We’d like to introduce you to Chef Marty Topor at one of Augustana Care’s newest communities—Castle Peak in Eagle County, Colorado. While many Castle Peak residents are extremely health conscious, they may not realize weight loss is associated with increased mortality in older adults–and low-fat diets can lead to a drop in weight. In fact, most people may not understand how growing older affects their nutritional needs.
 
To reduce the incidence of weight loss, Chef Marty suggests comfort foods that tend to be soft and saucy as well as childhood favorites. People are more likely to consume the calories they need when they are socializing, relaxed and eating foods they enjoy.
 
Marty generally recommends three 600 calorie meals a day that are roughly one-half cup each of a starch, protein and vegetable. He encourages drinking water and even whole milk to conserve hydration. If you’d like to try one of Marty’s delicious meals, we’ve posted a recipe below!

Marty’s Meat Loaf

2 lbs. ground beef 80/20
1 yellow onion
2 whole carrots peeled
2 stalks celery
2 cloves garlic
3 whole eggs
½ cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 cup ketchup

Combine all vegetables in food processor and grate. In large mixing bowl add ground meat, eggs, and bread crumbs. Spray 8×8 pan with cooking spray. Mix all ingredients and put in baking pan. Bake for one hour or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Add ketchup at the last 10 min. of cooking. Yields 4-6 portions.