Follow
Share

She doesn’t like anything she used to like and she won’t eat meat because she kind of chokes on it. I’m running out of ideals. I give her protein shakes to try to replace the meat, but she’s starting to turn her nose up to them too. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Find Care & Housing
I'm not sure nutritional value matters as much as simple calories in the very elderly. Run this thought by your mom's doctor and see what input they give you.

If the only reason she won't eat meat is because she chokes, then blend it a bit in a food processor and get it down to an easily consumed size and consistency.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to AliBoBali
Report

She made need a swallow study to determine the appropriate textures for her to eat, especially since you’re seeing some choking. Ask her doctor for this before proceeding, it will give you guidance
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

Hi there Overwhelmed, and Welcome to the Forum! Do try to take a few moments to fill in your new member profile for us so we know a bit more about you and about those you give care to. That will help us to be able to better answer you.

I can tell you that the norm in aging is that they like to eat less and sleep more.
You tell us nothing about your mother, but do know that ability to taste and smell goes out often in elders and there is much less drive to get calories in while there is less activity going on for them.

I think your Mom is the best gage here of what might be good, so talk to her frequently about it. And keep healthy snacks around. Rice pudding, yogurts and fruit, Keifer and protein drinks, perhaps a nice chocolate ensure. Whip up a batch of mac and cheese, put in individual containers, and have them handy when mom needs a snack?

Other than that I wouldn't overthink or over worry this. You are looking at the long slow slide that is aging, and what you are seeing is more or less the norm. You would be amazed at how little the amount is needed to sustain life.

Sure do wish you and your mom best of luck in finding what is tasty and nutritious.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

If your looking for protein ideas ,

Cottage cheese, yogurt, Mac and cheese, beans peanut butter, Hummas.

But what others posted is better information.

Best of luck
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Anxietynacy
Report

Frozen bagged vegetables, add spices to liven up the taste
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to cover9339
Report

I know someone who gives her dad high protein gelatin cups that she buys online. She said they are kind of pricey though, but he really likes the lemon flavored one. Does she like eggs? Something that I personally do is use red lentils to make soups or stews. They break down completely and act as a thickener. They are pretty high in protein. The first time I heard about this was from a youtube video where a woman made a high protein, vegan corn chowder using red lentils.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to LyndeeNew
Report

Potatoes, grits/cream of wheat, oat meal, grilled cheese sandwiches...
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

Libraries are full of books for vegetarian meals. I hope that you have enough time to get there and borrow a couple.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to MargaretMcKen
Report
MissesJ Sep 26, 2024
Also available free online
(0)
Report
Everything she used to eat minus the meat portion, we don't need nearly as much protein as is commonly consumed in the typical North American diet. Plus there is still dairy, eggs, beans, peas and lentils.
Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) is very common and choking on meat may be the tip of the iceberg, she may very well be having problems with other foods and fluids too which of course would affect her appetite. There are several good articles here on Aging Care about this, the balloons below your question are links that will lead you there.
Poor appetite and insufficient calorie intake is why things like ensure were invented, you might want to try adding in some of those.
Helpful Answer (8)
Reply to cwillie
Report

My mother has the same issue, she has had her esophagus stretched twice, it has helped some but unground meat just doesn't work anymore.

Seafood, ground turkey, beef, pork, rice, beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, soup, eggs, ice cream (her favorite) cookies, crackers to name a few.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to MeDolly
Report

Have you just tried pureeing her meats in a blender? That is so very easy.
After my late husband almost died in 2018 of aspiration pneumonia, I had to puree all of his foods for quite some time along with thickening his drinks with the product Thick-It. I would just add a little gravy in with his meats.
Your mother may need to have a swallowing evaluation done before she too develops aspiration pneumonia.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

More options than one who eats meat. I went vegan for many years. And now I rairly eat beef. First up is pasta. Just add veggies and a sauce of your choice. Then potatoes. You can bake with many toppings or make casseroles. Then comes the veggies. The list is endless on how you can prepare them but cheese is always a good addition. Eggs are another great options with many ways to prepare but are not true vegan.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Sample
Report

Sorry you are dealing with this. Here is a list of some ideas from the University of PA Medical School. Also worth talking with a geriatric-focused dietician as there may be prescription options too to consider.

https://www.med.upenn.edu/lung2022/assets/user-content/documents/softandmoisthighproteinmenuideas.pdf

Adding things such as tofu (blend well) to "cream soups" or add full fat unflavored Greek yogurt; can boost the protein in soup.

