This year is different, and your family is trying to get things planned in advance. After her last doctor’s appointment, your mom has to pay attention to foods that are lower in sodium and saturated fat. She’s also been told to be careful with vitamin K because she’s on blood thinners.
Thanksgiving has been a favorite time of year due to your family’s traditional Thanksgiving meal. How do you make sure your mom has a wide selection of foods that match her needs this year?
Swap Out the Heavy Cream
Instead of heavy cream, switch to plant-based half-and-half options. One uses pea protein and has significantly less overall fat and no saturated fat. The creaminess is the same. It’s a good option for mashed potatoes and gravy.
Stock Up on Herbs
Salt doesn’t have to be part of the meal. Instead of salt on everything, use fresh herbs and citrus juice to add flavor. Stuff some lemon and orange slices inside the turkey cavity, and add sage leaves under the skin before you roast it.
Options for Favorite Veggies
Vitamin K can be tricky, as so many vegetables are off-limits. When your mom is taking blood thinners, ask her doctor for a full list, but typically asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, parsley, and spinach are not good options.
Instead of those, make roasted vegetables with sweet potatoes, apples, red onion, and carrots. Green beans and peas are usually okay. Celery is fine. Rutabagas and potatoes are also okay.
Skip the Added Sugar
It’s not too hard to swap out desserts with a lot of added sugar for healthier options. When you make a pumpkin pie, try using date sugar instead of normal sugar. Sweetened spice cake with pureed dates. They still have sugar, but it’s ground fruit, so they provide the added benefits of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Make Your Own Bread
Make homemade bread using whole-grain flour. The more fiber you get into rolls and stuffing, the better it is for your mom. Start a week or so ahead of time, and make a sourdough starter. It adds flavor and provides a fun project for any kids who want to help with the kitchen. Let them knead the dough with your mom while you work on other kitchen tasks.
Holidays allow families to catch up and visit, but it’s also a time when you can see firsthand how much your mom’s health has changed. You may find yourself realizing she needs help. In-home care services offer the helping hand she needs.
The goal of in-home care is to help your mom stay independent in her home without risking her safety. Call an advisor with your questions and learn more about the services and their prices.