Quick Bites and & Incites – March

Industry Incite

National Nutrition Month® is celebrated every March to give focus to the critical role that good nutrition plays in the health & wellbeing of every individual.  Older adults have some aspects of good nutrition that are specific to their age group.

Read on to learn 5 Nutrition Lessons for Seniors:

1. Calcium and Vitamin D are both important to protect bone health as we age. To help prevent fractures, be sure that seniors are getting plenty of both from dairy products and dark leafy vegetables for calcium, and fatty fish, eggs, or fortified beverages for Vitamin D.  Consider supplements if seniors don’t eat enough of these kinds of foods.
2. As we age, our ability to absorb Vitamin B-12 may become impaired. Adults age 65+ may need a supplement of Vitamin B-12 to ensure they are absorbing enough.
3. Some adults experience taste changes as they age, meaning that once-beloved favorites are no longer appealing. If you or a senior in your life are avoiding certain foods that no longer taste good, be sure those nutrients are being replaced with other tasty options.
4. Fiber is a friend as we age! The GI tract naturally slows down as we get older, so maintaining fiber intake is critical to a well-functioning gut for most seniors.
5. Food safety is even more important for seniors. Because of other changes that bodies experience as they age, older adults are at an increased risk of foodborne illness.  Take particular care when preparing meals for seniors, especially those with underlying conditions.

Supplier Spotlite

This Women’s History Month let’s talk about our MWBE partners.  Incite has access to an entire portfolio of Women-owned businesses, from coffee and baked good to cleaning products and technology.  If focusing on diversity and inclusion within the supply chain is important to your organization, reach out to us today to learn more about our Women-owned business partners! 

Recipe Quick Bite

Essentially mashed potatoes with cabbage folded in, Colcannon is perfect for St. Patty’s day, or any other early spring day that delivers cool weather and a need for comfort food.  Plus it’s a delicious way to sneak some veggies into dinner!

Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes) 

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3-4 Tbsp butter
• 3-4 cups chopped cabbage (you could use another favorite green like kale or chard too)
• 4 green onion, minced, including white and green parts (you can add or sub out chives as well)
• About 1 cup of milk (depending on how wet or dry you like your mashed potatoes)

Instructions:

1. Boil potato chunks in salted water until tender, drain
2. Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped cabbage (or other greens). Cook for a few minutes, then stir in green onions and/or chives and cook for 1-minute longer
3. Add the milk and stir to combine, then add the potatoes, mashing and stirring until you’ve reached your preferred consistency
4. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed, and serve hot.

You can really make this recipe your own by adding or changing out various ingredients: try folding in bacon or ham, adding parsley, cheese, or serving with additional butter melted on top!

Team Member Highlite

Steve is our newly minted Director of Analytics at Incite.  And he’s got some interesting hobbies.  Read on to learn more about Steve.

Here are 3 things you didn’t know about Steve:

1. Steve has an amateur HAM radio license (technician class).
2. When he needs to relax, Steve practices archery with target shooting.
3. Steve is also learning how to blacksmith, practicing forging and metalwork in his spare time.

 Steve is our newly minted Director of Analytics at Incite.  And he’s got some interesting hobbies.  Read on to learn more about Steve.