Consuming an adequate amount of protein each day is important to help maintain muscle mass, prevent malnutrition and encourage weight maintenance. Given that muscle wastage and weight loss is a common issue facing the elderly population in aged care homes, it is particularly important to ensure that residents following a vegetarian diet receive adequate amounts of protein from vegetarian sources.
Whilst vegetarian diets can be lower in saturated fat and higher in fibre, they are usually considered lower in protein. Therefore careful planning is required to ensure that meals are balanced and provide adequate amounts of protein. It is important to ensure that residents who choose to follow a vegetarian diet are receiving alternative vegetarian protein sources in their meals. Please see below protein alternatives that can be included in meals and recommended serving size.
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