how to start eating again

hello to everyone

On 10-24 my dad finished chemo and radiation treatment (33). He had the feeding tube put in on 9-28- and that has been his only source of nutrition throughout his treatments. Now that he is done and trying to swallow he wants to start drinking and eating. I do not know where to start. What are the best drinks to try? what are the best foods to try? Seems like such an easy question but soooo hard (i'm afraid to offer him something he will choke on or get sick with).

Thanks for your help on this
hope everyone is well

Michelle

Comments

  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    Drinking the supplements
    is how I started. Mine tasted like chalk from what could tell at the time. Why don't you check out the superthread.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Michelle
    There is a post here call Superthread By Sweetblood, it is full of information that will give you all kinds of help.

    Just click on this link Superthred



    Wishing you and your Dad well
    Hondo
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    Hi Michelle.
    This is a question we get a lot, one of the most asked, so I have been working on a bigger post for it on the superthread. I will just copy and paste what I am working on below in a second. I had forgotten I was working on it, so thanks for the kick in the arse to get it started again. I've been way more than unmotivated lately, to say the very least. Before I paste, a few thoughts...

    It's going to depend on where you dad is at. So I will go really basic, from step one and work up. I suggest a good blender/emulsifier and a mini chopper (unless you got mad knife skills. I do, but I'm lazy and the chopper was $9) if he has trouble chewing, swallowing and or moving his tongue around and or lack of saliva. I had all of the above. It's much easier to mince all the veg before cooking with the mini chopper instead of trying to make a sore mouth do all the extra work. The emulsifier makes awesome smoothies and purées soups to a velvety creamy consistency easily. I would avoid salt and any acidic foods. I would start with liquids, good broths and smoothies. Then if that goes well, pudding or mush type things and puréed soups. Then move to soft cooked veg, rice, pasta and poached eggs. Etc. Depending on where he is at, this can be a progression just over a week or two, or, it took a year for me to work into 'normal' foods once I started eating again. Any questions, feel free to ask me. Here are my notes and what I'm working on so far. Recipes are included on some of the suggestions. Good luck.

    My notes so far:


    One of the questions we always seem to get is for soft,  bland foods, that are easy to swallow.  I thought I would expand on this, and then link it to the superthread for when we get asked this question again.  I also have linked some of the items with a corresponding recipe if the person would like to make the dish at home.   

    It may be a good idea to leave out any salt and pepper, or things like Ginger, tomatoes or wine, or other things that burn.   I also prefer homemade stock, but will use no or low salt canned in a pinch.   

    Also chopping up an mincing food before cooking it, or puréeing soups before eating, makes it much easier to eat on a sore mouth or when you are having trouble swallowing.   

    here's another thread for some food ideas:

    SOFT BLAND FOOD IDEAS

    Broth and Soups or things made with broth:
     
    BONE BROTH FOR HEALTH BUILDING. Collagen is essential for- Soft tissue and wound healing.  Formation and repair of cartilage and bone. 
    Healing and coating the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Aids in cases of weight loss from cancer.
     

    BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH  

    REBECCA KATZ MAGIC MINERAL BROTH


    CHICKEN STOCK RECIPE

    BEEF STOCK

    VEGETABLE STOCK

    You can certainly add things to the broth above.   I use my crock pot to make all kinds of stock, and it's quite easy to do. I keep it frozen in containers.   Make gnocchi, or ravioli nudé, pastina, congee, oatmeal, or pureed vegetable and bean soups with the stock.   I find store bought to be too salty and lacking in vitamins.  


    BASIC CONGEE

    EGG DROP SOUP


    WANTON SOUP  



    VEGETARIAN SPLIT PEA SOUP  


    RICE PUDDING


    CRUSTLESS QUICHE

    Soft cooked vegetables of all kinds

    MASHED CAULIFLOWER


    MASHED SWEET POTATOES


    CREAMED SPINACH  


    STEAMED ZUCCHINI  

    WINTER SQUASH AND POTATO GRATIN OATMEAL IDEAS

    DelMonte peaches
    Avocado
    Bananas

    Smoothies:

    Here is a good all around smoothie meal.  I did the nutritional analysis for you.  The first number is the amount in the smoothie, the second number, in the parentheses is what you would need for a 1600 calories per day.  I use a HealthMaster.   That or a vitamix is best.   I often have this for breakfast.   Especially good when you are on the go.  