If she'll try tofu that is a great option. Many folks do not like it, but it all about the prep and sauce. Try cutting into very small cubes, dredge in corn starch and then sauté in sesame oil. Turn to toast all sides. Finish with light soy sauce or "sweet duck sauce" depending on if she prefers salty or sweet.

Almond butter is a good protein option, mix it into creamy oat meal for breakfast.

Avocados are a great option, mash into guacamole or just cube it. As long as it is soft, is should be easy to eat. Douse with lemon so it does not turn brown and the lemon will add more flavor. Salt and garlic power too.

Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, whip it if the curds are a problem. Blend with some almond butter for more flavor and protein.

Purred meats (chicken is quite easy to make) with bone broth (for more protein); just add it to an appealing soup, perhaps a tomato soup with nice color.

Fish and cream cheese. Salmon or tuna blended with cream cheese can be a good option.

Egg salad is another good option.

Purred beans: such as human (garbanzo beans), refried beans (pinto), black beans in any form, or blend them. Split pea soup. Mashed edamame (soy beans, you can find them in the frozen section sans the outer shells).

Add Ricotta to small pasta (pastina) w/red sauce (comes out pink).

Egg drop soup. Bring chicken bone broth to a boil. Whisk in a beaten egg. Add crumbled tofu, dash of light soy. Cooks in under 2 mins. Let it cool before eating.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Sohenc
Report

I haven’t eaten meat in more than 40 years. Beans are a great source of protein and can be made into a creamy edition for pasta and soup. Bakes stuffed sweet potatoes with beans, greens and cheese topping is amazing. Tofu is great if you coat it with a yummy sauce after you bake it off. Cottage cheese , yogurt mixed with berries is so healthy. Fish is a great protein if you’re not a vegetarian , grilled, flaked into a salad or made into a fish cake . Really easy to digest. All nut butters are high in protein and good fats. There’s so much more than meat .
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Jdjn99
Report

My dad started choking on certain foods
chunky meat
so everything is cut small
you could get a mincer and mince the meat or get some soya toy meat and cook a shepherds pie
or just cook toy mince with a bolognaise sauce ( you can buy ready made sauces in supermarkets)with buttery mash beside it
don’t forget as people get older their appetite shrink
We found with my dad not to give him
large pieces of meat
I think it’s a real swallowing issue
then you have toy meat and pasta or spaghetti - tin fish smashed up with a fork (heated) with mash potatoes or pasta or rice
scrambled eggs with some bake beans
hot cereals
porridge
Maybe build up meal up with a little tin rice pudding afterwards
or semolina

the swallowing thing is real - it might be trial and error seeing which foods trigger responses with your mother

might be worth speaking to your mothers doctor about it
we found with my dad it referred to chunky meat
boiled egg with sticks of soft cut up slices of bread
beans on bread or soft toast
with a tea as it may be hard to swallow dry
meal replacement drinks are an excellent standby or alternative
good luck
good luck
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Jenny10
Report

She may NOT like anything.
Losing an interest in food is not unusual. She may feel depressed and/or 'ready to go.' Lots of reasons why a person won't want to eat.

Could have to do with issues swallowing.
Could have to do with her ability to smell / olfactory nerve.

You mention meat - is protein your only concern:
Tofu with eggs and cheese?
Go to a health good store and ask them (yogurt)?

What is the olfactory nerve? Your olfactory nerve is the first cranial nerve (CN I). It's also part of your autonomic nervous system, which regulates body functions. This nerve enables your sense of smell.

If I were you, I wouldn't stress about it. Depending on her age and condition, give her ANYTHING she'll eat ... desserts usually work. Or try ice cream.

Ask medical provider if she should ONLY be drinking thick water (helps / required if swallowing issues).

