Easy Meal Ideas for Aging Parents from a Dietitian
Are you a caregiver to an aging parent or a loved one? Do you struggle to get your loved one to eat well and be strong enough to stay in their home? Are you flat-out exhausted trying to plan meals for both your family and your aging loved one? Read on for easy meal ideas for aging parents from a Dietitian.
Batch Cooking and Freezer-friendly Meal Ideas
Batch cooking can be an incredibly effective tool for saving you both time and a headache when planning meals for your aging parents. One idea is spending one day a month making meals that can be frozen in individual portions. In doing so, your loved one can simply take one out of the freezer, re-heat, and enjoy. No extra energy is required! And these ideas are oh-so delicious!
- Mini Quiche and Frittatas - Ex. Broccoli Cheddar, Lorraine, and Florentine-style
- Casseroles - Ex. Chicken with Rice and Broccoli, Lazy Cabbage Rolls, and Tuna Noodle-style
- Pot Pies - Ex. Chicken, Beef, and Tortiere
- Chili - can use Beef, Chicken, or Turkey
- Roasted Meats - such as Turkey, Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Lamb
- Lasagna
- Enchiladas
- Soups
- Shepherd’s Pie
Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker Meal Ideas
Slow Cookers are key to very easy meals. Additionally, these meals require less time, and can easily be prepped the night before or in the morning, and when you come home from work, the meal is ready to serve! They produce tender meats and vegetables, easier for those with dentures to consume. Conversely, Pressure Cookers can give you the same tender meats and vegetables, in a fraction of the time, so they are easy to use in a time crunch.
Slow Cooker Ideas
- Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Lamb Stews
- Pot Roasts
- Roasted Pork with Vegetables and Potatoes
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Soups
Pressure Cooker Ideas
- Beef and Pork Ribs
- Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Lamb Stews
- Jambalaya
- Pulled Pork, Beef, and Chicken
- Rice Bowls such as Beef and Broccoli, Burrito Bowls, and Curry-based Dishes
And there are so many other great ideas! Check out Cookspiration for more recipe inspiration.
Where can I get more support with nutrition for healthy aging?
If you would like to learn about more easy meal ideas for your aging parents from a dietitian, I am happy to help! I offer an Aging at Home Program for caregivers which includes in-home, in-office, and virtual assessment services as well as meal planning. My ultimate goal is to ensure you and your loved ones are getting the nutrition needed to stay happy, healthy, and strong, for as long as possible.
Read more about my services here: Virtual and In-Person Nutrition Counselling.
If you would like to book your free 15-minute discovery call with me, you can do so here.
And remember to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for Registered Dietitian Services through your plan or health spending account. Dietitian services are also tax deductible!