Nutrition Sector
What does the nutrition unit include and why is it important?
The Medical Care nutrition unit is responsible for the institutional menu served to patients in the hospital and provides tailored menus and nutritional care for patients. The unit’s dietitians identify patients at nutritional risk and those whose medical condition requires special nutritional intervention. After a nutritional assessment that matches the menu to each patient’s nutritional and medical condition, food items, medical supplements and special foods are adjusted or added.
How should I manage my nutrition?
- It is recommended to include all food groups in adequate amounts in the daily menu, to maintain a stable weight and prevent
nutritional deficiencies.
Weight loss in older age is usually not recommended. In fact, a stable weight can help the body heal during illness.
Make sure not to skip meals and to eat regular meals.
The menu served should be adapted to the patient’s swallowing ability in terms of food and drink texture.
For any question or doubt, please consult a qualified medical professional.
Key principles of proper nutrition
during recovery
- Monitor changes in weight and changes in the menu.
- It is recommended to continue follow-up with a dietitian in the community to maintain continuity of care.
- You can continue taking dedicated nutritional supplements if they were given during hospitalization, as needed and at the discretion of a dietitian and/or physician in the community.
- To prevent dehydration and relieve constipation, make sure to drink 10-12 glasses of fluids a day.
- To relieve constipation, it is important to maintain a healthy menu and drink enough. You can add grated tomato with a spoonful of olive oil and drink soaked prune juice. Daily activity and light walks, a menu rich in vegetables and/or added dietary fiber will also help.
Maintaining proper nutrition in your menu
The information below refers to the general population. In medical cases that require dietary
restrictions, such as diabetes, kidney disease and others, you must consult and continue treatment with a dietitian
in the community to adjust the guidelines.
Protein:
It is recommended to include protein-rich foods in the daily menu. Protein is one of the three macronutrients essential for the body’s proper functioning, and it takes part in building tissues and muscles and in supporting the immune system.
Which foods can be included?
Eggs: egg protein is considered the highest-quality protein. It is important to include eggs in the daily menu according to dietary restrictions and medical condition.
Dairy products: dairy desserts, cream, eshel, leben, yogurt, soft cheeses (labneh, cottage cheese, ricotta) and hard cheeses (yellow cheese, Bulgarian cheese, Tzfatit). It is recommended to have at least 2-3 servings of dairy a day. Sample breakfast: egg + cottage cheese + yellow cheese + 2 slices of bread + vegetables.
Animal protein: turkey, chicken, beef and fish, at least one serving a day. At mealtime, it is recommended to eat the protein first and only then the side dish (rice, potatoes, pasta).
Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, beans, fava beans, lupini, soy and peas. For better-quality protein, it is recommended to combine legumes and grains in the same meal, for example mujaddara. Sample lunch: 2-3 turkey patties + a cup of mujaddara + cooked vegetables + fruit.
Carbohydrates:
To maintain a source of available energy, it is important to eat enough carbohydrates. People with diabetes should follow their dietitian’s guidelines.
Examples of calorie-rich carbohydrates:
Mashed potato or sweet potato (you can add butter, olive oil, milk or sour cream).
Bread: it is recommended to choose bread marked “Healthy Choice” or approved by the Israel Celiac Association, which ensures the bread meets Ministry of Health recommendations and contains a balanced amount of carbohydrates.
Various sides: rice, noodles, bulgur, quinoa, buckwheat, ptitim, pasta and the like.
Fats:
All foods can be enriched with the following fats: olives, olive oil, canola oil, mayonnaise, raw tahini, avocado, sour cream, cream-based ice cream, ground nuts, almond spread, peanut butter, sweet cream or butter (not suitable for people with high cholesterol).
Dietary fiber:
Dietary fiber is found in various foods, especially whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Fruit: fresh fruit, baked fruit, fruit compote, fruit puree or store-bought fruit purees.
Vegetables: it is recommended to eat them in a variety of forms, fresh or cooked. These dishes can be enriched with one of the options from the fat group.
Fluids:
Very important throughout the day. As long as there is no medical restriction, it is recommended to drink an adequate amount of fluids (about 10-12 glasses). Drinking the right amount helps maintain the skin, prevents constipation and contributes to the functioning of the body and its systems. Water is, of course, the preferred choice.
