October 22nd is National Nut Day this year! If you or your senior parent are fond of any type of nuts, you’ll love the nutty tips we have in this article. It’s the time of year to celebrate all things nuts: delicious, nutritious and environmentally-friendly protein. Nuts do so many good things for our bodies and our planet. During this day, you and your senior parent can focus on switching to nuts for more reasons than just health. Eating less meat and processed foods, and replacing that with nuts in our diets will have a smaller impact on the environment. Spread the word about national nut day on Wednesday the 22nd and organize some fun activities with your family!

Celebrating Nut Day with the Nuts in Your Family

Okay, enough with the nut jokes. In all seriousness, you can have a lot of fun on this day. Ask your elderly loved one what his or her favorite nut is. Here are some varieties that most people think of:

• Peanuts
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Brazil nuts
• Pecans
• Chestnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Pine nuts
• Macadamia nuts
• Pistachio

Did you know that nuts are staple foods in countries around the world? Many Americans don’t know that much about the nutrition and benefit of nuts. They’re actually an important source of fatty acids such as omega fats. Nuts can be a protein substitute for vegetarians, or an added protein for people that still enjoy meat. While nuts help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases commonly used in production of fast food, trade of Brazil nuts in particular also help to save the amazon rainforests. You can feel good about your senior’s nutrition if you request nuts in the menu. Hiring home care providers is a good way to have balanced meals prepared and extra help in caring for your senior parent.

Mtedza Savory Rice

This is a Malawian dish, and the word mtedza means peanuts.

• 125 grams thick sliced bacon, cut into small cubs
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ green chili, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large chicken breast cut into chunks
• 700 mL chicken broth
• 4 tbsp. peanuts
• 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ green onion, sliced
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Salt to taste

In a large pot heat oil and fry the bacon until golden. Stir in the onions and cook another five minutes, then add garlic and green chili pepper. Stir in the diced chicken and rice, fry for a few minutes (make sure the rice doesn’t stick) and then add the broth, a little salt, and cover. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, then turn heat off and leave another 10 minutes. Stir in the peanuts, pepper and add whatever seasonings you’d like such as coriander.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of caregivers in Memorial, TX contact At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.