Make foods and drinks more interesting

Sometimes aging/ill parents (or other family members) do not have much of an interest in eating and/or are on a restrictive diet. Although the older we get we may (or may not) not need as much food as we once did (due to lack of physical activity) however getting the proper nurishment is still important and staying hydrated is equally (perhaps more) important.

A former co-worker was telling me about how her mother was only able to eat soft foods but she was not interesting in eating those foods because they were boring. One of the foods she was allowed to eat was oatmeal. My suggestion was to add some color to make it more visually appealing. A little bit of food coloring could be used to change the color of the entire bowl of oatmeal or to draw designs - you could also use a cookie cutter gently placed on top of the oatmeal as a template for making a design. Another suggestion was to use either a touch of sprinkles like used on sugar cookies or toppings for ice cream. If permitted, just a few chocolate (or other flavor) chips also would enhance the food. This would also work for grits or cream of wheat.

She was also allowed (occasionally) to have pancakes. I suggested making them into fun shapes either free-handed or using a cookie cutter. The pancakes could also be topped with the items mentioned above.

Making food more visually appealing can make eating (even the same things over and over again) more fun.

If there is not a restrictive diet but someone still finds eating boring. Here are some more tricks/tips: Use colorful plates/bowls (even if they are paper or plastic). Use uniquely shaped plates/bowls. Use colorful napkins and flatware. Make every meal an event or a party.

Staying hydrated is also very important. Not being hydrated can lead to fatigue which can eventually lead to other ailments and/or hospitalizations.

Tricks or tips......Very often people forget to drink because they are not thirsty. We need to drink BEFORE we actually get thirsty. One suggestion was to set an alarm clock or a timer to every hour - this is the reminder to drink. It is important to not consume too much caffeine as this can contribute to dehydration. Water is the preferred beverage but for some can be boring. Jazz things up a bit: Add a drop or two of food coloring. Used colored glassware rather than clear. Add a bit of crushed fruit into the drink or a slice on the edge of the glass.

Keeping things interesting avoids boredom and avoids neglecting to eat and/or drink.