Try These Healthier Options for a Parent Who Loves Takeout Food
Your dad loves fast casual food. He never cooks for himself. Takeout burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and grinders are all he eats now. How do you get him to stop eating fast food and turn to healthier options?
Not all fast food options are bad, but your dad needs to plan wisely. Instead of a hamburger, he could opt for a chicken or turkey burger instead. A vegetable burger can be even better. He needs to watch toppings like American cheese, mayonnaise, and fried side dishes.
Swap Out Rice and Noodles for Whole Grains and Vegetables
Senior Care Oakland, FL: Seniors and Takeout Food
Your dad loves fried rice. Has he ever had fried rice made from shredded cauliflower? The texture can seem the same. With the right seasonings, meats, the vegetables, fried cauliflower “rice” can be just as tasty as the Chinese restaurant staple.
Pan-fry the shredded cauliflower in sesame oil. Add some low-sodium soy sauce, some diced ham or pork, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs.
You could also switch out the white rice in fried rice with barley, quinoa, or brown rice. The texture will be slightly different, but the added fiber in the whole grain makes it a healthier option.
If your dad loves lo mein, make it with soba (buckwheat) noodles instead. You could also use noodles made from zucchini.
Switch to Baked “Fried” Chicken
Take boneless chicken breasts and soak them in buttermilk. Toss them in egg, dip them in seasoned flour, and set them aside. In another bowl, mix a couple of cups of plain bread crumbs with a few tablespoons of walnut oil.
Dip the floured chicken breasts in egg and the bread crumb mixture. Bake at 400 degrees until the chicken reads 165 F on an instant-read thermometer.
Pizza Can Be Healthy
Pizza is one of the better fast food options to make at home. Control the ingredients by choosing a low-sodium pizza sauce. Check the label for sugar. If there’s added sugar, try a different sauce or make your own.
Avoid unhealthy options like pepperoni and sausage. Switch to uncured chicken bacon or turkey sausage instead. Choose a whole-grain pizza crust and add plenty of vegetables.
If your dad relies on takeout because he hates to cook, it’s time to talk about senior care. He may not need a lot of help, but senior care aides can cook his meals and make sure he’s eating well.
He could have caregivers helping him plan a weekly menu, take him shopping for groceries, and cooking meals throughout the day. When he’s not paying for takeout each day, he’ll save money on food bills and eat healthy at the same time. Senior care becomes a win-win situation for your family.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Oakland, FL please contact the caring staff at Winter Garden Senior Home Care today. (407) 347-2050
Founder / Owner
Jennifer Talbot is the Co-Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care in Winter Garden Florida.The business opened on Plant Street in October of 2007 (formally known as Age Advantage).
Jennifer remains active in the business and enjoys personally meeting with families looking for professional, classy caregivers. She prides herself in taking the time to listen and appreciate the personalities and life experiences of people who wish to “age in place”.Her unique ability to match people with their ideal caregiver, combined with a strong sense of service is what makes her business so successful.
Mrs. Talbot is a current member and past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club, past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, active West Orange Chamber member, Recipient of the “Spirit of West Orange” Award 2017, Past Business Networking International Growth Coordinator, Past Committee member and founder of South Lake’s HINT, sustainer member of the West Orange Junior Service League, past board member for AGED, advisory board member for Elder Advocates, a United States Air Force brat, and proud mother of two college graduates.
Rebecca Lanterman
Owner
Rebecca has worked in the Central Florida medical community for over 10 years.She is a native of Winter Garden, Florida andhas a driving passion to serve our seniors.It has been said that Rebecca never meets a stranger.Her experience has been in Hospice, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities where she faithfully served as a community liaison helping residents and families understand the myriad of long term care and healthcare options.
Rebecca is the mom of a little guy who is the twinkle of her eye.She can often be heard telling stories of traveling all around the country pulling her camper.To Rebecca, to live life is to touch it and experience it.Growing up in Central Florida afforded her some unique experiences like being a part of the “Magic” at Walt Disney World where she was a Walt Disney World Spirit Ambassador.She feels that this early indoctrination by The Walt Disney Company helped her understand the true value of serving others.To this day, she still has some of that Pixie Dust.Rebecca has also accomplished countless marathons and triathlons. After the sudden loss of her dad, her training partner, in 2012 she stepped away from the sport.But, as time has passed and healing has taken place, she is back to pursuing their dreams again.This time, her dad, her trusty training partner is keeping pace in her heart.It is from that willingness and drive that Rebecca has a keen understanding of the arduous and often treacherous course that our families are on.And, she is here to come along beside you and be with you each step, each stride, and each hurdle.It’s the old adage “life is a marathon and not a sprint”.She is here along with the team at Winter Garden Senior Home Care to be a part of your journey.
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