    1 medium apple
    1 medium carrot 
    1 banana
    3 leaves of romaine 
    1 tbs almond butter
    1 cup milk
    1 tbs flax seed oil
    1 tbs protein powder

    Total Calories (kcals) 597 -  (1658)
    Protein (gm) 17 - (46)
    Carbohydrate (gm) 76 - (130)
    Total Fiber (gm) 10 - (25)
    Total Fat (gm) 29 - (13.3 - 23.2)
    Saturated Fat (gm) 5.4 (< 6.6)
    Monounsaturated Fat (gm) 10 **
    Polyunsaturated Fat (gm) 12 **
    Linoleic (omega 6) (gm) 4.1 12
    Alpha Linolenic (omega 3) (gm) 7.5 (1.1)
    Cholesterol (mg) 19 (< 300)
    Vitamin A (mcg RAE) 735 - (700)
    Vitamin C (mg) 32.7 - (75)
    Vitamin E (mg a-TE) 9.5 - (15)
    Thiamin (mg) 0.4 - (1.1)
    Riboflavin (mg) 0.8 - (1.1)
    Niacin (mg) 4.1 - (14)
    Folate (mcg, DFE) 148.4 - (400)
    Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.9 - (1.3)
    Vitamin B12 (mcg) 1.3 - (2.4)
    Calcium (mg) 486.2 - (1000)
    Phosphorus (mg) 485 - (700)
    Magnesium (mg) 152 - (320)
    Iron (mg) 3.2 - (18)
    Zinc (mg) 3.1 -  (8)
    Selenium (mcg) 11.7 - (55)
    Potassium (mg) 1540 - (4700)
    Sodium (mg) 288  - ( 1500 - 2300)
    ** Nutrient has no established recommendation.

    Avocados are a great food.  Good fats and good for you:



    AVOCADO BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE

    Half a ripe avocado
    1 to 1 1/2 frozen bananas
    4 to 5 frozen or fresh strawberries
    Splash of nut milk
    Pinch cardamom
    Pinch allspice

    PEAR AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 large pear, chopped
    1/2 cups green grapes
    1/4 avocado
    2 teaspoons honey
    1 teaspoon lemon juice
    Blend and top with chopped pecans.


    GREEN ENVY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 avocado
    2 bananas
    2 cups orange juice
    1 cup of strawberries (preferably fresh, but frozen will do)
    1 cup of orange or strawberry sherbet
    1 cup ice

    GREEN GOBLIN’S POTION

    1 medium or large ripe avocado
    1 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
    1 Tbs honey
    1 1/2 cup orange juice
    2 tsp lime juice (optional)
    1/4 tsp coconut meat
    2 ice cubes

    APPLE AND AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 Granny Smith apple, cored, skin on
    1/2 ripe Hass avocado 
    1/2 apple juice 
    1/2 cup ice 
    3 sprigs mint leaves
    1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

    Combine all ingredients together in a blender like Vitamix or HealthMaster. 

    AVOCADO BERRY SMOOTHIE

    1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
    1 tablespoon cashews, raw 
     1 tablespoon honey
    1 cup water 
    1/2 cup blueberries, frozen 
    6 ice cubes

    Blend the avocado, cashews, honey, water, blueberries, and ice together until smooth. Serves 1-2


    GREAT SMOOTHIE RECIPES

    All of the following smoothies were processed in an emulsifier.   (like a Vitamix or HealthMaster)

    1 orange, peeled
    1/4  of a cantaloupe
    8 oz of Silk coconut milk


    1/4 cantaloupe
    1 banana 
    1 8oz container of Greek Yogurt
    1 tbs of Honey


    1 ripe pear
    1 banana
    4 oz Silk Almond Milk


    1 banana
    1 small can of prune juice
    1 small container of yogurt


    1 pear 
    1 banana
    Chocolate Almond Milk
    2 tbs Chocolate Malt Ovaltine


    1 apple
    1 pear 
    6 oz Almond Milk
    1 tbs Almond Butter
    1 tbs flaxseed oil 

