Simple Dishes for Turkey-Free Thanksgiving

Senior Care in Montauk NY

Thanksgiving may be affectionately referred to as “Turkey Day” by some, but there are many people who will not be indulging in any turkey this year. As a family caregiver you know the importance of serving your aging parent food that is healthy and balanced, and will give their body what they need to thrive. If yours is like many families, this means cutting down on the amount of meat and animal products that you eat. Whether it is a new change in their eating patterns to help them achieve and maintain better health, or a much longer dedication to vegetarianism or veganism, avoiding animal foods does not have to mean avoiding holiday joy.

November 24 is Turkey-Free Thanksgiving. This is the ideal time for you to find alternative meals for your family to enjoy on Thanksgiving this year. Try some of these ideas to indulge in a festive meal without the turkey:

• Hearty bean soup. When trading out a main animal-based dish for something animal-free it is important to keep in mind the nutrients that your loved one still needs. Starting a turkey-free Thanksgiving feast with a hearty bean soup is a wonderful way to ensure your senior still gets the protein that they need, as well as a good dose of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Simply cook garlic and olive oil together until softened, add in a can of white beans, and puree until smooth, then add vegetable stock to create the desired consistency, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Acorn squash. Fill a roasted acorn squash with a savory autumnal stuffing of rice, nuts, and herbs, cover with bread crumbs mixed with a vegan butter, and broil until lightly browned and crunchy for a main dish that is as impressive and satisfying as any turkey.
• Baked tofu. Press extra firm tofu to remove as much of the fluid as possible and cut into slices. Make a marinade of boiling water, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper, and pour over slices in a baking dish. Refrigerate overnight, flipping the slices a few times during the marinating process. Bake at 375 for one hour, flipping half way through, and then fry in a skillet until golden before serving. Serve alongside all of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to encourage them to eat a better diet and live a healthier lifestyle throughout their later years. A senior home care services provider can be there with your aging parent to ensure that your loved one gets the care and assistance that they need for their individual challenges and limitations so that they are able to live a life that is as active, engaged, and healthy as possible while maintaining as much independence as they can. When it comes to helping them eat better, this care provider can give your parent reliable transportation to the grocery store so that they can choose the foods that are right for them, and then get into the kitchen with them to prepare meals and snacks that are delicious, satisfying, and still correspond with their dietary needs.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Montauk, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.