A consistent challenge caregivers face is encouraging good nutrition, or just making sure the person they are caring is eating a healthy meal. Individuals being cared for may not be motivated or even want to eat. It is important to make sure there is not a medical reason for not eating. After discussing nutritional needs with medical professionals, you may still be trying to figure out creative ways to make meals or make food more appealing. Often those needing assistance may not be eating because they are depressed, or tired of eating alone. Here are a few ideas you may try to make a meal more exciting:
Pretty Plate. It may sound corny, but we experience it all the time in restaurants. Vegetables are not just vegetables and fruit is not just fruit. Edible items in complimentary colors are strategically placed to enhance the overall presentation of the meal. Sometimes, the plate is a piece of art almost too good to eat. The same "pretty plate" creative tactic can be used to sell the idea of eating to your loved one. For example, next time you are preparing a sandwich, cut it into triangles and embellish the plate with rich colorful fruit making it look “pretty” or more appealing to the eye. For a snack, make a yogurt and cheese plate embellished with strawberries. Or, a plate with peanut butter and crackers and add some color with orange slices.
Plus one, please. Eating alone can be lonely. Our culture often includes socialization during mealtime. When we are caring for someone, it’s important to consider a ‘plus one’ option. Jazz up meal time by having a family member visit for dinner and use the nice place settings and silverware. Or, invite friends to come over for lunch and eat on the patio.
Add Ambience. Creating a pleasant eating environment can make a meal more exciting. If a routine of eating on a TV tray in front of the nightly news isn’t working, try eating at the dining room table. Add flowers as a centerpiece and play appealing background music. Or, rather than eating a snack in the same living room chair, mix things up and eat on the shaded patio.
If you have creative ideas on how to make a meal more exciting and appealing, comment on the CAREjourney.com Facebook Fan page.
Your CAREjourney Guides,
Staci Witten and Liz Applegate
Monday the 17th, 2010 at 12 p.m.
