I am not a dietitian but I do try to incorporate vegetables in all of our meals and get some fruit in at least twice a day. Many of the Parkinson’s resources I have come across recommend the Mediterranean diet which could work for me because I like fish and fresh veggies. Unfortunately, my husband will only eat his fish deep fried and prefers his vegetables cooked. I like most fruits, he is a bit pickier. He chooses orange juice over a fresh orange with his breakfast ignoring the high sugar content. Instead of trying to change him, I make sure to keep plenty of healthy options around and sneak them in where I can.

Salads work well for us because I can add lots of healthy things based on what is in season and I can even modify them to meet taste preferences for each of us. I make a mean taco salad that allows me to include avocado and sour cream in my bowl and tortilla chips and salsa on his. We also like to do stir fry using healthy veggies and minimal meats. I do my best to find interesting ways to serve foods that he will eat including using cauliflower for a healthier pizza crust or adding spinach to soups and stews. The great thing about pizzas is that you can adapt the toppings to make everyone happy so we both get what we want.

I understand the importance of healthy eating and the impact junk food can have on our lives but there are those days when I just pack it all in and we have a hamburger or brats on the grill. Or, I choose to make comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or fried chicken. Even then I make sure to add some fresh veggies as a side. Life as a CarePartner is just too intense to always be worrying about the food we eat and sometime meals are simply meant to be enjoyed.