    1 orange 
    1 banana
    1 small container of cherry yogurt


    Check the superthread for more ideas, in the healthy eating/liquid nutrition section:

    HNC  SUPERTHREAD
  • michdjp
    michdjp Member Posts: 220

    Hi Michelle.
    This is a question we get a lot, one of the most asked, so I have been working on a bigger post for it on the superthread. I will just copy and paste what I am working on below in a second. I had forgotten I was working on it, so thanks for the kick in the arse to get it started again. I've been way more than unmotivated lately, to say the very least. Before I paste, a few thoughts...

    It's going to depend on where you dad is at. So I will go really basic, from step one and work up. I suggest a good blender/emulsifier and a mini chopper (unless you got mad knife skills. I do, but I'm lazy and the chopper was $9) if he has trouble chewing, swallowing and or moving his tongue around and or lack of saliva. I had all of the above. It's much easier to mince all the veg before cooking with the mini chopper instead of trying to make a sore mouth do all the extra work. The emulsifier makes awesome smoothies and purées soups to a velvety creamy consistency easily. I would avoid salt and any acidic foods. I would start with liquids, good broths and smoothies. Then if that goes well, pudding or mush type things and puréed soups. Then move to soft cooked veg, rice, pasta and poached eggs. Etc. Depending on where he is at, this can be a progression just over a week or two, or, it took a year for me to work into 'normal' foods once I started eating again. Any questions, feel free to ask me. Here are my notes and what I'm working on so far. Recipes are included on some of the suggestions. Good luck.

    My notes so far:


    One of the questions we always seem to get is for soft,  bland foods, that are easy to swallow.  I thought I would expand on this, and then link it to the superthread for when we get asked this question again.  I also have linked some of the items with a corresponding recipe if the person would like to make the dish at home.   

    It may be a good idea to leave out any salt and pepper, or things like Ginger, tomatoes or wine, or other things that burn.   I also prefer homemade stock, but will use no or low salt canned in a pinch.   

    Also chopping up an mincing food before cooking it, or puréeing soups before eating, makes it much easier to eat on a sore mouth or when you are having trouble swallowing.   

    here's another thread for some food ideas:

    SOFT BLAND FOOD IDEAS

    Broth and Soups or things made with broth:
     
    BONE BROTH FOR HEALTH BUILDING. Collagen is essential for- Soft tissue and wound healing.  Formation and repair of cartilage and bone. 
    Healing and coating the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Aids in cases of weight loss from cancer.
     

    BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH  

    REBECCA KATZ MAGIC MINERAL BROTH


    CHICKEN STOCK RECIPE

    BEEF STOCK

    VEGETABLE STOCK

    You can certainly add things to the broth above.   I use my crock pot to make all kinds of stock, and it's quite easy to do. I keep it frozen in containers.   Make gnocchi, or ravioli nudé, pastina, congee, oatmeal, or pureed vegetable and bean soups with the stock.   I find store bought to be too salty and lacking in vitamins.  


    BASIC CONGEE

    EGG DROP SOUP


    WANTON SOUP  



    VEGETARIAN SPLIT PEA SOUP  


    RICE PUDDING


    CRUSTLESS QUICHE

    Soft cooked vegetables of all kinds

    MASHED CAULIFLOWER


    MASHED SWEET POTATOES


    CREAMED SPINACH  


    STEAMED ZUCCHINI  

    WINTER SQUASH AND POTATO GRATIN OATMEAL IDEAS

    DelMonte peaches
    Avocado
    Bananas

    Smoothies:

    Here is a good all around smoothie meal.  I did the nutritional analysis for you.  The first number is the amount in the smoothie, the second number, in the parentheses is what you would need for a 1600 calories per day.  I use a HealthMaster.   That or a vitamix is best.   I often have this for breakfast.   Especially good when you are on the go.  

