Hey all

Dr told me I need to put some weight on my Mom -

so ...

What are some healthy foods that will ( natural not shake mixes and that kinda non food food ) add body weight ?
Help a sister out here all you food gods and goddesses

please

Avocado is my favorite healthy & fatty food.

I would think healthy protein like salmon & chicken would also be good.

NDRU said:

Thanx

*starts to make a list*

for your mom

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

TY very thin very frail ~ pretty much lost and no clue who I am

I continue to love her and take as good care of her as I can 4-5 days a week

I know that you said no shakes, but if she has Alzheimer's or something, and she probably doesn't have much appetite, then something like Ensure is at least going to give her protein & vitamins in a small package

Maybe you can still try to get her to eat more real foods, but I wouldn't rule it as a supplement at the very least.

NDRU said:

Dr said Carnation instant breakfast with whole milk - have been using those for a long time - she wont touch most other ones like ensure ...

yes very low appetie but she will eat small amounts for me

Mach said:

I work at an alzheimer's center, we use the carnation instant breakfast a lot. But the weight seems to be a common issue. I guess they just don't associate the hunger & eating after a while.

But like you say, she eats for you. Food & human contact brings a pretty innate response.

NDRU said:

HUGE props to you

so many people tell me that I (we) just should send her off ... I can't

Thanx a bunch for your suggestions it's really a tough thing to be dealing with so it's nice to chat with people that have some understanding

Mach said:

we operate a day care center, so it's a nice compromise for people like you who don't want to "send them off" but still either need to work full time or to run errands, etc.

It's also a lot cheaper.

Anyway good luck, and I know I don't live near you but let me know if you need anything!

Mach said:

Having watched my grandmother go from vitality to the embrace of death, I have massive respect for the fact that you are accepting and embracing this experience with her. I know it is not easy but I respect you very much.

NDRU said:

Thank you so very much


very very much

Mach said:

May God give you the strenth that you need for your Mum.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

No - it is not easy and we're talking yrs here ...

TY

now all y'all made be n stuff

angelcat said:

TY

When my Mom needed extra supplement, we always bought her "Ensure" that drink supplement for older folk. It did wonders for her, she seemed to perk up. Good luck to you.


ooops, I just read on that she won't take "ensure"
[Edited 7/30/09 13:18pm]

PaisleyPark5083 said:

TY

Mach said:

And bless you for taking care of your Mom, so many people give up.

Big hugs to your mom!

Here is what i would recommend,
Peanut butter, eggs, omelettes made with cheeses and veggies can be very healthy! I would just make sure she eats at least 6 times a day...Breakfast..snack...lunch...snack...dinner...snack... Ice cream (besides the sugar) really isnt that bad for you in moderation (and perfect for adding some pounds in your moms case).. Some vanilla with fresh strawberries or raspberries is YUM! I personally wouldnt worry about what she is eating (that is oart of it but) as much as how many times you can get her to eat...Oh, and i use unflavored protein powder in my smoothies, but you can add it to juice or milk, cook with it, etc...

tinaz said:

I ate ice cream to gain weight when I needed to. It really worked! Full of fat & protein, and it tastes good. With a banana it's a good meal. But yes, best in moderation.

Or a smoothie with strawberries, banana, vanilla ice cream & orange juice is pretty hearty. You could always substitute frozen soy or yogurt for the ice cream.

Needs to eat 500 calories above daily maintenance. Also, eat smaller portions but more regularly. For example dont eat 3 meals a day. Eat 6 to 7 smaller meals every two to 3 hours to keep the metabo;ism fired up.

Ideally she should clean bulk aswell.

Semi skimmed Milk. Could she drink 2 pints throughout a day? that would add serious calories to a diet

Drink olive oil (25ml). Sounds gross but there is nothing to it. A shot contains 200 cals and is full of good essential fats. 3 of these a day and thats an extra 600 cals in your diet. Its mega for your skin, hair and nails too!

Nuts (natural, not salted). Snack on nuts throughout the day.

Eggs and cheeses. Makes omelettes to combine the two.

Cottage cheese on wholemeal bagels. Peanut butter on bagels.

Home made flapjacks - melt 150g of peanut butter and 150g of 'set' honey in a microwave. ensure it is very hot and completely melted. Add 200gg oatmeal and mix thoroughly. place mixture inside a grease proof tin and allow to cool in the fridge for 45 mins. Add fruit e.g. sultanas for taste.

Oatmeal and fruit - especially bananas.

Home made shake

250ml of milk, one banana or handfull of mixed berries. 50g oatmeal, 5oz of natural yogurt. mix in a blender. thats 500 of your finest calories.

Lean meats - tuna especially! turkey, chicken.


Cut back on physical activity.

tinaz said:

All sound advice.

3121 said:

I heard this was how Sly Stallone gained weight for Copland

NDRU said:

i have never heard that but it makes sense. It certainly works. i use it in conjunction with my weight training (along with most other food stuffs mentioned in my list) for that same reason - they are good clean foods that help pack on weight.

NDRU said:

and nuts! brazil nuts. macadamias

ZombieKitten said:

She only has 6 teeth and can not really do nuts or hard/chewing foods

THANK YOU everyone for all you thoughts / ideas thus far

People who think anyone's going to gain weight eating lean protein (or any protein, really) are nuts.

What she needs to eat is carbohydrates and fat. Insulin is what turns on your fat-storing mechanism and insulin release is triggered by carbohydrates, pure and simple. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, corn, peas, beans, grains, dried fruit - any of these would be good.

And don't spare the fat. Make things like brown rice pudding - rice, cream, eggs, raisins. Mashed potatoes and butter. Oatmeal with maple syrup, high-quality butter or cream, almonds and dried fruit. Fettuccine alfredo. All of these can be made with whole, natural foods - much better for her than lots of sugar or manufactured foods.

Stay away from manufactured fats like margarine. Try to use natural fats and watch the omega 3/6 balance. (Omega 3 should predominate.) Olive oil and butter are probably the two best - unless you want to scout out sources of duck or goose fat, or non-hydrogenated lard or beef tallow.