Watching a loved one lose weight and energy because of swallowing difficulties can be deeply worrying. You're diligently preparing soft, safe meals, but you may notice they're still not getting the nourishment they need to thrive.
The challenge is real: how do you boost calories and nutrition without compromising safety or making meals unappealing?
The good news is that it doesn't require complex recipes or exotic ingredients. With a few simple “kitchen tricks,” you can powerfully fortify their favorite purees and soft foods, turning every bite into an opportunity for better health and renewed strength.
When seniors have swallowing problems (dysphagia), the special diets they have to follow can cause unhealthy weight loss and malnutrition. To keep your older adult healthy, Jess McLean shares four easy, tasty foods that boost the number of nutritious calories and nutrients in a dysphagia diet.
Is your older adult struggling to maintain a healthy weight after starting a special diet because of swallowing problems (dysphagia)?
Swallowing problems associated with diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis can cause weight loss and nutritional deficiency.
Some studies estimate that malnutrition affects more than 35% of adults over age 65.
Not getting enough calories, vitamins, and minerals could make your older adult more vulnerable to colds and flu, increase their risk for bed sores, and affect their overall mood and energy levels.
It can be challenging to learn how to modify the foods and beverages your older adult can safely swallow and make sure they’re getting enough healthy calories and nutrients.
And it might seem like the only way to get extra calories is through fried or processed foods or sugary processed drinks like Ensure.
But there are many simple ways to add healthy fats and nutrients into a dysphagia diet.
These four dysphagia staple foods help seniors maintain a healthy weight and feel more energized.
1. Avocados Contain “Good Fat”
One cup of cubed avocado has about 22 grams of fat. Plus, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods. Avocado is loaded with potassium, fiber, Vitamin B-6, and Vitamin C – to name a few.
Even better, avocados don’t have a strong flavor on their own, so they can be easily mixed into existing dysphagia meals to add a smooth, creamy texture.
Consider blending an avocado into chocolate pudding, a fruit smoothie, or even a creamed soup like broccoli cheddar.
2. Nut Butters are Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to peanut butter, nut butters like cashew, hazelnut (like Nutella), and almond are becoming increasingly common in grocery stores.
They’re delicious and packed with health-boosting vitamins and minerals like protein, calcium, fiber, and fat.
For creamier textures that won’t leave your older adult’s meal gritty, you might want to stick with smooth nut butters from peanuts, cashews, and hazelnuts.
When buying pre-made nut butters, watch out for brands high in added sugar, especially if your older adult is managing a chronic condition like diabetes.
Nut butters can add a flavorful element to dishes like berry smoothies (think PB+J), banana milkshakes, and Asian-inspired curries and soups.
3. Greek Yogurt is a Great Addition
True full-fat Greek yogurt could be a great addition to your older adult’s regular diet. It adds fat, protein, and helpful probiotics that support a healthy gut.
But you do need to be careful about choosing the right Greek yogurt among the hundreds of selections available at the grocery store.
Beware of yogurts labeled “Greek-style.” That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true Greek yogurt. When in doubt, read the label.
Do you see 3 to 5 live active cultures listed in the ingredients? Does it limit added sugar content?
Looking for these essentials helps you find a nutritious Greek yogurt that will benefit your older adult’s health.
Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is tangy, rich, and creamy. It blends well with both sweet and savory dishes, so go ahead and add it to smoothies, delicious soups, and desserts!
4. Coconut Oil, Cream, and Milk May Help
Coconut oil is one of the few foods that contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known for helping cells in the body quickly convert calories to energy.
Plus, coconut oil is very high in saturated fats – 1 tablespoon has 60% of the daily recommended amount.
That’s why it’s great for people who aren’t getting enough fat, but it isn’t suitable for people with conditions like heart disease or high cholesterol.
Consider adding a little bit of cold-pressed coconut oil to your older adult’s thickened coffee or morning smoothie. Or cook with it when preparing their meals.
Coconut cream and coconut milk are also high in fat and can be incorporated into many dishes, including soups, stews, curries, smoothies, and desserts (such as coconut whipped cream).
They can usually be found in the Asian foods section of the grocery store.
First, Always Check With a Physician or Nurse
Before making significant changes to your older adult’s diet, it’s important to first speak with their doctor.
The doctor should review the changes in case certain foods could make other health issues worse or cause digestive problems.
For example, your older adult may need to limit their saturated fat intake if they have heart disease.
Doctors might also be able to recommend helpful services, such as a dietitian or nutritionist.
Final Thoughts About the Dysphagia Diet
Empowering your loved one with calorie-rich, nutritious meals is a profound act of care that supports their strength, immune function, and overall well-being. These four strategies are your toolkit for turning mealtime from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for nourishment and even enjoyment.
Remember, even small increases in daily calories can make a significant difference in their energy and health over time. You are not just preparing food; you are providing the essential fuel for their body to fight, heal, and feel better.
Start with just one of these tips today, and celebrate the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're helping them get the vital nutrition they need.
Recommended for you:
- Why Do Seniors Have Trouble Swallowing?
- 7 Helpful Tips for Seniors and Caregivers Managing Dysphagia
- 10 Quick and Easy Dysphagia Diet Recipes (for Swallowing Problems): 5 Ingredients or Less
Guest contributor: Jess McLean is a freelance writer (and avid home cook) based in Austin, TX. She served as a full-time caregiver for over 9 years for her Mom who had primary progressive multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. In her free time, she blogs about caregiving tips, ideas, and solutions at Givea.care and volunteers at Mike’s Place, an adult day care program for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Image: Maisonella
About the Author
Jessica Hegg is a manager at ViveHealth.com. Ms. Hegg was also a full-time caregiver for her Mom who had Primary Progressive MS and Epilepsy. She is a freelance writer with a passion for cooking and lives in Austin, TX with her Mom and her wonderful husband. You can find her personal blog about caregiving tips, ideas, and solutions at Givea.Care.