    1 medium apple
    1 medium carrot 
    1 banana
    3 leaves of romaine 
    1 tbs almond butter
    1 cup milk
    1 tbs flax seed oil
    1 tbs protein powder

    Total Calories (kcals) 597 -  (1658)
    Protein (gm) 17 - (46)
    Carbohydrate (gm) 76 - (130)
    Total Fiber (gm) 10 - (25)
    Total Fat (gm) 29 - (13.3 - 23.2)
    Saturated Fat (gm) 5.4 (< 6.6)
    Monounsaturated Fat (gm) 10 **
    Polyunsaturated Fat (gm) 12 **
    Linoleic (omega 6) (gm) 4.1 12
    Alpha Linolenic (omega 3) (gm) 7.5 (1.1)
    Cholesterol (mg) 19 (< 300)
    Vitamin A (mcg RAE) 735 - (700)
    Vitamin C (mg) 32.7 - (75)
    Vitamin E (mg a-TE) 9.5 - (15)
    Thiamin (mg) 0.4 - (1.1)
    Riboflavin (mg) 0.8 - (1.1)
    Niacin (mg) 4.1 - (14)
    Folate (mcg, DFE) 148.4 - (400)
    Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.9 - (1.3)
    Vitamin B12 (mcg) 1.3 - (2.4)
    Calcium (mg) 486.2 - (1000)
    Phosphorus (mg) 485 - (700)
    Magnesium (mg) 152 - (320)
    Iron (mg) 3.2 - (18)
    Zinc (mg) 3.1 -  (8)
    Selenium (mcg) 11.7 - (55)
    Potassium (mg) 1540 - (4700)
    Sodium (mg) 288  - ( 1500 - 2300)
    ** Nutrient has no established recommendation.

    Avocados are a great food.  Good fats and good for you:



    AVOCADO BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE

    Half a ripe avocado
    1 to 1 1/2 frozen bananas
    4 to 5 frozen or fresh strawberries
    Splash of nut milk
    Pinch cardamom
    Pinch allspice

    PEAR AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 large pear, chopped
    1/2 cups green grapes
    1/4 avocado
    2 teaspoons honey
    1 teaspoon lemon juice
    Blend and top with chopped pecans.


    GREEN ENVY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 avocado
    2 bananas
    2 cups orange juice
    1 cup of strawberries (preferably fresh, but frozen will do)
    1 cup of orange or strawberry sherbet
    1 cup ice

    GREEN GOBLIN’S POTION

    1 medium or large ripe avocado
    1 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
    1 Tbs honey
    1 1/2 cup orange juice
    2 tsp lime juice (optional)
    1/4 tsp coconut meat
    2 ice cubes

    APPLE AND AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 Granny Smith apple, cored, skin on
    1/2 ripe Hass avocado 
    1/2 apple juice 
    1/2 cup ice 
    3 sprigs mint leaves
    1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

    Combine all ingredients together in a blender like Vitamix or HealthMaster. 

    AVOCADO BERRY SMOOTHIE

    1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
    1 tablespoon cashews, raw 
     1 tablespoon honey
    1 cup water 
    1/2 cup blueberries, frozen 
    6 ice cubes

    Blend the avocado, cashews, honey, water, blueberries, and ice together until smooth. Serves 1-2


    GREAT SMOOTHIE RECIPES

    All of the following smoothies were processed in an emulsifier.   (like a Vitamix or HealthMaster)

    1 orange, peeled
    1/4  of a cantaloupe
    8 oz of Silk coconut milk


    1/4 cantaloupe
    1 banana 
    1 8oz container of Greek Yogurt
    1 tbs of Honey


    1 ripe pear
    1 banana
    4 oz Silk Almond Milk


    1 banana
    1 small can of prune juice
    1 small container of yogurt


    1 pear 
    1 banana
    Chocolate Almond Milk
    2 tbs Chocolate Malt Ovaltine


    1 apple
    1 pear 
    6 oz Almond Milk
    1 tbs Almond Butter
    1 tbs flaxseed oil 

    1 orange 
    1 banana
    1 small container of cherry yogurt


    Check the superthread for more ideas, in the healthy eating/liquid nutrition section:

    HNC  SUPERTHREAD

    many many thanks
    that is a

    many many thanks
    that is a great start i really appreciate it
    hope all is well
    michelle
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228

    Hi Michelle.
    This is a question we get a lot, one of the most asked, so I have been working on a bigger post for it on the superthread. I will just copy and paste what I am working on below in a second. I had forgotten I was working on it, so thanks for the kick in the arse to get it started again. I've been way more than unmotivated lately, to say the very least. Before I paste, a few thoughts...

