Mashed potatoes and chicken are out while quiches and chicken breasts are in. Israel’s Ministry of Health in a bold move is revamping the food served to hospital patients nationwide. A study by the ministry revealed that only 40% of hospital patients dare to eat the hospital meals, leading to the decision that a major overhaul of the hospital menus is in place. The study indicates many will eat the minimal amount simply because they are hungry, but rarely does one complete a meal.

The process of change is a slow one for the ministry learned this three years ago, seeking to understand why so many patients in hospitals lose weight and become more prone to malnutrition. They determined the major factor was the fact that people ate the bare minimum, simply disgusted with the food served.

The new directive has been circulated to hospitals nationwide, taking effect on July 1, 2013 for any patient not requiring a special diet. The meals must contain between 1,800 and 2,000 calories, of which 50% must be derived from carbohydrates, 15% from protein and 35% from fats. Each patient must receive 300 mg cholesterol daily from meals (excluding an egg a day) and between 75-90mg vitamin C. A meal must also contain 25 grams of dietary fiber. The new plan also accommodates vegetarians and special requests.

The breakfast menu looks like fresh different colored vegetables, whole wheat bread or challah, eggs prepared in various fashions, white cheese, cottage cheese, olives, tehina, farina and jam.

Snack: fruit

Lunch:

Beginning with soups including an option of chicken (not made from powered base), lentils or vegetable. The main would consist of a whole chicken (we can presume a small hen perhaps), broiled chicken breast, fish fillet broiled or patties, and cooked vegetables, fresh vegetables and a generous portion of carbs including a baked potato, mashed potatoes, couscous, burgle, or kasha and fresh fruit for dessert.

Dinner:

Once again whole grain bread or challah, an option of cheeses, cooked and fresh vegetables, quiches, spreads including tehina, avocado, humus, and eggplant. If one is still hungry one may also ask for biscuits, crackers, fruit or cake made from whole grain flour and canola oil such as carrot, apple or cheese cake. Whole milk will be available for those wishing it with coffee as well.

As a note, the chicken and fish served must be lean. Regarding milk; up to 5% fat content. Prepared items including schnitzel and patties may only be served once weekly.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)