One of the most common things we hear when we fall ill is “ Eat healthy to get well”. We see doctors advising us on what to eat and sometimes even making a food chart for us to follow at home. The reason is that the right kind of food enriches our body with nutrients and energy and supports our crucial bodily functions. It offers macronutrients and micronutrients that are important for bodily functions like cell repair, muscle growth, and maintaining organ function. Therefore food is an essential aspect when it comes to taking care of home care patients. You have to be very careful with the meal preparation process for patients recovering from illness, surgery, or elderly individuals requiring home health care. Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients not only help patients recover faster but also provide the energy needed to improve overall well-being. In the context of home nursing services in Mangalore, we must focus on preparing meals that are easy to digest, rich in essential instruments, and very easy for you or the caregiver to prepare at home.
If you have a patient at home and are having a hard time deciding what to cook for them then this blog can help you out with Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients. We will be highlighting 10 easy, nutritious meal options that you can easily prepare at home for the patient. They do not require you to be a culinary expert and can be easily prepared by anyone with basic knowledge of cooking. The recipes we mention here are designed to promote recovery, boost energy levels, and be gentle on the digestive system.
Top 10 Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients in Mangalore
A home care patient is an individual who receives medical, therapeutic, or personal care services in their home rather than in a hospital or long-term care facility. Since they will be at home, under the care of their family members it will be their responsibility to decide on the patient’s diet. Ranging from prevention of diseases, and maintaining mental health to providing immune support, Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients is crucial for a patient’s wellbeing. In this segment, we are going to state the top 10 recipes ideal for home healthcare patients. Not only are these super easy to prepare but the ingredients required are highly nutritious and easily available in Mangalore.
1. Oats Porridge with Fruits and Nuts
Oats are a great option for Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients. This dish is perfect for breakfast and can be easily and quickly prepared by yourself or any caregiver hired from home nursing services in Mangalore. Moreover, this recipe is high in fiber, rich in essential vitamins and minerals and easy to digest making them perfect for individuals with delicate appetites. You can easily garnish the dish with fruits and nuts to provide additional nutrients and also boost the flavour of the dish.
Here is how you can cook this meal
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Ingredients
| Rolled Oats | 1 cup |
| Water or Milk (low fat) | 2 cups |
| Sliced fruits like bananas, apples, and berries | As per the patient’s preference |
| Nuts like almonds and nuts | A sprinkle |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
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How to cook Oats Porridge with Fruits and Nuts
- Add water or low-fat milk to the saucepan to boil.
- Now, add the oats and cook it on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally till the oats soften
- Now, the dish is ready to eat. To add more flavour you can top it with fruits, nuts and a drizzle of honey. This will sweeten the dish.
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Nutrients per serving for the dish
Now let us look at the most important part, let us look at the nutrients you get per serving of the dish
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 6g |
2. Steamed Fish and Vegetables
Steamed Fish is an excellent source of lean protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. This dish promotes healing and reduces inflammation. The best thing is that you can pair this dish with steamed vegetables making it light and nutrient-dense. Steamed Fish and vegetables are ideal for home health care patients requiring digestible meals.
| Filet of white fish (mackerel or pomfret) | 1 |
| Salt and pepper | A pinch |
| Lemon | 1 slice |
| Carrots, beans, and spinach |
- How to cook Steamed Fish and Vegetables
- Use salt, pepper, and lemon juice to season the filet of the fish
- Steam the fish till fully cooked (it will take 10 to 12 minutes for this)
- Steam the vegetables in a separate steamer until it is tender (we advise you cook them for 5-7 minutes)
- It is time to serve the fish with a side of vegetables for a light nutritious meal.
- Nutrient content per serving
This is probably the most important part. Here is the approximate nutrient count that you can get per serving of the dish
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 5g |
3. Moong Dal Khichdi
Khichdi is a quintessential meal for many Indian households. Not only is it a comfort food but it is also rich in proteins. This easily digestible food is recommended for patients recovering from illness. A meal combining rice and lentils is a well-balanced option providing a good source of both proteins and carbohydrates.
