Make sure every mouthful counts!

People who need a modified texture diet often have several medical problems, resulting in a poor appetite and intake. In addition, the food does not look the same as it did before, meaning that people needing this type of diet are at high risk of losing weight.

Weight loss without trying can mean loss of muscle and condition and can contribute to poor health.

All texture modified foods should be fortified with protein and energy additions.

• Protein is the nutrient that is needed the most, so include the meat, fish, chicken, egg portion of the meal in preference to 'eating all of the vegetables'.
• Add items such as milk, milk powder, egg, grated cheese, legume powders to boost protein intake.
• Use full fat dairy foods.
• Use cream, oil, butter, margarine to add additional calories to the food.

It's very challenging to fortify modified texture food to the correct level and present the meal in a way that the person still enjoys  the food and the dining experience.

About the Author Nutrition Professionals Australia is a team of Accredited Practising Dietitians who consult to aged care homes across Australia.  They have more than 40 years of combined experience in a range of roles, as Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitians, Food Services Coordinator, Residential Site Manager, Author of Nutrition Manuals and Consultant Dietitian.