Vegetarian options have always been part of the hospital’s menu. In 2023, several dietitians, chefs, and senior administrative staff participated in the Healthier Me 21-Day Challenge to incorporate a whole-food plant-based diet into the hospital's menu.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Principle Dietitian, Tan Chew Sia: This bento has 50% vegetables, 25% protein, and 1/4 whole grain, so it's pretty balanced. Maybe we should add one more serving of fruit because this one piece is too little to be considered one serving.

The dietitian analysed the food as they ate it. Adding whole food plant-based dish options in a hospital requires cooperation and effort from different departments, so nine medical staff, dietitians and chefs participated in the Healthier Me 21-Day Diet Challenge to experience and learn about dishes with less oil, salt, sugar, and no processed ingredients.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Senior Principle Dietitian, Wong Gladys: For this three weeks, we like it because we are dietitians. We enjoy different types of food, including just natural, unadulterated types of salad and without dressing, but not everybody is used to it. So it will take time, but we will get there one day. 

Yishun Health, Executive Chef, Nge Aik Tee: Our patients are all on medications. Their palates and sense of smell are changing, so we adjust to suit their tastes. When they are in the hospital, we must take care of them and explain the importance of a healthy diet. We hope they can maintain healthy eating habits after being discharged.

Besides the health improvement one gain from having a whole food plant-based diet, one participant has even started to get creative in her cooking.

Yishun Health, Quality and Risk Management, Assistant Director, Tan Pauline: This is my own cooked carrot, mushrooms, and cauliflower. (These colours match well.) I learned it from you (Tzu Chi).

Yishun Health, Quality and Risk Management, Assistant Director, Tan Pauline: The last few times I donated blood, my doctor told me to watch my blood pressure. When I heard about this challenge, I thought I should start changing my diet. I occasionally exercise to regulate my blood pressure, but it doesn't work as well as this (food therapy). I don't think it's a sick meal; it’s a preventive meal.

The medical team prepares delicious and nutritious recipes for patients with empathy. With the right ingredients and cooking methods, we can enjoy good health from eating.