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Ingredients
| Moong Dal | ½ cup |
| Rice | ½ cup |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrot | 1 Chopped |
| Peas | Handful |
| Turmeric powder | 1 pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
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How to cook Moong Dal Khichdi
- First, you need to rinse the rice and moong dal thoroughly
- Now, in a pressure cooker heat a small amount of ghee then add the cumin seeds, and saute it until they make a crackling sound
- It is now time to add the rice, moong daal, vegetables, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Pour 3 cups of water into the mixture and pressure cook it for 3-4 whistles.
- Wait for the pressure to release and then stir the Khichdi.
- Add ghee according to your discretion before dishing it.
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Nutrient content per serving
Moong dal khichdi is highly nutritious for home health care patients. Study the nutrient content per serving of the meal.
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 5g |
4. Vegetable Soup with Lentils
Soup is an ideal option for patients needing hydration, nourishment, and an easy-to-consume meal. Vegetable soup with lentils is full of fiber, vitamins, and proteins, and offers a nutritious solution for patients recovering from surgery or illness. You can easily prepare it for patients recovering from weakness. Rich in protein and fiber the dish is ideal for promoting recovery and maintaining energy levels.
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Ingredients
| Split red lentils | ½ cup |
| Carrot | 1 chopped |
| Onion | 1 chopped |
| Tomato | 1 chopped |
| Spinach – | A handful |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
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How to cook Vegetables Soup with Lentils
- Pour some olive oil in the pan and start heating it
- Now add some cumin seeds and saute them till they are fragrant
- Now it is time to add the chopped vegetables and cook the mixture for 5 minutes
- Add lentils and 3 cups of water. Simmer it for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables and lentils are fully cooked.
- Do not forget to blend the soup for a smooth texture; you can even leave it chunky if the patient prefers it.
- Finally, add some salt and pepper to taste before serving the dish
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Nutrient Content per serving
Cooking vegetable soup with lentils is super easy. Most caregivers from home nursing services in Mangalore can prepare this simple yet nutritious dish. Speaking of nutritious, let us check the nutrient content of this dish
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 7g |
4. Spinach and Paneer Curry
The chief ingredient of this dish is Spinach (palak) which is loaded with iron, calcium, and vitamins. Paneer, the other main ingredient of the dish, adds protein to it. So, Spinach and paneer curry or palak paneer is easy to digest and supports muscle recovery. Moreover, it also fills the patients with energy which helps them perform their day-to-day activities.
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Ingredients
| Fresh Spinach leaves | 2 cups |
| Indian cottage cheese (or paneer) | Cubed, ½ cup |
| Onion- | 1 small, chopped |
| Tomato – | 1 chopped |
| Garlic – | 1 clove minced |
| Cumin seeds – | ½ teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | A pinch |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
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How to Cook
- You need to start by blanching the spinach leaves in boiling water for at least 2 to 3 minutes and then blend them into a smooth puree
- Take a pan and heat some oil.
- In this step, you need to add cumin seeds, garlic onion, and tomatoes and cook them until they are soft.
- To this mixture add the spinach puree, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes
- Now add the paneer cubes and take 5 to 6 minutes to simmer it
- You can serve the dish with rice or wholewheat chapati
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Nutrient Content per serving
Palak paneer is rich in iron and protein. Let us check the nutrient content of this dish (per serving)
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
6. Mashed Potatoes with Yogurt
This dish contains sweet potatoes that have a high nutritious value having vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants, and fiber. If you pair mashed potatoes with yogurt then the meal can offer an excellent balance of nutrients, and probiotics which is important for maintaining gut health. This simple dish is perfect for patients who need a light yet nutritious meal.
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Ingredients
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium |
| Plain yogurt – | ½ cup |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Cinnamon | A sprinkle |
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How to Cook
- You can start boiling or steam the sweet potato until tender
- The sweet potato will be added next. Peel and mash it and then add it to a bowl
- Add plain yogurt and mix well after adding salt to taste
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top if the patient prefers
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Nutrient Content Per Serving
This is perhaps the simplest and most easily digestible meal for a patient under home health care. Let us go through the nutrient content per serving
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
7. Poached Eggs with Whole Wheat Toast
Poached eggs provide a rich source of protein and essential vitamins. It is a great choice for patients who need a light but filling breakfast or snack. You can pair this with whole wheat toast. Through this meal, the patient will get fiber and slow-releasing energy that will give them a steady supply of nutrients throughout the day.
