Diet for dad - so hard

First of all Merry Christmas to you all. In previous threads I have explained my dad (81) had a heart attack (unstable angina). I am now scratching my head with what to prepare for his Dinner. He eats well but is fussy. I have read about all these diet plans and it is mind boggling. I’m ok with chicken but he loves lamb, beef, pork etc and we hardly eat fish other than Birdseye fish fingers. How on earth am I to introduce hi to new foods?

[Hidden]

@81 I would not be thanking you for a new diet! Seriously, ask him what he wants.

[RoyM]

Hi and merry Christmas why not for your Christmas dinner give your Dad a Brussel Sprout starter and anything after that will be very welcome and taste wonderful. All the best and have a great day.

[Clerkenweller]

Wholesale changes to diet would be unwelcome to any 80 year old. I’m 70 and I’d be fed up. No need to cut out meat. Just use lean cuts and avoid the frying pan and rich sauces. Reduce the portions of meat gradually and increase fresh vegetables. Cut back on puddings biscuits etc and introduce more fresh fruit. Just don’t make a big thing about it and do it gradually. Good luck and merry Christmas.

[Hidden in reply to Clerkenweller]

Great advice, thank you. Merry Christmas to you too

[Janma123]

I wouldn’t make any drastic changes to your dad’s diet. My hubby is 71 and said that if he couldn’t eat things he enjoys there’s not much point in eating at all!Red meat is just as important as chicken, eggs etc. Reduce processed foods such as bacon and sausage and maybe introduce some fresh or tinned salmon for a change.

Digestion and tastes change in older people and as long as the food is nutritious and not loaded with fat and sugar that is the main thing. My dad, at 96 no longer eats much in the way of veg as he finds them difficult to digest - I grate carrot into mince, and lasagne etc

Rather than focus on ‘a diet for dad’ why not try a new dish for everyone - your dad may be keen to try it then and it’s improving everyone’s diet.

Enjoy your Christmas dinner and the trimmings and don’t stress over ‘diets’. Jane

[Hidden]

Thank you all very much for your replies. He is eating well so that is great. Less bacon and beef burgers. Will continue with the rest plus more vegetables. 😀