Remember the fun you had as a kid at picnics?

Was it something your whole family enjoyed?

Maybe you’re ready to try some of those foods again, and even recreate a picnic.  Recreating a cherished memory can be fun, and may be something your care recipient enjoys.

In planning a picnic-style you don’t have to eat outdoors.  You could eat on a deck or patio if your care recipient likes eating outdoors. You could use a checkered tablecloth or placemats.  Even the dishes and silverware could remind you of those used during the picnics you recall.

Marilyn and her sister decided to recreate the picnics they had as a child.  Well at least the food from the picnics. 

They hoped the flavors would appeal to their mother who has become a fussy eater. 

So they took some of the foods she used to prepare for summer picnics and modernized them.  They used lower fat versions of meats and side dishes in their easy healthy recipes.

What are some side dishes can be updated for an old-fashioned picnic?

• Potato and pasta salads
• Three bean salad
• Egg Salad
• Deviled eggs
• Jello salad

May of these were made with mayonnaise.  Substituting lower fat alternatives can easily convert high fat versions to easy healthy recipes.

You can make lighter versions by substituting vinaigrette or light herb dressings.  Today there are also lower fat alternatives to regular mayonnaise.

Remember three bean salad made with sugar and vinegar based dressing?

You can substitute a light sweet and sour dressing with good results.

Olive oil, vinegar and herbs can convert a mayonnaise-based potato salad into a lighter version. Or you could try a creamy dressing made with low fat yogurt or low fat sour cream instead of regular mayonnaise. Low fat cottage cheese in a blender makes a substitute for mayonnaise some folks like.  

You may need to experiment with your options. Be sure to have fun while creating your new masterpieces!

How about old fashioned German potato salad?

Well sometimes rethinking ingredients is all it takes.  You could combine white and sweet potatoes.  Honey can replace white sugar. Turkey bacon is a lower fat alternative to regular bacon.

So how do you update deviled eggs?

You can update deviled eggs by lowering the fat and adding flavor.  Low fat yogurt, no fat sour cream or no fat cottage cheese can become substitutes for mayonnaise.  Mix them with your favorite flavors such as cilantro, capers or herbs.

And what about Jello salads?

Jello salads used to contain vegetables in addition to fruit.  Many of these recipes featured mayonnaise.

Did your mom get you to eat carrots by grating them in Jello?  You might be surprised to find out she still likes it.  One more modern option is lime Jello with shaved or grated celery and carrots, topped with yogurt.  You may need to watch the sugar content or skip the Jello if blood sugar levels are a concern.  Most sugar-free versions contain artificial sweeteners, which you may want to avoid.

Recreating some of the flavors, sights and smells of happy memories can be comforting.  And nurturing your soul is an important part of caregiving.

Do you realize family caregiving may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Whenever you can, enjoy the moments and have fun.

Do you have days when you’s like a daily inspiration?

An uplifting thought to give you at least a momentary break?

One you can carry with you with a smile all day?

Get your FREE caregiving membership now by going to www.caregivingwithpurpose.com/freemember/ . 

Sign up now and get your moment of inspiration a day!

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Full disclosure and disclaimer can be found at www.caregivingwithpurpose.com/policies/