Special Diets

Special dietsSome people choose not to eat certain

foods or need certain foods to keep healthy. There can be a variety of reasons for this;

Because of their ethical beliefsBecause of their religious beliefsFor medical reasonsThey do not like the taste or texture of

some foodsTheir age range

VEGETARIANSThere are many reasons why people chose a

vegetarian dietThey may have strong feelings about the way

animals are kept and slaughtered.Land used to feed animals could feed many more

if used for cereal cropsMany cases of food poisoning are linked to meatA vegetarian diet is considered to be healthier

9lower in fat and cholesterol, higher in fibre) than one that relies on meat.

Dislike of animal fleshDietary reasonsReligious reasons

VEGETARIANSTypes of vegetarians

Lacto-ovo vegetarians

Lacto-vegetarians

PescotariansVegansDemi

vegetarians

Alternative foods – vegetarians need to find an alternative protein intake;

Soya beansTofuQuornPulsesOther beans NutsDairy – if eat!!

ELDERLYAs people grow older they become less

active, therefore need less energy foods.Many of the elderly suffer from osteoporosis

– need more calcium.The size of meals should decrease as the

elderly become less active.Increase fibre content to avoid constipation.Only eat soft foods if dentures are used. Eat alternative proteins if income is reduced

and meat is not affordable.

CHILDRENActivity and body growth continue to

increase at this period of life. Meal must therefore provide ample energy, and nutrients for body growth and maintenance.

Eat foods low in fat to avoid obesityEat foods high in fibreEat correct size mealsEat 5 a day of fruit and vegetablesEat healthy snacks

MEDICAL DIETSLACTOSE INTOLERANT COELIAC

Avoid milk and milk products

Experience nausea, bloating, pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea

Eat lactose-reduced products

Eat goats cheese, soya milk, feta cheese, rice milk

Intolerant to the protein gluten

Gluten is found in many cereals plants primarily wheat

Avoid pasta, bread, cereals flour based foods!!

Gluten free products are available

RELIGIOUS DIETSMuslims - do not eat pork (they believe the pig

is unclean). Meat has to be Halal – slaughtered according to religious beliefs. No shell fish or alcohol.

Hindus – do not eat beef (they believe the cow is sacred). Many are vegan, some do eat lamb, poultry and/or fish

Jews – do not eat pork, bacon or ham, shellfish or eels. They do not eat meat or milk at the same time or cooked together e.g. Lasagne. They eat kosher meat (i.e. Meat that has been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary guidelines). Milk and milk products are usually eaten at breakfast only and avoided at other meals.