Arbor Hospice Offers Tasty Recipes and Tips During National Nutrition Month

In observance of  National Nutrition Month, Arbor Hospice offers older adults, those struggling with illness and caregivers online access to nutrition tips, recipes and educational information under the “We Can Help” tab at www.arborhospice.org.

Research shows that nearly 80 percent of adults are caring for an aging parent or expect to do so in the future.  For these individuals, nutrition is a key concern.

As the body ages, it goes through many physiological changes. Body systems begin to slow, requiring fewer calories and food. In addition, favorite foods can begin to cause discomfort or even pain as it becomes difficult to chew, swallow or digest. Often times a lack of interest in eating and drinking can develop, which can make the caregiver’s job more difficult.

“What works best for one patient might not necessarily work for another,” said Jill Gettle, registered dietician at Arbor Hospice. “We take into account each patient’s taste, preferences and needs when customizing their own personalized diet.”

Arbor Hospice advises that adapting a loved one’s diet can help maintain or even improve quality of life. It’s different for each individual but the proper nutrition can help keep the mind sharp, the body strong and even promote independence – enabling him or her to continue enjoying basic daily activities.

But eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. The following recipe for Quinoa and Black Bean Salad will satisfy the taste buds and nourish the body:

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

• 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• ¾ cup cooked, rinsed black beans
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• ¾ cup corn
• ½ cup diced green pepper
• ½ cup diced red pepper
• ¼ cup green chili peppers

Dressing

• 3 tbsp. lime juice
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder

Directions

• Microwave the quinoa and water until water is absorbed and quinoa is light and fluffy – about 10 to 20 minutes and allow it to cool.

• Add vinegar to black beans and stir in corn, peppers and green chili peppers and mix in the cool quinoa.

• Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad and toss.

• Cover and allow salad to chill before serving.

For more tantalizing recipes from Gettle -- including Mexican chicken with black beans and corn and veggie and cheese stuffed baked potatoes, visit www.arborhospice.org.

Gettle also offers general recommendations for selecting foods that are packed with power to help meet the special nutrient needs of older adults.

• Increase complex carbohydrates and bulk-whole grains to provide fiber. They take longer to digest and allow slower absorption of sugars, which helps to provide a steady supply of energy. Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes, dry beans and carrots are all good examples of foods with complex carbohydrates.
• Limit simple carbohydrates. Examples of simple carbohydrates include cake, chocolate, candy, honey and food with added table sugar. These are high in calories and  provide minimal nutritional benefit.
• Offer calorie-dense foods to achieve higher caloric intake with smaller portions. Butter, mayonnaise, half and half and sour cream can be added to recipes to increase calories.
• Protein-rich ingredients can also be incorporated. Powdered milk, cheese, eggs and peanut butter are all good sources of protein and can easily be mixed into recipes.
• Increase potassium-rich foods and reduce sodium to lower your risk of high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt are good sources of potassium.

About Arbor Hospice
Since 1984 Arbor Hospice has been committed to providing quality, compassionate care for those experiencing life-limiting illnesses. Arbor Hospice, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, is integrated into the community with the help of its experienced staff and caring volunteers through its certified hospice services, inpatient hospice facility, grief support services and community education programs. Arbor Hospice serves communities in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, with offices in Ann Arbor, Monroe, Plymouth and Woodhaven. For more information, visit www.arborhospice.org or call 1-888-992-2273.