Light meals that still feel satisfying?

[fmjssy]

I’m trying to help my parents eat a bit lighter without feeling like they’re missing out. Any ideas for easy meals that are healthy but still filling and tasty?

 

[Murrmurr]

Sandwiches, stews, and bean dishes are my 3 favorites.

 

[Lawrence00]

I put steel-cut oats in recipes al dente. And tonight i made my first ever dense rye bread with Bob's Red Mill Dark Rye!

 

[Aunt Bea]

Why?

I would stick with the familiar things that they enjoy, in smaller portions or lighter versions.

Sneak in a few more fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, broth based soups as sides snacks, etc…

Just a few simple swaps can pay big dividends.

 

[Tommy]

I’m trying to help my parents eat a bit lighter without feeling like they’re missing out. Any ideas for easy meals that are healthy but still filling and tasty?

You might offer them a healthy preprandial drink such as 6-8 oz of cranberry juice over ice with a slice of lime. Drinking liquids before meals tends to make people feel fuller sooner. Plain water is best, but if it's tasty and attractive they might be more likely to accept it. (Cranberry juice is also said to promote better urinary function.)

Are your parents on board with your plan?

 

[MACKTEXAS]

That's hard to answer without knowing your parents' tastes and dietary restrictions.

Here are a few quick meals I have now and then:

Broiled chicken breast filet with 2-3 new potatoes and steamed broccoli; cookie
Walmart has good pre-made small salads in the deli for under $4 each.
2 chicken tenders with potato salad I get at the grocery store deli
1/2 can Wolf brand turkey chili with Ritz crackers; some sliced peaches or ice cream for dessert
Cottage cheese with crackers. Add fruit if they like it.

 

[JustDave]

That's hard to answer without knowing your parents' tastes and dietary restrictions.

I've been experimenting with small meals lately. It's not the amount that leaves you feeling satisfied, but some other quality that works. And I can never anticipate what things will work.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I've been experimenting with small meals lately. It's not the amount that leaves you feeling satisfied, but some other quality that works. And I can never anticipate what things will work.

For me the secret to feeling full and staying full on a small meal is low carb protein.

Eggs, tuna, peanut butter, beans, cottage cheese, chicken, etc… and then fiber from vegetables, whole grains, etc…

Include a small treat to tell your brain and body that you’re finished with the meal.

 

[Jackie23]

Tacos, Salads with chicken or shrimp, cottage cheese with no sugar peaches and Splenda, Stir Fries with lots of veggies and small amounts of meat, oatmeal.

 

[hollydolly]

I’m trying to help my parents eat a bit lighter without feeling like they’re missing out. Any ideas for easy meals that are healthy but still filling and tasty?

Welcome to the forum....

Here's a little list which might be helpful

10 Healthy Meals for Seniors That Are Quick and Easy to Make

..and here as well as meal suggestions.. some excellent tips about how as we age we need to reduce certain things like salt... and increase other things like certain vitamins

Meals for elderly people: essential tips & recipe ideas

 

[Aunt Bea]

The Jacques Pepin Foundation has a collection of videos with simple recipes for one or two people.

Jacques Cooking at Home Archives - Jacques Pépin Foundation