At his last doctor’s appointment, your dad’s doctor said he’s overweight and has high cholesterol. Your dad needs to start eating properly, but he’s struggling to make the recommended changes. How do you get him to listen to his doctor and incorporate the recommended dietary changes? Home care assistance can help.
Clear His Kitchen of Inappropriate Foods
Start by getting rid of the foods your dad isn’t supposed to have. He loves sugary treats and struggles with those the most. Get rid of any packaged cookies, granola bars, etc. If they’re not available, he won’t be as tempted to eat them.
Stock Up on Healthier Options
Now that his cupboards, fridge, and freezer are cleared of the treats he shouldn’t have. Add foods that he can have. He loves brownies, so make a version that’s better for him using whole-wheat flour, Medjool dates, cocoa powder, and walnuts. If you make them in muffin cups and keep them in the freezer, he’ll find it easier to stick to a portion.
Keep fresh fruit, vegetables with a homemade yogurt and herb dip, and raw almonds on hand. They’re healthier snack options that will keep him satisfied.
Try New Foods
As you get older, your tastes change. Your dad may not like some of the foods he used to love. Try new foods and see what he thinks. He’s discovered he doesn’t like the taste or texture of beef anymore. Try making him burgers from chickpeas and vegetables instead.
If he used to love curries, but no longer likes the taste of yogurt. Try making a coconut milk-based Thai curry instead. Simple changes like this may be all that’s needed.
Use Herbs and Citrus Instead of Salt
Your dad’s doctor asked him to lower his salt intake, but your dad is having a hard time cutting it from his diet. Try using fresh herbs and citrus juice and zest to add flavor instead. Adding strong flavors to enhance the taste of certain foods helps make a low-sodium diet palatable.
Let Him Plan the Menu
Ask your dad what his favorite meals are. If he’s able to plan a menu based on what he wants to eat instead of what you think he should have, it will help. Once you know what he’s in the mood for, you can adapt recipes to meet his dietary needs.
For example, his doctor wants him to stop eating red meat, but your dad loves tacos. Use grilled portobello mushrooms instead of beef. Or, you could switch to grilled fish or shrimp tacos instead.
Consider the benefits of having home care assistance services to ensure your dad has access to daily home-cooked meals. His caregivers work with him to plan a weekly menu. They can take him shopping if he wants to go or shop for him if he doesn’t. Best of all, with home care assistance, he’ll have a caregiver to cook his meals and prepare snacks every day.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in San Mateo, CA please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care Today! (415) 463-1400
Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.
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