    It's going to depend on where you dad is at. So I will go really basic, from step one and work up. I suggest a good blender/emulsifier and a mini chopper (unless you got mad knife skills. I do, but I'm lazy and the chopper was $9) if he has trouble chewing, swallowing and or moving his tongue around and or lack of saliva. I had all of the above. It's much easier to mince all the veg before cooking with the mini chopper instead of trying to make a sore mouth do all the extra work. The emulsifier makes awesome smoothies and purées soups to a velvety creamy consistency easily. I would avoid salt and any acidic foods. I would start with liquids, good broths and smoothies. Then if that goes well, pudding or mush type things and puréed soups. Then move to soft cooked veg, rice, pasta and poached eggs. Etc. Depending on where he is at, this can be a progression just over a week or two, or, it took a year for me to work into 'normal' foods once I started eating again. Any questions, feel free to ask me. Here are my notes and what I'm working on so far. Recipes are included on some of the suggestions. Good luck.

    My notes so far:


    One of the questions we always seem to get is for soft,  bland foods, that are easy to swallow.  I thought I would expand on this, and then link it to the superthread for when we get asked this question again.  I also have linked some of the items with a corresponding recipe if the person would like to make the dish at home.   

    It may be a good idea to leave out any salt and pepper, or things like Ginger, tomatoes or wine, or other things that burn.   I also prefer homemade stock, but will use no or low salt canned in a pinch.   

    Also chopping up an mincing food before cooking it, or puréeing soups before eating, makes it much easier to eat on a sore mouth or when you are having trouble swallowing.   

    here's another thread for some food ideas:

    SOFT BLAND FOOD IDEAS

    Broth and Soups or things made with broth:
     
    BONE BROTH FOR HEALTH BUILDING. Collagen is essential for- Soft tissue and wound healing.  Formation and repair of cartilage and bone. 
    Healing and coating the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Aids in cases of weight loss from cancer.
     

    BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH  

    REBECCA KATZ MAGIC MINERAL BROTH


    CHICKEN STOCK RECIPE

    BEEF STOCK

    VEGETABLE STOCK

    You can certainly add things to the broth above.   I use my crock pot to make all kinds of stock, and it's quite easy to do. I keep it frozen in containers.   Make gnocchi, or ravioli nudé, pastina, congee, oatmeal, or pureed vegetable and bean soups with the stock.   I find store bought to be too salty and lacking in vitamins.  


    BASIC CONGEE

    EGG DROP SOUP


    WANTON SOUP  



    VEGETARIAN SPLIT PEA SOUP  


    RICE PUDDING


    CRUSTLESS QUICHE

    Soft cooked vegetables of all kinds

    MASHED CAULIFLOWER


    MASHED SWEET POTATOES


    CREAMED SPINACH  


    STEAMED ZUCCHINI  

    WINTER SQUASH AND POTATO GRATIN OATMEAL IDEAS

    DelMonte peaches
    Avocado
    Bananas

    Smoothies:

    Here is a good all around smoothie meal.  I did the nutritional analysis for you.  The first number is the amount in the smoothie, the second number, in the parentheses is what you would need for a 1600 calories per day.  I use a HealthMaster.   That or a vitamix is best.   I often have this for breakfast.   Especially good when you are on the go.  

