Sometimes getting your elder loved one to eat is a tall task, let alone getting them to eat healthy. However, with the right foods and simple recipes you can not only get them excited about food again, but you can do a world of good for their energy and overall health. The trick? Incorporating raw foods into their diet.
Partners in Care, an affiliate of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), has compiled a collection of raw food recipes that can help boost your loved one’s energy, lower their blood pressure and reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
“Eating raw food is the best and healthiest way to eat, keeping the nutrients intact just as Mother Nature intended,” said Renata Gelman, clinical manager for Partners in Care, who also compiled the recipes. “Most of our elderly patients are weak, chronically sick and deficient of vitamins and minerals. They replenishment that raw food can provide. This is exactly the kind of helpful information our thoroughly vetted team of aides can provide.”
Partners in Care works in tandem with VNSNY, a not-for-profit organization, to care for elderly and disabled individuals with an extensive selection of certified home health aides. The division of VNSNY provides services to ultimately support families, whether assisting individuals with their daily needs or providing family caregivers with much-need support.
To learn more about Partners in Care, visit www.partnersincareny.org.
RECIPES
Breakfast Cereal Muesli
Ingredients:
3/4 cup raw nuts
About 10 dates, soaked and pitted
2 tbsp coconut oil (optional, but makes it taste really yummy)
Fresh fruit (mango, berries or banana works well)
1 tbsp fresh raw grated coconut (optional)
Raw nut milk to taste
Preparation:
Using a food processor, process the nuts and dates and coconut oil together until nuts are almost finely ground. Combine in a bowl with fresh fruit and grated coconut. Top with nut milk to taste
Raw Burritos
Ingredients:
2 very ripe avocados
3 tomatoes, diced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
2 tbsp yellow onion, diced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Kernels from one ear raw corn
2 tsp fresh lime juice
6-8 large lettuce leaves
Preparation:
In a medium sized bowl, mash the avocado. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well mixed. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture onto lettuce leaves and wrap.
Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups peaches, sliced (or other fruit)
5-6 medjool dates, pitted
1 cup raw coconut flakes
½ cup almonds
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp raw honey
3 tbsp coconut oil
Process:
Slice and pit peaches and set aside. Place dates, coconut, almonds and a pinch Himalayan salt into a food processor and mix until combined and sticky. Set aside. Blend only ½ cup of peaches with vanilla, honey, and coconut oil in the blender until smooth. Layer all components in a glass dish or in individual serving cups.
