Suite!

Is it time for you to upgrade your diet?

Difficulties with chewing, swallowing, cooking or even getting food into one’s mouth can precipitate an abandonment of healthy eating. It becomes easier to just ‘grab something’. If you are the head of household the problem can be even worse, as you may prepare the familiar, healthier foods for the family and ultimately be unable to eat them.

Often diet modification is not medically indicated, but no less helpful and necessary for an increased quality of life. Those who are treated on a basic level may never have change suggested to them, as some medical professionals might miss the subtle changes in lifestyle caused by swallowing difficulties or creeping disability.

Try this!

Eat softer.  Cook less often.  Easy recipe stews, homemade vegetable soups, casseroles and pasta can be prepared, stored in air tight containers and reheated quickly.  For a warm summer, a cool choice like gazpacho can be prepared for consumption and frozen, are easy to serve and to swallow.  All of these types of foods can be adjusted for the desired consistency (for chewing & swallowing) without losing their appeal.

Use supplements.  For some of us it is hard enough to eat a sufficient amount and on a regular schedule without having to worry about variety, color, freshness and balance. Choosing a high quality supplement like USANA can help. Not only are vitamins essential to the modern menu, but they can actually improve energy use and vision, as well as the way we think and feel.

Broach the subject.  Are you ever too tired to eat? Do you choke on your own saliva, foods, juices or water? If this is happening once or twice a week it might be time to talk to your doctor about seeing a speech-language pathologist.  You may also benefit from the use of thickening products, such as Nestlé’s Thicken-Up!, however, it is really best to take advantage of the information an evaluation of your particular situation can offer.

Bon Appétit!

Food is an essential part of life. It is interwoven into culture, relationships and memory. Upgrade your life today by implementing these or your own ideas, then let us know how it’s working for you!