Food and Nutrition
Supercharging our meals at Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham
At Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham, food isn’t just fuel, it’s a cornerstone of community, independence, and joy. From shared meals every day to birthday cakes, our kitchens are the beating heart of our houses.
That’s why it’s so important to us that we ensure our home-cooked meals are as nutritious as possible.
Making meals more nutritious isn’t about compromising taste or tradition, it’s looking at adapting ingredients and cooking methods in ways that boost energy, support brain health, and promote active living. It’s small, simple wins that can help boost the wellbeing of our residents.
Our supported living houses and staff are dedicated to providing more than just delicious home-cooked meals; our houses grow fresh herbs and fruit that are used seasonally across our menus.
Explore our sample menu to see what’s cooking!
Top Tips for Living Well & Staying Independent
Small, thoughtful changes to daily eating can make a significant difference in maintaining health and independence.
Here are some of our top nutritional insights:
1. Power Up with Protein
- High-Quality Sources: Including eggs, which are a “superfood” rich in Vitamin D and B12, helps build and repair muscles while supporting brain health.
- Greek Yoghurt: Swapping to full-fat Greek yoghurt provides a protein and
calcium boost that supports bone strength. - Natural Nut Butters: Adding nut butters to breakfast or snacks is an easy way to
increase healthy fats and protein intake.
2. Prioritise “Whole” Ingredients
- Better Bread: Choosing wholemeal or artisanal breads provides complex
carbohydrates for slow-release energy and essential fibre for digestion. - The “Full-Fat” Advantage: Using whole milk rather than semi-skimmed helps the
body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and provides long-lasting
energy. - Real Butter: Replacing margarine with butter is a simple swap to move towards
more natural, single-ingredient foods.
3. Boost Immunity Naturally
- Vitamin-Rich Berries: Adding blueberries or goji berries to cereals or yoghurt
provides antioxidants that support the immune system. - Hydration through Fruit: Eating fresh fruit salad daily provides natural sweetness
and high water content to support hydration. - Herbs over Salt: Using fresh and dried herbs for flavour reduces the need for
added salt while providing additional micronutrients.
4. Smart Cooking Habits
- Homemade Stocks: Making soups and sauces from vegetable or bone stocks
provides a nutrient-dense base compared to processed alternatives. - Slow-Release Energy: Choosing oats or shredded wheat for breakfast ensures
residents stay full and focused throughout the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I'll like life at Abbeyfield?
Why not join us for a coffee morning, or for one of our delicious home-cooked meals and chat to our residents who can tell you what life is like in their Abbeyfield house. Many people decide to come for a short trial before deciding to stay permanently, and you’re more than welcome to do this.