Traditionally the use of foods with more nutrition may have been called by a number of names - Every Bite Counts, Nutrition Intervention Program, Enhanced Food Program, Super Foods. Today, thanks to the Pioneer Network (http://www.pioneernetwork.org) Food First! is the term used for all of these approaches.
There are many factors affecting the amount and type of food that some individuals are able to eat. There are also times regardless of the amount of food a person eats they just cannot gain any weight. Seeking medical attention is always the right course of action and should be done first to rule out the possibility of physiological or health factor. Individuals who are chronically underweight and who have difficulty ingesting sufficient amounts of food to maintain their weight will benefit from eating calorie dense foods. Calorie dense foods are foods that provide high calories and protein either naturally or because they are enhanced or fortified during food preparation with additional nutrient dense ingredients.
Many factors may contribute to a decreased appetite or the ability to eat enough food. Chewing or swallowing problems sometimes decrease the appetite and keep the individual from eating enough. Alterations in taste and smell are often side effects of medications, a result of a disease or the aging process can affect the desire to eat adequate amounts of food and fluids.
Commercially manufactured products enhance nutrients and are easy to use. However, many of these products are expensive and lack the palatability of a house prepared product. By using fortified food at meals and snack time in lieu of commercially prepared supplements you will be able to satisfy the most demanding palate, improve acceptance and consumption, and save money. What better way to meet individual’s nutrient needs than being able to offer them delicious, well prepared food that they will look forward to eating?
Flavorful Fortified Food – Recipes to Enrich Life, ©2012 by Digna Cassens, MHA, RDN and Linda S. Eck Mills, MBA, RDN, FADA and Food First! Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Meals with Fortified Real Food – Creative and Survey Friendly Supplement Program ©2014 is the start to change. The 60 high-calorie, high-protein recipes (beverages, bread and cereals, desserts, main dishes, sauces and soups, and side dishes) provide quantities for both one and ten portions. The continuing education program, which supplements the recipes, is designed to learn how to provide a food fortification program, the New Dining Practice Standards, and Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. (www.flavorfulfortifiedfood.com) . Why not get your copies now before the holidays?