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  2. Center for Parkinson's Disease
  3. EAT WELL with Parkinson's
  4. Food Apathy

Food Apathy

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Apathy is one of the most common non-motor symptoms for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Defined as a feeling of indifference, lack of interest or motivation, many people living with Parkinson’s disease experience apathy at some point during the disease progression.
  • Apathy may also affect appetite and food intake, which can result in a lack of pleasure eating, decreased social engagement through shared meals and of most concern, weight loss or malnutrition.

 

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MANAGING FOOD APATHY

  • Create routine: Commit to a regular meal and snack schedule
  • Less is more: Serve smaller portions of high nutrient foods
  • Make it easy: Choose easy to eat foods and consider including finger food options that don’t require utensils
  • Make it appetizing: Include different tastes, textures and colors. Consider adding bold seasoning such as garlic, lemon juice or spices
  • Prep Ahead: Prepare extra grains, veggies and proteins to use for a few meals
  • Limit drinking liquids with meals, as this may cause fullness
  • Make eating social: Eat together with family and friends
  • Fuel your Microbiome for healthy movements: Choose probiotic and prebiotic foods to support a healthy gut microbiome and prevent constipation. Healthy choices include: yogurt, oats, berries, onions and garlic, beans and legumes, as well as resistant starches made by reheating previously cooked and cooled rice or potatoes.
  • Remember PFF:
    • - Protein to maintain muscle mass and immunity
    • - Fat to promote satiety and feeling of fullness
    • - Fiber to aid in BM and support gut microbiome
  • Get moving: Even a short walk or a healthy breath of fresh air can help spark an appetite

 

TASTY BREAKFAST IDEAS:

  • Avocado toast with egg
  • Banana pancakes
  • Breakfast burritos
  • Turkey omelet with roasted sweet potatoes
  • Frozen waffles with peanut butter
  • Hot cereal with vanilla yogurt and blueberries
  • Overnight oats
  • Scrambled eggs with cheese or a veggie and cheese omelet
  • Remember you can always choose leftovers for breakfast

 

EASY LUNCH IDEAS:

  • Grilled cheese sandwich and soup
  • Turkey or ham rolls, wrapped with cheese or avocado
  • Bean and cheese quesadilla
  • Peanut butter & jelly with sliced banana, apples or pears
  • Tuna, egg or chicken salad on crackers or rice cakes

 

DINNER IDEAS:

  • Breakfast for dinner

  • Premade meals - chicken Caesar wrap using rotisserie chicken, Caesar dressing and sliced fruit

  • Roasted red pepper and tomato soup with tortellini

  • Deli breakfast sandwiches

  • Eat out or take out?

    •  Slider turkey, or beef or black bean burger

 

SNACK IDEAS:

  • GORP - Good Old Raisins and Peanuts: add a variety of nuts, some dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, dried coconut flakes, and mini pretzels

  • Overnight oats

  • Rice pudding or flan

  • Avocado Chocolate Mousse * see recipe below

  • Oatmeal cookies and 4 oz. vanilla yogurt

  • Red pepper and hummus

  • Cheese, crackers and apple slices

 

AVOCADO CHOCOLATE MOUSSE:

Try something silky, sweet and chocolatey, packed with fiber, anti-oxidants and flavor.

Ingredients 

  • 1 large avocado soft/ripe (or 2 small), skin and seed removed

  • 1 ripe banana or 2 medjool dates for added fiber and sweetness

  • 4 tablespoons cacao powder

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3-4 tablespoons milk/ plant based milk as needed for a smooth silky texture

  • Pinch of salt to bring out sweetness

Instructions: 

  • Blend all ingredients together by hand or in a food processor  

  • Garnish with berries, chopped nuts or mini dark chocolate chips

 

mousse with raspberries on a plate

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