    1 medium apple
    1 medium carrot 
    1 banana
    3 leaves of romaine 
    1 tbs almond butter
    1 cup milk
    1 tbs flax seed oil
    1 tbs protein powder

    Total Calories (kcals) 597 -  (1658)
    Protein (gm) 17 - (46)
    Carbohydrate (gm) 76 - (130)
    Total Fiber (gm) 10 - (25)
    Total Fat (gm) 29 - (13.3 - 23.2)
    Saturated Fat (gm) 5.4 (< 6.6)
    Monounsaturated Fat (gm) 10 **
    Polyunsaturated Fat (gm) 12 **
    Linoleic (omega 6) (gm) 4.1 12
    Alpha Linolenic (omega 3) (gm) 7.5 (1.1)
    Cholesterol (mg) 19 (< 300)
    Vitamin A (mcg RAE) 735 - (700)
    Vitamin C (mg) 32.7 - (75)
    Vitamin E (mg a-TE) 9.5 - (15)
    Thiamin (mg) 0.4 - (1.1)
    Riboflavin (mg) 0.8 - (1.1)
    Niacin (mg) 4.1 - (14)
    Folate (mcg, DFE) 148.4 - (400)
    Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.9 - (1.3)
    Vitamin B12 (mcg) 1.3 - (2.4)
    Calcium (mg) 486.2 - (1000)
    Phosphorus (mg) 485 - (700)
    Magnesium (mg) 152 - (320)
    Iron (mg) 3.2 - (18)
    Zinc (mg) 3.1 -  (8)
    Selenium (mcg) 11.7 - (55)
    Potassium (mg) 1540 - (4700)
    Sodium (mg) 288  - ( 1500 - 2300)
    ** Nutrient has no established recommendation.

    Avocados are a great food.  Good fats and good for you:



    AVOCADO BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE

    Half a ripe avocado
    1 to 1 1/2 frozen bananas
    4 to 5 frozen or fresh strawberries
    Splash of nut milk
    Pinch cardamom
    Pinch allspice

    PEAR AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 large pear, chopped
    1/2 cups green grapes
    1/4 avocado
    2 teaspoons honey
    1 teaspoon lemon juice
    Blend and top with chopped pecans.


    GREEN ENVY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 avocado
    2 bananas
    2 cups orange juice
    1 cup of strawberries (preferably fresh, but frozen will do)
    1 cup of orange or strawberry sherbet
    1 cup ice

    GREEN GOBLIN’S POTION

    1 medium or large ripe avocado
    1 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
    1 Tbs honey
    1 1/2 cup orange juice
    2 tsp lime juice (optional)
    1/4 tsp coconut meat
    2 ice cubes

    APPLE AND AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 Granny Smith apple, cored, skin on
    1/2 ripe Hass avocado 
    1/2 apple juice 
    1/2 cup ice 
    3 sprigs mint leaves
    1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

    Combine all ingredients together in a blender like Vitamix or HealthMaster. 

    AVOCADO BERRY SMOOTHIE

    1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
    1 tablespoon cashews, raw 
     1 tablespoon honey
    1 cup water 
    1/2 cup blueberries, frozen 
    6 ice cubes

    Blend the avocado, cashews, honey, water, blueberries, and ice together until smooth. Serves 1-2


    GREAT SMOOTHIE RECIPES

    All of the following smoothies were processed in an emulsifier.   (like a Vitamix or HealthMaster)

    1 orange, peeled
    1/4  of a cantaloupe
    8 oz of Silk coconut milk


    1/4 cantaloupe
    1 banana 
    1 8oz container of Greek Yogurt
    1 tbs of Honey


    1 ripe pear
    1 banana
    4 oz Silk Almond Milk


    1 banana
    1 small can of prune juice
    1 small container of yogurt


    1 pear 
    1 banana
    Chocolate Almond Milk
    2 tbs Chocolate Malt Ovaltine


    1 apple
    1 pear 
    6 oz Almond Milk
    1 tbs Almond Butter
    1 tbs flaxseed oil 

    1 orange 
    1 banana
    1 small container of cherry yogurt


    Check the superthread for more ideas, in the healthy eating/liquid nutrition section:

    HNC  SUPERTHREAD

    More Soft and Easier to Swallow Food Ideas and Recipes

    GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE  -  ANGEL HAIR WITH BROCCOLI  GARLIC & OLIVE OIL  -  POLENTA WITH MARSCARPONE  -  CROCK POT  VEGETABLE  STEW  -  SPAGHETTI SQUASH  -  VELVETY  CORN  CHOWDER
  • vetorama
    vetorama Member Posts: 16

    Hi Michelle.
    This is a question we get a lot, one of the most asked, so I have been working on a bigger post for it on the superthread. I will just copy and paste what I am working on below in a second. I had forgotten I was working on it, so thanks for the kick in the arse to get it started again. I've been way more than unmotivated lately, to say the very least. Before I paste, a few thoughts...

