[Jess]

My mother in law just moved in with us and she’s on a cardiac/low cholesterol diet and she is also diabetic. She also has the pallet of a 12 year old boy (said with all the love) so I’m struggling to come up with meals that she will eat.

I’ve seen that the Mediterranean diet is the best for her, but again.. I’m struggling to find things she likes. Any tips/thoughts are very appreciated.

Also, the quicker the meal, the better!

[Devan]

If she’s able to navigate a computer, perhaps have her find some recipes that she finds interesting that fall within her new guidelines? This way you’re not doing all the work and she is responsible for some of the changes required of her?

[Kim]

Depending on her age.. Sometimes it’s just better to cook what they like….keeping somewhat in mind what’s they shouldn’t eat a lot of.. That’s just my opinion.

[Deb]

Take her to a registered dietician high cholesterol and diabetes are two opposing diets and can be tricky to balance.

[Susie]

What was she eating before she moved in with you? Or did the dietary change happen as stepped over the threshold? Is she bedridden? Why are you taking on all of the responsibilities for her healthy diet? She has more experience with her body than you do, and surely you’ll be happy to let her cook some meals especially when you’re pushed for time?

[Bridget]

I am 69 with diabetes, history of heart attacks and five cardiac stents. I generally eat a sensible diet but have the occasional fling with not so good choice foods. I am on an insulin regime which allows me to alter my dose depending on what I eat,

Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating. I would absolutely resent anyone interfering with my choices! I know what I should and shouldn’t eat but what goes in my mouth is my choice, no one else’s. Let her eat what she wants to after you discuss it with her.

If she wants to eat her usual foods just try to negotiate a few changes rather than making a clean sweep of everything she is used to. She is an adult and if she understands what effect a poor diet will have on her health then she is free to make those poor choices. It’s totally patronising for anyone to take that responsibility away from someone. Let her eat her usual food and from time to time introduce something more suitable, if she likes it you can make it regularly, if not try something different next week.

Just for your information I live alone, do all my own housework and decorating, garden, travel, do my mums shopping, banking, take her to appointments etc. (Mum is 97).

Don’t miss: What do you cook when you prefer not to cook?

[Cindy]

You, your husband and his mom need to sit down and discuss your new living arrangement, including food preparation. It sounds like you are trying to accomplish what the doctor ordered nutritionally and making your mil happy, which are opposite goals.

It could easily turn into a major battle between you and she, with her complaining to your husband (which is why he needs to be at the meeting). Your mil is not a child, she has to decide if she is going to change her ways or make your life miserable as you try to change her eating habits.

But your husband has to support what decisions you make regarding meals….maybe a 50/50 split of what she wants vs what doctor wants at first. Also, as others have said, try to get her involved in finding recipes. It’s a difficult decision as she is likely scared, and comfort food relieves stress.

Good luck

[Michelle]

Mediterranean sheet pan dinners are great- I roast chicken breasts along with lots of different vegetables. I usually marinate the food with lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano for a couple of hours.

I roast at 375 or 400 for about 25 mins. Also makes good leftovers for lunches.

[Denise]

I think you’re looking for a unicorn. Shoot for better options but the pickiness is something she needs to get over. Probably what got her to this point so young. Salads with chicken, spinach & broccoli. Avocado & eggs. Tacos with low carb tortillas.

Bunless burgers Tuna or chicken salad wrapped in lettuce. Stuffed bell peppers using chicken & mushrooms instead of rice.

[Kimberley]

There’s this app called Supercook. It is actually meant to help you come up with recipes with ingredients you have in your home. But maybe she can help you create a list in the app with all things she likes and it can come up with recipe ideas for her.

Asking here might not be helpful, as we don’t know her likes and preferences. Hopefully she’s able to work with you and you guys find new recipes she likes.

If there are ingredients that aren’t fitting in that Mediterranean diet, just serve it with moderation. It’s a process. Good luck!

[Author]

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