In need recipes for a soft diet for 84 year old mother.
 

I am in need of recipes for my mother who lives with me. She is 84 years old and she will not eat any kind of meat at all. She also does not like pasta at all. And will not drink ensure or boost. Yes I have had her to the doctor but my mom is a very stubborn person and once she makes up her mind she doesn't change it. They can't help her if she won't listen. (And getting her to go to a doctor is very hard). So I am looking for recipes that has good protein but no meat. So if anyone has a recipe that they have tried and taste good I would really appreciate them.

How about protein drinks or some of the smoothies that you make with a vitamix? Before I got mine, I used my blender and it did a good job, just had to blend longer to make it smoother.

84 years old? I bet she has a lot of great recipes. How about going thru her box or recipe books.? If she is that stubborn, i would truly get her more involved in the choices.

and maybe talk to the Cooks at nursing homes or senior centers. My husband should meet your Mother. They would get along great! good luck hon. (())

Many folks don't like the flavor of boost or ensure. Try carnation instant breakfast. There are many flavor s,and with a little ice cream,pretty good! She might likecustard( especially if put into pie form). If you combine grains with dairy or beans,you get good protein.

Is her issue with meat an ideological or religious one? Or does she just not want to chew it? I'm wondering if you can possibly sneak baby food meat into some of her dishes.

If she likes milkshakes, make them with any of the nutrition drinks. Boost, Ensure, Carnation. Even Slim Fast. Our doctor says there is nothing in Slim Fast to make you loose weight. It's just portion control, so using it as a supplement is OK. Also, don't let her SEE that it is a nutrition drink. Pour one or two in a 1/2 gallon milk jug and set it in the fridge to use when making her shakes. What she doesn't see, doesn't taste bad.

Are you aware there are new Ensures out that are like juice? The come in several fruit flavors. Each bottle which is smaller than a regular Ensure has more protein than an egg. Freeze some into ice cubes and try out a slushy on a hot day. I have also used it to make Jell-O. Just replace the cold water with an appropriate flavored one.

Will she eat beans? Lots of protein there. If so, try this.

Cook some onion and garlic in a bit of butter.
Add one drained can of white beans and one drained can of black beans and one can of tomato chunks.
(I use tomato chunks that have Italian seasonings in them, but whatever you have will be fine.)
Add two cans of chicken broth.
Toss in some basil and simmer until hot.
If she will eat spinach, add some of that at the last few minutes.
Serve with hot cheesey garlic bread if she will eat that.

This is simple and quick with lots of protein. If you have others to feed that want meat, divide the recipe in half and add browned Italian sausage to the half for the other folks.

Having worked in Food Service long term care for many years.. The "soft" diet you refer to.. is this a prescribed diet..Is it gastric soft, or dental soft ? This makes a big difference in the types of food to recommend.
If you are looking to supplement .. Ensure Plus HN ( higher calorie , higher protein than just Ensure) . Make sure to serve it ICE COLD , and the chocolate is to only flavor that seems palatable to most. Carnation Instant breakfast is a good choice , Greek yogurt has a higher protein content than regular. Eggs are a good choice , so many different omelets you can sneak in extra protein via cheese . My personal favorite is asperagus omelet with cheddar cheese. Sneak in some tofu and beans into soups.

It's frustrating when they decide they don't like, don't want, and won't. I had that with a family member and there was nothing really wrong other than a need for new teeth ("not needed at my age") so I cooked mashed potatoes, fixed ground meat of any kind, lots of jello, cottage chees, and just put it on the table. We all ate it and when one is hungery enough so will they. Just like little children.