Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach designed to reduce the physiological stress of surgery. Nutrition is paramount to this process. The evidence emphasises preoperative carbohydrate loading, minimised fasting periods, early postoperative feeding and adequate protein provision to essentially reduce catabolism, preserve muscle mass and support recovery. Evidence specifically demonstrates that implementing ERAS protocols can reduce postoperative complications, shorten hospital stays, improve functional recovery and enhance patient experience and satisfaction.1–3 However, there remains much inconsistency in practice, leading to significant consequences, particularly for older adults and those already vulnerable to malnutrition and/or sarcopenia. The challenge is no longer whether the evidence exists, but why consistent implementation continues to fail.