    It's going to depend on where you dad is at. So I will go really basic, from step one and work up. I suggest a good blender/emulsifier and a mini chopper (unless you got mad knife skills. I do, but I'm lazy and the chopper was $9) if he has trouble chewing, swallowing and or moving his tongue around and or lack of saliva. I had all of the above. It's much easier to mince all the veg before cooking with the mini chopper instead of trying to make a sore mouth do all the extra work. The emulsifier makes awesome smoothies and purées soups to a velvety creamy consistency easily. I would avoid salt and any acidic foods. I would start with liquids, good broths and smoothies. Then if that goes well, pudding or mush type things and puréed soups. Then move to soft cooked veg, rice, pasta and poached eggs. Etc. Depending on where he is at, this can be a progression just over a week or two, or, it took a year for me to work into 'normal' foods once I started eating again. Any questions, feel free to ask me. Here are my notes and what I'm working on so far. Recipes are included on some of the suggestions. Good luck.

    My notes so far:


    One of the questions we always seem to get is for soft,  bland foods, that are easy to swallow.  I thought I would expand on this, and then link it to the superthread for when we get asked this question again.  I also have linked some of the items with a corresponding recipe if the person would like to make the dish at home.   

    It may be a good idea to leave out any salt and pepper, or things like Ginger, tomatoes or wine, or other things that burn.   I also prefer homemade stock, but will use no or low salt canned in a pinch.   

    Also chopping up an mincing food before cooking it, or puréeing soups before eating, makes it much easier to eat on a sore mouth or when you are having trouble swallowing.   

    here's another thread for some food ideas:

    SOFT BLAND FOOD IDEAS

    Broth and Soups or things made with broth:
     
    BONE BROTH FOR HEALTH BUILDING. Collagen is essential for- Soft tissue and wound healing.  Formation and repair of cartilage and bone. 
    Healing and coating the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Aids in cases of weight loss from cancer.
     

    BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH  

    REBECCA KATZ MAGIC MINERAL BROTH


    CHICKEN STOCK RECIPE

    BEEF STOCK

    VEGETABLE STOCK

    You can certainly add things to the broth above.   I use my crock pot to make all kinds of stock, and it's quite easy to do. I keep it frozen in containers.   Make gnocchi, or ravioli nudé, pastina, congee, oatmeal, or pureed vegetable and bean soups with the stock.   I find store bought to be too salty and lacking in vitamins.  


    BASIC CONGEE

    EGG DROP SOUP


    WANTON SOUP  



    VEGETARIAN SPLIT PEA SOUP  


    RICE PUDDING


    CRUSTLESS QUICHE

    Soft cooked vegetables of all kinds

    MASHED CAULIFLOWER


    MASHED SWEET POTATOES


    CREAMED SPINACH  


    STEAMED ZUCCHINI  

    WINTER SQUASH AND POTATO GRATIN OATMEAL IDEAS

    DelMonte peaches
    Avocado
    Bananas

    Smoothies:

    Here is a good all around smoothie meal.  I did the nutritional analysis for you.  The first number is the amount in the smoothie, the second number, in the parentheses is what you would need for a 1600 calories per day.  I use a HealthMaster.   That or a vitamix is best.   I often have this for breakfast.   Especially good when you are on the go.  