Gena / Touch Matters
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to TouchMatters
Report

Mac and cheese, omelets, quiche, scrambled eggs, beans in various dishes, soups that may or may not have a base of meat broths, grilled cheese sandwich cut into tiny pieces, deviled eggs, pasta with tomato-based sauces, linguini with chopped clams in white wine sauce, etc. There are lots of options, especially those featuring eggs or cheese. To keep them interesting vary the seasonings. A jar of Italian herbs, a jar of Greek seasoning, some smoked salt, some onion salt will help to make some of these alterations fairly easy. Take it easy on the seasonings if your mom doesn't like highly flavored foods. Dump them on, especially the herbs, if she does like more flavor. You can also use some tuna or canned salmon, mashed up really fine, to add to some of these dishes to add flavor and protein. Both my MIL and my mother had variations of this problem in their 90's. MIL was easier because she liked new things and bold seasonings. Mom was harder because she wanted things to taste like the things she was used to--but without many of the ingredients. It helps to think of what you like that don't happen to have meat rather than thinking of a traditional dinner built around meat, then removing the meat. When you do that you end up with vegetables and rice or potato. Not satisfying in the long run. You can also do a fair bit with variations on French toast.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to LittleOrchid
Report

Little Orchid and others have some great ideas. If swallowing is becoming a problem, prepare the chosen ingredients in a more stew-like or gruel-like consistency. Adjust the consistency to accommodate your mother's swallowiong ability. Make nutrient-dense choices like sweet potato vs wite potato or brown rice vs white rice. etc. Fish, chicken, beans, eggs and dairy if tolertated. Protein powder added to the mix might help but be mindful of the type of protein used. Some people do not tolerate whey, soy, egg white or pea protein powder which are the most common. Hemp powder may work. Combine foods containing necesary proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and fiber, mix or blend as required and enjoy!
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to RedVanAnnie
Report

When our Loved ones age and need special meals, I tend to simply stop counting proteins and all the rest and give them what they can eat and what they love. It's possible to make a mashed potato based meal by cooking carrots, root celery (some) parsnips (some) sweet potato and mostly potato. Then add can of white beans and puree it like crazy. I add a shake of nutritional yeast and some better than bullion to the hot ingredients before sending them through a mixer or whatever you're using. A power mixer does best. keep some of the cooking water to make sure it is soft enough to completely mix... Then bake it up with some cheese on top or parmesean... You can also add anything to the mix. Sometimes they just want soft... So cooked broccoli, cauliflower, silken tofu etc. Good luck.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Calliesma
Report

Overwelmed53: Pose your question to a nutritionist.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

If she is choking on food, she may have difficulty with swallowing. Ask doctor for referral to speech therapist who can evaluate her swallow. Therapist can recommend thickness of food and drink that she can safely swallow. The, try to offer food with flavors she enjoys. Always easy to sneak a little whey protein powder into anything for extra protein.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Taarna
Report

I’m trying to increase my protein and found mixing sf instant pudding with a protein shake is a treat! There are protein powders you can actually make pancakes with that are really good . When some can’t chew or swallow have you tried the toddler foods in packets many are a complete meal and some work well with some clients in my hub memory care. They usually aren’t interested in eating much so small amts seem easier. It’s part of this journey and is always hardest for us the family members
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Db2024
Report

How is the meat that you are giving her? Is it cut into bite size pieces, ground, or do you give her a piece of meat and she cuts it?
Is she having problems swallowing anything else?
If so she might benefit from a swallow test to help determine what the problem might be.
It may be time for all minced foods or even pureed foods.
Do a research and look up Vegetarian meal plans. this should give you a basis for meals with complete protein balances.
Things like Yogurt can be high in protein and there are some out now that have increased protein. Cheese and nuts can also be counted so if she is having snacks that might be of help.
I did a quick search and the amount of protein an older person should have daily (it is based on weight) is about 1 - 1.2 grams of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report

We blended Mom's meats: her gluten free sausage, her chicken, her shrimp

We made a batch of each once a week with her blended veggies and her blended starches (sweet potato)
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to brandee
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter