I need nutrition advice for a family member

missyishere

I'm trying to help my aunt get herself back to a better place.  Without giving a long story, my Aunt has some pretty severe depression issues.  She's extremely obese- extremely.  She has an amazing amount of health issues because of her weight and lack of self care.  She just had knee surgery this spring, so she can't get too active.  However, I feel she could work on walking and light exercise if she could just shed some weight.  She is also diabetic.  I need advice on meals I can prepare and freeze for her in order to aid in her weight loss.  I also believe if she can shed a few lbs and at least walk in the future, she will feel a lot better about herself. 

mamaZbo

If she is diabetic, then do more protein-based meals. What about some white chicken chili, or turkey chili loaded with veggies. You could also do some soups that can be high in flavor and low in calories. You could also put all the ingredients for a crockpot meal together in a freezer bag so it just has to be taken out the night before and put in the crockpot. If you cook things ahead of time and them freeze them in portion sizes, that might help as well. A lot of the time people, myself included, don't really know what an actual portion of something is. She could have a portion of a meal with a side salad or a side of veggies to fill her up.

I would also suggest a weight watchers type program that is online. They have a lot of online forums where you can chat with other people and connect with people in the same situation. It might be easier for her to be open and honest with strangers than with family.  Good luck to her.

DoctorWorm222

A friend of mine is a nutritionist and always recommends that people start very slowly. I might recommend that she starts by adding fresh, healthy foods rather than trying to subtract. For instance, this week she can still eat anything she wants as long as she eats a whole grain for breakfast and large portions of veg for lunch and dinner. Trying to go on a strict diet right away might be overwhelming. Of course, it would probably be best to consult a doctor or a dietician if thats a possibility.

If you want to make meals for her, I think broth based soups with lots of veggies, casseroles with veg and lean chicken, etc might be nice. 

cantalopes24

I don't have diabetes but I am insulin resistant and I have had some success with weight loss and managing my IR with South Beach. Maybe you could find somethings she likes and use those recipes? I didn't follow the "phases", you can probably just ignore them when looking at recipes.

https://www.kalynskitchen.com/2005/04/easy-south-beach-recipes-5-main.html 

missyishere

Thanks, ladies! All awesome suggestions.

btsrc5

Is she on board with you trying to help her?  If not, it might not go over well.  I know you are trying to help, but she may very well take it the wrong way.  I hope that she is asking/wanting some assistance in making healthy changes in her life though.