After his last exam, your dad’s doctor recommended he focus more on nutrition. He’s supposed to give up added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. He needs to boost his intake of B vitamins, calcium, and fiber. These are the pantry staples to keep on hand.
Canned Tuna
If your dad eats fish, canned tuna is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Keep it on hand for quick meals. Albacore is one of the best options if your dad likes white fish that’s not as fishy tasting as varieties like skipjack.
When choosing tuna, aim for brands that have low-salt options. If you can’t find anything suitable, make sure you drain as much liquid as possible to lower the amount of salt. Mix it with sour cream or lemon juice and olive oil rather than mayo to further reduce the sodium levels in tuna salad sandwiches.
Dried and Canned Beans
Not only are dried beans packed with fiber and many of the nutrients your dad needs, but they’re also affordable. You’ll often find pound bags for no more than $2. Soak them overnight, boil and drain them, and let them cool. Transfer them to freezer bags, and your dad has cooked beans that are ready to use.
Canned beans are also handy to keep in the pantry. Purchase no-salt or low-salt options. If not, rinse the beans to remove as much salty brine that they’re packed in as you can.
Nuts
Stock up on unsalted nuts. Almonds, raw cashews, and walnuts are great options. Add them to salads, snack on them, or mix them into protein bars and balls that your dad can snack on.
One easy recipe is to blend medjool dates, whole oats, walnuts, and cinnamon. Shape them into bite-sized balls for quick boosts of protein.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are important, especially for fiber. Look for grains like barley, ferro, old-fashioned oats, and cracked wheat. You can cook them in batches if needed and keep them in the freezer. When your dad needs them for a salad or side dish, all he has to do is thaw whatever he needs.
Quinoa is technically a seed, but it’s packed with nutrients. Make it in batches and add a couple of eggs, grated onion, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Form them into patties and freeze. Your dad has an easy-to-make hash brown substitute that just needs to be reheated in a toaster oven or browned in a pan.
Your dad rarely spends time in his kitchen and isn’t much of a cook. He’s happier ordering takeout or heating up a can of soup. Talk to him about home care assistance. He can have a caregiver cook meals and prepare snacks for him. He eats well without spending time in the kitchen unless he wants to help. Call an advisor to learn more
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Assistance in Carthage , MO please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576.
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