As people get older, it is common for their appetite to wane.
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But they still need the same amount of nutrients in their diet, so it is important to find ways to add necessary vitamins and minerals to smaller servings of food.
Associate professor Karen Charlton suggests the following ways to boost kilojoule and nutrient intake:
■ Add milk, butter or cheese to soups, mashed potatoes or sandwiches to increase calcium intake.
■ Top fruits with custard or pudding and vegetables with a cheese sauce.
■ Powdered supplements such as Ensure can be added to cereals to boost protein levels.
■ Use protein-rich fillings such as chicken, turkey or tuna on sandwiches.
■ Throw a boiled egg into a salad for extra protein.
■ Have nuts, cheese and crackers or tinned fish on hand for easy, filling snacks between meals.
■ Choose soft or pureed meals if chewing is difficult.
■ Don't be afraid to add extra sauces or spices to meals for added flavour and kilojoules.
■ Consider nutritional drinks such as Sustagen instead of meals.
■ Keep fluids up by having a jug of water nearby or keeping fruit poppers handy.
■ Multivitamin tablets can be helpful if your doctors indicates particular nutrient levels are low.