Nourish, the new recipe book from NDR-UK, contains lots of delicious fortified recipes, aiming to encourage interest and enjoyment of food, whilst maintaining quality of life in adults suffering from or at risk of malnutrition. Kathryn Duff, Prescribing Support Dietitian from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, tells us more about the project and working in partnership with NDR-UK…

Tell us about the project/how it has developed

Research has shown that 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 are malnourished or are at risk of malnutrition. With this in mind, and in view of BAPEN’s ‘Combatting Malnutrition’ report which highlights public expenditure to be in excess of 13 billion per year on disease related malnutrition, the development of a practical resource ‘Nourish’ was undertaken with our NDR-UK colleagues. The project commenced back in December 2018 with clear aims and objectives and a timeline being set to allow for the development of a simple recipe book. The recipe book aims to provide a range of food and drink suggestions to encourage and support a nourishing diet for those suffering from weight loss and/or poor appetite, and are at risk of malnutrition.

What were your reasons for getting involved in the project and working in partnership with NDR-UK?

As a prescribing support dietitian working in primary care, day to day working involves the assessment and management of those within our society who are struggling with weight loss and poor appetite. Dietetic input is essential in order to provide practical advice to relatives and carers to help improve the overall nutritional adequacy of dietary intake or indeed to minimise further weight loss in many cases. The opportunity to develop such a resource in partnership with NDR-UK allows for the potential to improve nutritional intake, care and enjoyment of food for those using the recipe book across the UK, and has been a highlight in my career to date.

What was involved and have you enjoyed it?

Regular teleconferences were undertaken with myself and Shelley, prescribing support assistant, with staff at NDR-UK throughout the various stages in the development of the recipe book. It was decided that the resource would encompass various recipes falling under the umbrella of main meals, light meals, savoury and sweet snacks, shakes and desserts. Once suitable recipes had been agreed, Shelley undertook the nutritional analysis work using a computer software package.  Next we set about the fun element, food tasting! A focus group was set up with Age NI and a group of around 60 older ladies attended to provide feedback on the various recipes proposed for publication. Further refinement and additional comments were received from dietetic colleagues across the UK and amendments were made. The final stages involved the photographing of recipes and collaboration with the graphic design team to produce a high quality resource for publication and use across the UK.

What are the benefits of this new resource?

As a dietitian I feel the resource fulfills a number of benefits. Not only does it equip dietetic colleagues to provide greater and more detailed practical advice on food fortification, but it also empowers relatives, carers and catering staff to provide nutritious meals for those struggling with reduced appetite and weight loss. Ultimately Nourish will aim to provide food enjoyment to those consuming the various different meals and snacks provided, making small changes that will aim to make a big difference.

It has been a pleasure working with Kathryn and Shelley on this project. Their hard work and expertise in developing the recipes and content has been invaluable. We’d like to say a huge thank you for all their input, support and fantastic contributions throughout our partnership and we look forward to working together again in the future.

Nourish officially launched today and is now available to purchase from: https://www.ndr-uk.org/item/258/FoodFortification/Nourish.html