High-Protein Meals
In the Summer of 2024, my father was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease that affected his ability to eat. He lost 30 pounds in three weeks. He almost didn’t make it. After an eight-day hospital stay, he was sent home with a myriad of medications including high-dose steroids, fluid restriction due to his SIADH (low sodium, hyponatremia), and a mandate to gain back his strength. Maintaining muscle strength through protein intake is vital for seniors, but for my 84-year-old father, it was also critical to regain weight and manage steroid-driven glucose spikes.
So, I got to work creating foods that he’d eat. Flavorful, but not too spicy or acidic. A wide diversity to keep things new and interesting. Ultimately, I developed a menu of simple, easy-to-eat main protein dishes that allow my mother to manage his day-to-day care more easily. This approach worked and, combined with physical therapy, he’s gained back much of the weight he lost and - importantly - he’s built back muscle.
To this day, I drive biweekly from MA to NY to make fresh, home-cooked protein options to augment their daily meals.
I’ve cooked for my family since I was 13 and know my way around a kitchen. I regularly make and appreciate all kinds of cuisine: American, Southern, Californian, Asian, Italian, Indian, Latin, and Mediterranean. I am starting the service I wish I could have found back when we brought my father home from the hospital. I am passionate about the mission to help you ensure your parents and loved ones can meet their protein dietary needs. My goal is to take on a few, discerning clients who value quality and excellent service. All cooking is completed onsite within a few hours. Food can also be prepared in a commercial kitchen and transported to your home. I can stock a fridge for 7-10 days, or longer by creating freezable portions making it easy to thaw, reheat, and eat. Below are some photos for inspiration (details included).
If you think I can help you, get in touch using the form below.
~ Humera
July and August 2024: Initially, everything was pureed. Protein options include chicken, beef, and salmon. Veggies roasted, sautéed, or steamed; including spinach, beets, green beans, broccoli, peppers, and collard greens.
August 2024: Roasted beets, mushrooms, broccoli, and zucchini with parmesan cheese. Protein options included beef and chicken. All foods were ground to an easy-to-eat and swallow consistency.
September 2024. Protein options include chicken breast, ground beef, and ground turkey. Veggies roasted, sautéed, or steamed; including spinach, green beans, butternut squash, and mushrooms.
September 2024: Tomatoes with roasted peppers and onions. Green beans.
October 2024: Vegetarian 3-bean chili with roasted vegetables (low spice)
October 2024: New veggie combinations, including roasted beets and carrots. Also pictured are dishes of tomato, pepper, and onions.
October 2024: Staple protein options include egg, turkey, beef, and chicken. Spinach and collard greens ensure regularity.
October 2024: Crustless quiche with roasted vegetables and feta cheese. Six egg whites and two yolks.
October 2024: Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese. Six egg whites and two yolks.
November 2024: Protein options include ground turkey, chicken breast, and ground beef. As salads and fresh greens became easier to swallow, vegetable options narrowed to sauteed spinach to ensure daily regularity.
December 2024: Today, we focus solely on augmenting fresh vegetable intake with easy-to-grab protein options packaged in homemade broth including ground turkey, chicken breast, and ground beef. Also included is Atlantic salmon.
Let’s work together.
Interested in sourcing meals for your loved one? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! Can't wait to hear from you!