Make Sure Your Loved One Is Eating Right!

If you are caring for a parent with a chronic condition like heart disease, you pay close attention to their health and medical needs. You should also keep a close eye on their nutrition.

Be on the lookout for changes in what and how much they are eating, especially following a hospital discharge or change in medications. Don't brush it off if you notice a sudden weight loss or if your parent is consistently telling you they are not hungry. There are ways you can help your loved one get the calories they need for energy and the nutrients needed to maintain health and strength.

Boosting Nutrition

For many seniors, it is better to eat five or six small meals a day. If your loved one has congestion or breathing problems, it may actually be painful for them to eat large meals. In addition, eating small amounts multiple times per day reduces the highs and lows of insulin levels, encourages more calorie intake for those who have lost their appetites, and if your loved one is living in a residential facility, offers more opportunities to socialize and be with others.

If you are providing meals for your loved one, revise favorite recipes to boost the nutritional impact of foods. Consider preparing meals in advance that your parent can simply reheat. Simple changes, like using a canola oil spread instead of butter, can increase the nutritional value of your parent's meals.

Here are some more ideas:

• Add fresh or frozen vegetables to soups and casseroles
• Add finely ground nuts to cooked grains and cereals and sprinkle on top of casseroles
• Choose quality proteins such as lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, soy products, fish, and low-fat dairy products
• Add eggs and soy products to soups and casseroles
• Use a low-fat cheese in mac-and-cheese
• Choose healthy and taste-enhancing fats: heart-healthy spreads, clear oils like canola or flax seed oil, fish and nut butters