Considering Going Low-Carb?

By Robert D. Liken CPC, CTS, President

January 22, 2016

Caregiver in Mt. Lebanon PA

As a family caregiver, preparing meals is just one of the many daily duties you are charged with. If you are concerned about your loved one’s nutrition, or are looking for ways to possibly reduce Caregiver-Mt.-Lebanon-PAhis or her health risks, then implementing a low-carb diet might be worth a consideration at least.
 
What does a low-carb diet entail?
Low-carb diets limits carbohydrates and emphasizes foods high in protein and fat. Some examples of foods that are included in low-carb diets include fruit, starchy vegetables, and grains. Some advocates of this type of diet believe that it causes rapid weight loss, increases energy and decreases blood pressure.
 
The benefits to seniors
Maintaining a healthy weight and increasing nutrition is vital to guard your loved one against many serious and chronic medical conditions, but as your loved one ages, this can become increasingly harder. When trying to stick to preparing low-carb meals, try keeping in mind what your loved one can eat instead of what he or she can’t. Some examples of what can be included in a low-carb diet include:
●       Protein (fish, poultry, beef, eggs, pork)
●       Vegetables
●       Dairy
●       Healthy fats (butter, olive oil, avocados, nuts)
●       Low-glycemic fruits (berries, melons)
●       Plant-based foods (grains, seeds, beans, lentils, peas)
 
Low-carb recipes
If you are unsure of where to start, take a look at these low-carb recipes to make for your senior loved one. Before you begin making any changes to your loved one’s diet, always consult with his or her doctor first.
 
Cauliflower-Cheddar Mash (net carbs: 3.5 g)
Ingredients:
●       1 cup cauliflower
●       ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
●       Salt
●       Freshly ground black pepper to taste
 
Directions:
1.     Steam cauliflower in a steamer basket over boiling water in a medium covered pot until tender for about 5 minutes.
2.     Move cauliflower to a bowl and mash with a fork.
3.     Then, top with cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.
4.     Now, you are ready to serve!
 
 
Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Sauteed Baby Broccoli (net carbs: 7.9 g)
Ingredients:
●       20 oz. boneless, cooked chicken breasts
●       Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
●       4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
●       15 ounces of canned tomato sauce
●       ½ teaspoon of ground dried basil
●       ¼ teaspoon sugar substitute
●       ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
●       1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
●       20 cups baby broccoli florets
●       ¼ teaspoon garlic
 
Directions for chicken:
1.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.     Pound out chicken breasts until they are ¼-½ inch thick.
3.     Preheat skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil.
4.     Next, season with salt and pepper and place into the preheated skillet.
5.     Cook until chicken breasts are brown on each side.
6.     Layer into an 8-by-8 baking pan.
7.     Combine tomato sauce, oregano, basil and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
8.     Mix sauce with a spoon before pouring over the chicken.
9.     Layer the mozzarella on top.
10.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. (Tip: make sure the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly!)
 
Directions for broccoli:
1.     Wait until the last ten minutes of cooking the chicken and use the same skillet to saute the baby broccoli.
2.     Add broccoli and garlic over medium-high heat in remaining oil.
3.     Saute the broccoli for about 5 minutes until it is crisp and tender.
4.     Now, you’re ready to serve together with the chicken.
 
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Mt. Lebanon, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care.  Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551
 
Source: Atkins