Acknowledgement
Our thanks to Nan Millette, MEd, RD Freelance Dietitian, for her help in reviewing this article.
There are various practical ways in which you can help yourself follow a healthy diet - all too often the effort involved in preparing food can mean you don’t have the energy or inclination to eat properly so the following tips may be helpful in avoiding or minimising this problem.
Careful planning can make shopping and preparing meals far easier and an occupational therapist will be able to give you tips to help with this aspect of your routine. Here are some tips to help you:
Special aids for eating are available. Ask your occupational therapist for information on what is available in your country and suitable for you. Below are some suggestions that may help although not all may be available where you live:
Being comfortable when eating is important in ensuring that you are able to eat and swallow food.
If a meal takes a long time and becomes cold and unappetising you may prefer to eat smaller portions and 4 or 5 smaller meals rather than 3 large meals each day. It is also a good idea to time meals so that medication is working properly – eating is very difficult during ‘off’ periods so try to avoid meals when ‘off’.
If you experience a lot of difficult swallowing or opening your mouth ask to see a speech and language therapist. They will be able give tips on the consistency and texture of food to make it easier to eat, and also on ways of eating. Some tips for easier swallowing are:
A semi-solid diet will make swallowing much easier and in extreme difficulty a puree diet may be recommended but you should only follow such a diet on the advice of your doctor, dietician or speech and language therapist.
Below is a sample of a daily eating plan with regular meals which include a wide and balanced range of foods from the various food groups.
These suggestions are for guidance only and there are of course other options and alternatives available. For further meal ideas and detailed information on food groups and portion sizes please see the EPDA’s Guide to Healthy Eating (www.epda.eu.com/patientGuide/HE_4_1_MealIdeasBeakfast.shtm).
Fruit or fruit juice; cereal (wholewheat if constipation is a problem) with milk; bread or toast with butter or margarine and jam or other spread; bacon, sausage, egg, cheese, cold meats etc
Meat, fish, eggs, cheese, pulses, lentils or other protein; potato, rice, pasta, noodles, bread or other carbohydrate; vegetables or salad; yoghurt, milk pudding or fruit drink
As midday meal
Fruit, cakes, biscuits, sandwiches, cereals.
You should drink with meals and between them too, for example tea, coffee, fruit juice, water, milk, soup. Beware of drinking too many carbonated drinks as they may make you feel bloated and unable to eat your snack or meal.
Health profession that helps people of all ages who are disabled, ill or aged to remain independent and lead fulfilling lives at home, in work and through leisure pursuits. The methods they use include specific activities and equipment.
See section on Occupational Therapy.
A condition where it becomes difficult to empty faeces from the bowel or where the stool is small, hard, and difficult or painful to pass.
See section Bowel Problems including Constipation.
A dietician advises on a healthy diet and specific dietary needs. They can offer advice on how diet can ease some symptoms, such as constipation. They may also liaise with a speech and language therapist regarding swallowing and eating difficulties.
Rhythmic shaking of part of the body. It is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, although it is not experienced by everyone.
