue
Protein - energy
Iron – (red meat) for healthy red blood cells
B vitamins
Zinc - tissue growth and repair
Omega 3 fats from oily fish for healthy hearts
Emphasis on plant sources of protein
Beans, pulses and lentils are great alternatives to meat, not just for vegetarians, but for all. This is because they are low in fat, high in fibre and protein
Menu’s should include red meat 3-4 times each week, and liver/liver products every 2 weeks
Ensure meat is of the correct consistency for chewing and swallowing
Red meat and liver are good sources of iron
Remember to include a variety of meat and protein options on your menu

7. Fish 2 portions fish each week, one of which oily
Omega 3 fats from oily fish for healthy hearts
Non oily - cod, skate, haddock, halibut and plaice
Oily - salmon, trout, sardines, pilchards, mackerel and fresh tuna
Make sure to include at least 2 portions fish a week, one of which should be oily
Is it difficult to get residents to eat fish?
Is it popular?

8. Oils and spreads Choose unsaturated fats – vegetable oil, rapeseed oil
All fats are high in energy and should be limited
For most of the population, keep to a minimum, but for care home residents, eat as desired
Really important for residents at risk of malnutrition

9. Foods containing fat and foods containing sugar
These foods are not essential
They are high in fat and/or sugar
Eat in small amounts, occasionally
For most of the population, keep to a minimum, but for care home residents, eat as desired
Really important for residents at risk of malnutrition or for those with poor appetities

10. Hydration Aim for at least 6-8 glasses of fluid per day This includes:
Water
Milk
Fruit juice (150mls max)
Sugar free drinks
Tea/coffee
New section of eatwell guide
Sugary drinks are one of the main contributors to excess sugar intake in children and adults, limit their consumption
Alcohol is not mentioned on the eatwell guide, it contains lots of calories so consumption should be limited to 14 units per week
do you allow alcohol consumption in your homes?
can be useful as appetite stimulant
depends on home policy and individual residents

11. Food labelling
Tell at a glance if they are high, medium or low in calories, fat, sat fat, sugar and salt
Choose foods with more greens and ambers and fewer reds
Nutrition information per serving
Reference intake - how much of each nutrient should be included in the daily diet