Forget Meal Trains: Put Down the Lasagna And Gift A Chef
Meal trains have long been a heartwarming tradition, providing much-needed sustenance during significant life events such as births, deaths, injuries, or illnesses. While the intention behind meal trains is heartfelt, there's an opportunity to enhance their impact by ensuring that the delivered meals not only offer comfort but also meet nutritional needs.
In a list of 50 meal train ideas from Southern Living, about 16 of them are casseroles, and many of the other recipes are repeats of soups, pastas, lasagnas and enchiladas. While you may be taking shopping and cooking off someone’s plate, you might actually be serving up helping of repetitiveness in its place.
People involved in meal trains can sometimes forget that not only should their meals be comforting and easy to serve, but also nutritious, especially if the recipient is a patient.
5 tips to keep in mind for meal trains for patients:
Nutritious Whole Foods: Prioritize meals rich in essential nutrients, incorporating a variety of whole foods to support overall health.
Easy on the Stomach: Opt for easily digestible options to accommodate potential digestive sensitivities or restrictions.
Packed with Protein and Veggies: Include meals that are protein-packed and loaded with vegetables to aid in recovery and provide essential nutrients.
Small, Ready-Made Meals High in Quality Calories: Consider providing smaller, ready-made portions that are calorie-dense and nutritionally dense, promoting sustained energy.
Healthy Comfort Foods Packed with Nutrients: Choose comfort foods thoughtfully, ensuring they are not only comforting but also packed with the necessary nutrients for healing.
Here are some specific examples that are perfect for people recovering:
Soup: Nutrient-rich and easily customizable to suit dietary preferences.
Quiches: Protein-packed and versatile, accommodating various ingredient preferences.
Salads: Fresh and light options that can be customized based on nutritional needs.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Convenient, satisfying, and easily adaptable to dietary restrictions.
Consider booking a personal chef for those in need as an alternative to meal trains. Personal chefs are able to accommodate fluctuating numbers of people, dietary preferences, nutritional needs and changing health conditions, all while providing high-quality food to help comfort and heal.