The Core Principles of the Food First Diet
The Food First diet is a clinical nutritional strategy, not a weight-loss plan, and is primarily used in healthcare settings to address and prevent malnutrition, particularly in the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Its core philosophy is simple: meet nutritional needs through regular food and drinks first, before resorting to nutritional supplements. The main components involve using food fortification and promoting a 'little and often' eating pattern.
Food Fortification: Adding Extra Nourishment
Fortification is the cornerstone of the Food First approach. It involves boosting the energy and protein content of meals and snacks by adding ordinary, high-calorie, and high-protein ingredients. This is crucial for individuals with small appetites who cannot consume large quantities of food. The goal is to maximize the nutritional value of each mouthful. Examples of fortifying ingredients include:
- Milk powder: Mixing skimmed milk powder into whole milk creates a fortified milk that can be used in drinks, sauces, and cereals.
- Double cream: Add to soups, mashed potatoes, porridge, and desserts to increase calories.
- Cheese: Grate into sauces, pasta dishes, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
- Butter/oil: Stir extra butter or oil into vegetables, potatoes, pasta, and sauces.
- Protein powder: Can be added to shakes, porridges, and yogurt for an extra protein boost.
The 'Little and Often' Approach
For those with reduced appetite, consuming three large meals can be overwhelming. The Food First diet recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks throughout the day, aiming for a pattern of eating every 2-3 hours. This helps to increase total daily intake without putting undue pressure on the individual at any single mealtime. Nourishing snacks and drinks are emphasized between main meals.
Implementing the Food First Diet: Practical Ideas
To successfully implement a Food First approach, focusing on nutrient-dense meals and snacks is key. Below are some practical ideas for each meal of the day, as well as snack time.
Breakfast
- Fortified Porridge: Prepare with fortified whole milk and add a tablespoon of double cream, honey, or ground almonds.
- Scrambled Eggs: Cook with extra butter and stir in grated cheese before serving.
- Full-Fat Yogurt: Choose a thick and creamy yogurt and top with honey, fruit, and nuts.
Main Meals
- Enriched Mashed Potatoes: Mash with generous amounts of butter, double cream, and cheese.
- Creamy Pasta Sauce: Add extra cream, cheese, or fortified milk to your pasta sauce.
- Fortified Soup: Stir in skimmed milk powder and double cream to a creamy soup.
Snacks and Drinks
- Milkshakes: Blend full-fat milk with ice cream and milkshake powder for a calorie-dense drink.
- Nuts and Dried Fruit: A small handful provides a concentrated source of energy and nutrients.
- Cheese and Crackers: A quick and easy way to increase protein and calories.
- Hot Chocolate: Made with fortified whole milk and topped with cream or marshmallows.
Comparison: Standard 'Healthy Eating' vs. Food First
This table illustrates the key differences in dietary strategies, highlighting how the Food First approach adapts nutritional principles to address specific clinical needs, such as reversing malnutrition.
| Aspect | Standard 'Healthy Eating' Advice | Food First Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Promote general health and prevent chronic disease. | Prevent or treat malnutrition and weight loss. |
| Focus on Fat | Often emphasizes low-fat options and lean protein. | Prioritizes full-fat products and energy-dense foods to increase calorie intake. |
| Dairy Products | Recommends low-fat or fat-free dairy. | Encourages full-fat milk, cream, cheese, and yogurt for higher calorie and protein content. |
| Portion Size | Typically focuses on balanced, moderate-sized meals. | Encourages smaller, more frequent meals and nourishing snacks to prevent feeling full and maximize intake. |
| Fluid Timing | Drink water throughout the day. | Drink fluids between meals to avoid filling up on low-calorie liquids, prioritizing nourishing drinks instead. |
| Fruit & Vegetables | Encourage consuming large quantities. | May reduce bulkier, high-fiber intake if it displaces other energy-dense foods for those with very small appetites. |
| Food Fortification | Not a standard practice. | A central strategy, adding extra calories and protein to existing foods without increasing volume. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, what is the food first diet? It is a practical, effective, and evidence-based nutritional strategy designed to combat malnutrition by prioritizing real food over supplements where possible. By utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like food fortification and small, frequent meals, it helps individuals with poor appetite increase their calorie and protein intake. While it deviates from standard healthy eating guidelines by focusing on full-fat and high-calorie options, this is a necessary adaptation for individuals at risk. The Food First approach empowers caregivers and individuals to make every mouthful count, improving overall nutritional status and promoting better health outcomes. It underscores the profound impact of food as a foundational intervention for wellness. For those interested in deeper clinical insights, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides studies on nutrition's foundational role in health.
A note on supplements
While the Food First diet prioritizes real food, oral nutrition supplements may still be used under the guidance of a dietitian, especially if nutritional needs cannot be met through food alone. These supplements can provide concentrated energy and protein, acting as a valuable tool when necessary. However, the ultimate goal remains to maximize the nourishment received from everyday food sources.
