Alzheimer’s Care: Satisfy Your Mom’s Sweet Tooth With These Sneaky Alternatives
One thing is true of many men and women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They tend to crave sugary treats. It may be because dementia affects how things taste and smell. Sugary treats have a strong, sweet taste that is easy to pick up on.
You’ve noticed your mom no longer likes former favorites like vegetables and ranch dip. She will eat cookies, bananas, and sugary yogurt all day long if given the choice. Her doctor doesn’t want her to gain too much weight, but you don’t know how to keep her interested in food when all she wants is sugary baked goods. These sneaky tricks will help.
Frozen Fruit Puree
Fruit does contain natural sugar, but it also has a lot of vitamins and minerals. Freeze some of your mom’s favorite fruits. Bananas, cherries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, and raspberries work well. You can buy some of them already frozen at the grocery store.
Once frozen, put about a cup of water in a blender and add a couple of cups of frozen fruit. Puree it until smooth. Add more water if it becomes too thick. You want it to be the consistency of a creamee.
Oatmeal Bars
Make some oatmeal bars that are packed with whole grains and dried fruit. To do this, blend a cup of whole oats in a blender along with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Add that oat flour to another cup of whole oats in a mixing bowl. Stir in half a cup of melted heart-healthy butter substitute and half a cup of honey or maple syrup.
Add a cup of dried fruits to that mixture. You can mix them up. Use dried apricots, dried cherries, and dried golden raisins for a peach melba-style bar. Press that dough into a 9-inch by 9-inch pan. Top with a cup of natural raspberry preserves. Bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Healthier Chocolate Mini Pies
Mix two cups of almond flour with half a cup of melted heart-healthy butter substitute. Press that into muffin tins that are lined with foil muffin cups.
Melt a 12-ounce bag of bittersweet chocolate chips in the microwave. Do it in minute increments to avoid burning the chocolate. Stir until well melted and set aside.
Blend a package of silken tofu in a blender with a tablespoon of espresso. Add the melted chocolate. Blend until smooth and pour into the muffin tins. Chill.
As your mom’s Alzheimer’s progresses, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Her mood swings may be exhausting, but you don’t have to let them get you down. Caregivers can take over for a few hours while you do other things. Go for a drive, visit friends, or get work done with the help of caregivers and respite care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering a Caregiver in Keyport, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care 888-492-3538 or 732-566-1112.
