FOOD & NUTRITION

Alba Court Residences Nutrition Plan

Alba Court Residences & Adult Day Care Center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida understands the importance of healthy eating for seniors. We work with a certified Dietitian to ensure our menu is delicious and nutritious! 

Take a look at our example menu below and reach out to Beverly Robinson, Director of Marketing & Admissions, at 386-847-3022 with any questions. 

Alba Court Building

Nutrition is Essential for Healthy Aging

Did you know that nutrition needs vary depending on which age bracket you are in? As we age, our body needs different things to aid our physical and mental function. 

3 reasons why seniors are susceptible to malnutrition: 

  1. Metabolism slows down with age, along with appetite. 
  2. Less caloric intake = less opportunity for nutrients
  3. Nutrition absorption decreases with age

Eating less sounds good, but it means they have less chances for their bodies to absorb key nutrients they need to function. So when they do eat a meal, it needs to be packed with key essentials. 

What do these nutrients impact? 

  • Organ Function: Eyes, Kidneys, liver, and digestion
  • Brain Function: Memory and Cognitive Ability
  • Managing Chronic Illnesses: High blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and dementia 
  • Strengthening Immune System: Promoting proper healing 
  • Muscle and Bone Health: preventing fractures and falls, maintaining mobility, strength, flexibility, and posture

What are the essential nutrients for seniors? 

  • Fiber: Important for digestion and heart health.
  • Protein: Helps with muscle strength. Seniors require just as much protein as a young adult due to the decrease in muscle mass with age. 
  • Vitamin B12: Impacts blood and central nervous system. In seniors, a lack of B12 can lead to anemia, numbness in extremities, fatigue, poor balance, and memory loss.
  • Calcium, Vitamin D, and Magnesium: Essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles to avoid falls and fractures. Bones require calcium for strength, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and magnesium helps available calcium make its way through the bloodstream. 
  • Potassium: This mineral is vital for cellular function across the body. It helps maintain strong muscles and healthy blood pressure levels. 
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These not only help the heart but also support brain health in several ways. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are especially important for seniors with dementia. 

Meet our Dietitian!

George Ateek RD CSG LD CSSI

Registered Dietitian | Certified Specialist Geriatric Nutrition | Licensed Dietitian | Certified ServSafe Instructor

George Ateek has been planning senior friendly meals for 25 years. His favorite motto is, “Good Health, Good Sense, and Keep Active”. He was born and raised in Panama then moved to the United States for University. He graduated from St. Petersburg College with a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Then continued his education at Florida State University and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. 

Fun Fact: He is an ex boxer, and used a delicious diet to stay in shape and excel in the ring. 

Example Menu:

Sunday Day 1 

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Pancakes

Lunch: Roast Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, Harvard Beets, Wheat Roll/Break, & Apple Cinnamon Cake

Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread, and Sliced Peaches

 

Monday Day 2

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast

Lunch: Roast Beef Au Jus, Mashed Potatoes, California Veggie Blend, and Fruited Gelatin

Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Saltine Crackers, BLT with Cheese, Breaded Zucchini, and ice cream. 

 

Tuesday Day 3

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Waffle

Lunch: Honey Glazed Ham, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Wheat Roll, and Pudding 

Dinner: Chicken Dumplings, Peas, Carrots, Wheat Roll, and Fruit Cocktail

 

Wednesday Day 4

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast

Lunch: BBQ Beef Platter, Chuckwagon Corn, Breaded Okra, Wheat Roll, and Mandarin Oranges

Dinner: Cream of Tomato Soup, Saltine Crackers, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Steamed Veggie Sticks, and Chocolate Chip Bar

 

Thursday Day 5

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast

Lunch: Chicken Tenders, Macaroni & Cheese, Vegetable Medley, Wheat Roll, and Cake

Dinner: Ham, Southern Style Beans, Mustard Greens, Cornbread, and Spiced Apples

 

Friday Day 6

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Muffin

Lunch: Fish Fillet, Lemon Wedge, Tator Tots, Creamy Coleslaw, Wheat Roll, and Tutti Fruti Gelatin

Dinner: Beef Stroganoff, Noodles, Carrot Coins, Wheat Roll, and Cookie

 

Saturday Day 7

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Bacon, Wheat Toast

Lunch: Herb Lemon Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli Cuts, Wheat Roll, Spiced Apricots

Dinner: Sloppy Joe, French Fries, Three Bean Salad, and Sherbert

 

Sunday Day 8

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Biscuit

Lunch: Pork Roast, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Squash Medley, Wheat Roll, and Fruit Basket Crumble

Dinner: Turkey Tetrazzini, Green Peas, Wheat Roll, and Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

 

Monday Day 9

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast

Lunch: Pepper Steak with Gravy, Mushroom Rice, Green Beans, Wheat Roll, and Cookie

Dinner: Stuffed Potato with Cheese, Steamed Veggie Sticks, Wheat Roll, and Fruit Cup

 

Tuesday Day 10

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Pancakes

Lunch: Crispy Baked Chicken, Whole Kernel Corn, Spinach, Wheat Roll, and Raspberry Robin Delight 

Dinner: Vegetable Soup, Saltine Crackers, Deli Sandwich, Dill Cucumber Salad, and Lemon Bar

 

Wednesday Day 11

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast 

Lunch: Cheeseburger Pie, Brussels Sprouts, Wheat Roll, and Spice Cake

Dinner: Herbed Turkey, Broccoli Cuts, Noodles, Wheat Roll, and Apricot Halves

 

Thursday Day 12

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast

Lunch: Sliced Baked Ham, Peas, Carrots, Sliced Beats, and Forest Pears

Dinner: French Dip Sandwich, Dill Pickle Spear, Sweet Potato Wedges, and Pudding

 

Friday Day 13

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Waffle

Lunch: Fried Fish Fillet, Tartar Sauce, Confetti Rice, Creamy Coleslaw, Wheat Roll, and Pineapple with Cherry

Dinner: Honey Mustard Chicken, Au Gratin Potatoes, Capri Veggie Blend, Wheat Roll, and Blonde Brownie

 

Saturday Day 14

Breakfast: Juice, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Egg, Wheat Toast

Lunch: Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy, California Veggie Blend, Wheat Roll, and Rainbow Cake

Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Saltine Crackers, Deep Dish Cheese Pizza, Marin Artichoke Salad, Wheat Roll, and Fruit Cocktail