Getting your mom to eat a balanced diet is getting harder. She prefers foods that are easy to eat and take little preparation. If there's no preparation involved, she's happiest. In an average day, she'll eat three or four yogurts, multiple bananas and oranges, and granola bars. She also has a sweet tooth and loves eating puddings and custards.You need her to make healthier choices, but she refuses. She seems to lean towards sweeter foods and nothing you do works. You're tired of trying to convince her to swap another yogurt for a salad. Here are some ways to sneak healthy foods into her favorite treats.
Adding Fiber
Fiber is essential to multiple aspects of health. One of the most important for the elderly is that fiber can help keep constipation from happening. If your mom is into a diet of bananas and yogurt, she's getting some fiber, but she's also getting a lot of sugar.
Would she drink a fruit smoothie for breakfast? Mix her banana with some chia or flax seeds, nuts, and plain yogurt or an unsweetened nut milk. That will lower the sugar and add a little extra fiber.
If your mom likes desserts, make pudding using quinoa or brown rice, nut milk, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle toasted walnuts and fresh apples on top.
Adding Vegetables
Your mom loves granola bars. Make them at home. It's not that hard, and you can control the ingredients. Add seeds and nuts to the oats for an extra dose of fiber. Shredded carrots, zucchini, and cinnamon can make a carrot cake granola bar that adds some vegetables.
You'll find that some vegetables are easy to add to baked goods. Puree blueberries and spinach are one way to get extra fruits and vegetables into the diet. The blueberries mask the taste of the spinach and complement dark chocolate. In a blender or food processor, mix a package of silken tofu, the puree, a bar of melted unsweetened chocolate, and honey. Pour that into custard cups for a dessert treat you can keep on hand.
Your mom might see your urging her to eat healthy as nagging. It can help to walk away and let someone else try. Caregivers can take your mom shopping, prepare meals for or with her, and join her while she eats. She may eat what she's served if someone else has taken the time.
Caregivers also help with other activities of daily living. Hire a caregiver to help your mom with laundry and vacuuming. Let a caregiver join your mom for games and conversation. You'll get a break, and your mom benefits from companionship with someone new. Call a home care agency to learn more.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Boynton Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At BrightStar Care Today! 561-921-0550.