Question 

My father lives alone and I worry about how he is eating. Since mom died, he seems to eat very poorly. He generally heats up what we used to call “tv dinners” that he has me get from the frozen food section at the grocery store.  

He eats no fresh fruits or vegetables anymore because those meals do not contain them. His diet is highly processed mashed potatoes, something in gravy, and corn. He has cereal for breakfast and a baloney and white bread sandwich for lunch. If I pick up fruit at the store, it just sits in the refrigerator until it rots and I toss it. 

I do know that mom did all of the cooking and he never had to prepare anything for himself before. Without mom there to provide nutritious food, he just eats what is convenient, with no thought as to the nutritional value.  

Dad is not incapable of making a meal, and he is actually not that old. At 70 he could have many more years to live, though I wonder how his diet will be of any help. 

Do you have suggestions on how I can help him make a few changes in what he eats? 

Answer 

Your father has settled on what is simple and solves a hunger problem. It sounds like he is going with convenience to make his food choices; which is not too different than what his life was like with your mother. He came to the table, and the food was there for him to eat it. Both situations were simple and he did not cook. 

Now he is on his own and left to his own resources. It is so very simple to eat “tv dinners” from the frozen foods department. He does not need to prepare food other than to press start and let the stove or microwave do the work. 

To change your father’s diet, you would need to plan your shopping trips for him differently. Many stores these days have prepared salads, cut up fruit, and easy to heat items in the delicatessen that might be a bit less processed than the frozen food isle.  

You could ask your father if he would let you plan his menu for a few days or a week. If he agrees, obtain from him his likes and dislikes. Then search out prepared food that is a bit more nutritious at the store. Make a list of what he is having each night and post it on the refrigerator. He may actually enjoy the variety. 

Another option for you to consider is to make a bit extra of your family meals and make up a plate or two to leave in dad’s refrigerator. He might really like the effort and appreciate having something different. If it is on a plate and all he must do is heat it or grab it from the refrigerator, he is likely to have any resistance to the idea. 

Do realize that individuals who have never cooked are not likely to pick up the habit at his age. They are going to eat whatever is easy and readily available. It is food and he is eating. Just not the best or most nutritious option. It also takes little effort.  

I do not believe that providing information or a lecture on healthy eating is going to have much of an impact. Therefore, I would not recommend that you go down that path. The more subtle approach of simply providing a healthier option that is easy to eat is most likely your path to success. You can have an impact with just a few small changes.