    1 medium apple
    1 medium carrot 
    1 banana
    3 leaves of romaine 
    1 tbs almond butter
    1 cup milk
    1 tbs flax seed oil
    1 tbs protein powder

    Total Calories (kcals) 597 -  (1658)
    Protein (gm) 17 - (46)
    Carbohydrate (gm) 76 - (130)
    Total Fiber (gm) 10 - (25)
    Total Fat (gm) 29 - (13.3 - 23.2)
    Saturated Fat (gm) 5.4 (< 6.6)
    Monounsaturated Fat (gm) 10 **
    Polyunsaturated Fat (gm) 12 **
    Linoleic (omega 6) (gm) 4.1 12
    Alpha Linolenic (omega 3) (gm) 7.5 (1.1)
    Cholesterol (mg) 19 (< 300)
    Vitamin A (mcg RAE) 735 - (700)
    Vitamin C (mg) 32.7 - (75)
    Vitamin E (mg a-TE) 9.5 - (15)
    Thiamin (mg) 0.4 - (1.1)
    Riboflavin (mg) 0.8 - (1.1)
    Niacin (mg) 4.1 - (14)
    Folate (mcg, DFE) 148.4 - (400)
    Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.9 - (1.3)
    Vitamin B12 (mcg) 1.3 - (2.4)
    Calcium (mg) 486.2 - (1000)
    Phosphorus (mg) 485 - (700)
    Magnesium (mg) 152 - (320)
    Iron (mg) 3.2 - (18)
    Zinc (mg) 3.1 -  (8)
    Selenium (mcg) 11.7 - (55)
    Potassium (mg) 1540 - (4700)
    Sodium (mg) 288  - ( 1500 - 2300)
    ** Nutrient has no established recommendation.

    Avocados are a great food.  Good fats and good for you:



    AVOCADO BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE

    Half a ripe avocado
    1 to 1 1/2 frozen bananas
    4 to 5 frozen or fresh strawberries
    Splash of nut milk
    Pinch cardamom
    Pinch allspice

    PEAR AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 large pear, chopped
    1/2 cups green grapes
    1/4 avocado
    2 teaspoons honey
    1 teaspoon lemon juice
    Blend and top with chopped pecans.


    GREEN ENVY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 avocado
    2 bananas
    2 cups orange juice
    1 cup of strawberries (preferably fresh, but frozen will do)
    1 cup of orange or strawberry sherbet
    1 cup ice

    GREEN GOBLIN’S POTION

    1 medium or large ripe avocado
    1 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
    1 Tbs honey
    1 1/2 cup orange juice
    2 tsp lime juice (optional)
    1/4 tsp coconut meat
    2 ice cubes

    APPLE AND AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

    1 Granny Smith apple, cored, skin on
    1/2 ripe Hass avocado 
    1/2 apple juice 
    1/2 cup ice 
    3 sprigs mint leaves
    1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

    Combine all ingredients together in a blender like Vitamix or HealthMaster. 

    AVOCADO BERRY SMOOTHIE

    1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
    1 tablespoon cashews, raw 
     1 tablespoon honey
    1 cup water 
    1/2 cup blueberries, frozen 
    6 ice cubes

    Blend the avocado, cashews, honey, water, blueberries, and ice together until smooth. Serves 1-2


    GREAT SMOOTHIE RECIPES

    All of the following smoothies were processed in an emulsifier.   (like a Vitamix or HealthMaster)

    1 orange, peeled
    1/4  of a cantaloupe
    8 oz of Silk coconut milk


    1/4 cantaloupe
    1 banana 
    1 8oz container of Greek Yogurt
    1 tbs of Honey


    1 ripe pear
    1 banana
    4 oz Silk Almond Milk


    1 banana
    1 small can of prune juice
    1 small container of yogurt


    1 pear 
    1 banana
    Chocolate Almond Milk
    2 tbs Chocolate Malt Ovaltine


    1 apple
    1 pear 
    6 oz Almond Milk
    1 tbs Almond Butter
    1 tbs flaxseed oil 

    1 orange 
    1 banana
    1 small container of cherry yogurt


    Check the superthread for more ideas, in the healthy eating/liquid nutrition section:

    HNC  SUPERTHREAD

    Smoothe calories
    HI, just wondering if:
    1 medium apple
    1 medium carrot
    1 banana
    3 leaves of romaine
    1 tbs almond butter
    1 cup milk
    1 tbs flax seed oil
    1 tbs protein powder

    Does this one smoothie have 1600 calories?
    Thanks