General diet - full
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Adult Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods for patients able to eat normally.
Characteristics
A diet that conforms to the Nutrition standards for adult inpatients in NSW hospitals.
Indications
Suitable for all patients who are nutritionally well and nutritionally at risk, but not those with special or high nutritional needs. This diet may be combined with thickened fluids.
Nutritional adequacy
Nutritionally adequate.
Precautions
Not to be used for patients with any therapeutic diet order.
Paediatrics
Not suitable for use in paediatrics.
Specific menu planning guidelines
Allowed | Not allowed | |
---|---|---|
Hot main dishes | All | - |
Sauces, gravies | All | - |
Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice | All | - |
Vegetables | All | - |
Soups | All | - |
Sandwiches | All | - |
Salads, dressings | All | - |
Breads, cereals | All | - |
Spreads | All | - |
Hot breakfast choices | All | - |
Fruit | All | - |
Yoghurt | All | - |
Desserts | All | - |
Milk and cheese | All | - |
Beverages | All | - |
Biscuits | All | - |
Miscellaneous | One high-energy mid-meal per day – required by Nutrition standards | - |
References
- Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Health. Nutrition standards for adult inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney: ACI; 2011.
- Dietitians Association of Australia. Nutrition manual. 8th ed. Canberra: DAA; 2009.