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Ingredients
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole wheat bread- | 1 slice |
| Salt and pepper | A pinch |
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How to cook
- To begin with, take a pot and heat the water till it simmers gently.
- Add a little vinegar to the simmering water
- Then cook for 3-4 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks are runny
- Finally, toast the whole wheat bread and serve with the poached eggs after adding salt and pepper to taste.
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Nutrient Content Per Serving
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
8. Chicken and Vegetable Stew
If the patient loves chicken then Chicken and vegetable stew is a must-try. It is tasty, Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients, and digestible. Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals chicken and vegetable stew is perfect for patients recovering from illness or surgery. The vegetables provide fiber while the chicken gives the much-needed protein to help with tissue repair and recovery.
- Ingredients
| Chicken Breast | 1 (boneless and skinless) |
| Carrot | 1, diced |
| Potato | 1, diced |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Olive oil – | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Peas – | ½ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Water or chicken broth | 3 cups |
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How to cook
- Begin by adding olive oil to a pot and heat it.
- Now add garlic and onion to the hot oil and saute it until they get soft
- Now, add carrots, potatoes, peas, and broth.
- It is now time to season the food with salt and pepper
- Let the broth boil and then reduce the heat. Then let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Nutrient Content per Serving
Nurses from home nursing services in Mangalore have the training to prepare basic yet nutrient-rich dishes like chicken and vegetable stew. Let us look at the nutrient count per serving of the dish.
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
9. Ragi Porridge
Ravi porridge is a traditional and highly nutritious dish made from finger millet. The meal is rich in calcium, iron, and essential amino acids which makes it perfect for elderly patients or those recovering from illness. Also, ragi is gluten-free and easy to digest so this dish is perfect for individuals with dietary restrictions.
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Ingredients
| Ragi Flour | ¼ cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Milk or almond milk | ½ cup |
| Jaggery or honey | 1 teaspoon |
| A pinch of cardamom powder (This ingredient is optional) |
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How to cook
- Take a saucepan and mix ragi flour with water to make a smooth paste
- Now place the saucepan on medium heat and continuously stir the mixture. This is important as it helps to avoid lumps.
- Once the mixture thickens you can add some milk and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Now, add cardamom, jaggery, or honey to sweeten the dish
- The meal is ready. Serve the dish warm
- Nutrient content per serving
Let us look into the amount of nutrients the patient can get from one serving of this meal.
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
10. Curd Rice
The simplest and quickest recipe that you or your caregiver can make for home healthcare patients is curd rice. It is a soothing, probiotic-rich meal that is not too heavy and is perfect for patients experiencing digestive issues or recovering from illness. The simple dish is ideal for those who need to eat soft, easily digestible meals.
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Ingredients
| Cooked rice | 1 cup |
| Plain yogurt | ½ cup |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Mustard seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried red chilli | 1 |
| A few curry leaves | |
| Ginger | ½ teaspoon, grated |
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How to Cook
- Take a bowl and mix the cooked rice with yogurt and salt until you combine it well.
- In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and add mustard seeds, red chilli, curry leaves, and ginger.
- Now saute the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the tempering over the curd rice and mix well
- Serve the dish at room temperature. You can also serve it cold if it suits the patient.
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Nutrient Per Serving
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Conclusion
Healthy Recipes for Home Care Patients a very crucial role in the recovery and well-being of patients receiving home health care. You can prepare simple wholesome meals that are easy for the patient to digest. Additionally, it is important that these recipes are nutrient-dense so that they can contribute to the healing process of their loved ones. We understand that it might be difficult for you to figure out which recipes would be ideal for the patient’s recovery. So, we have specially crafted this blog for you. We have curated the top 10 recipes that are not only rich in nutrients and easily digestible but are simple to cook for you or any caregiver offering home nursing services in Bangalore. If you incorporate these healthy options into daily meal plans then it can help patients feel more energized and recover faster by maintaining a balanced healthy diet.
