TOP 10 Tips for helping Mom and Dad Eat Healthy

It is easy to ignore dietary rules when dealing with your parents. You might even say to yourself: “They’ve lived along time and deserve a splurge now and then.” Your heart may be in the right place, but your plan may be a mistake.

Over time, the elderly often grow increasingly sensitive to certain foods, even some of their favorites. While they may not want to give up that slice of chocolate cake or that pot of coffee, those foods may no longer agree with them. On the other hand, your Mom or Dad may begin to eat less and less. You will have to find ways to spur their appetite and keep them interested in eating.

The following are 10 tips aimed at helping you take better care of your parents’ dietary needs:

1. When preparing a family meal, or ordering in a restaurant, cook or order just a bit more, and store in a plastic storage bag and freeze it till the next time you visit

2. Make sure that Mom and Dad have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you purchase the pre-cut kind at the store, Mom and Dad can eat it easily and not have to invest the energy to prepare it.

3. Make visits with your parents around a meal.  Take them to a senior-friendly restaurant. 

4. Investigate their refrigerator, pantry and food cupboard for anything that is expired. Remove these items-even if they argue!

5. Inquire into your local senior center or adult daycare center as options for Mom and Dad. To spend a couple of afternoons per week in a social setting around a meal can be great for their well-being and their diet

6. Keep dried fruit, nuts, and good fat items like avocado and olive oil on hand. 

7. If Mom and Dad have a diminished appetite, or refuse to eat healthy, there are supplemental products that can help, such as vitamins, enhanced water, and supplements.

8. Is there a young person from the neighborhood, or family friend that you could hire to bring in a few meals per week?  For those who can afford it, there are amazing meal preparation service companies in major metro areas that can bring food in

9. Shop for groceries online and they will deliver directly to Mom and Dad’s home. 

10. Shop Organic!! Make sure that the food that enters Mom and Dad’s bodies are free from chemicals, hormones and pesticides!