With the responsibilities of work, a spouse and children, and maintaining your own home, it can be difficult to find time to spend with an aging parent. Of course, you know you should, because you won't always have the opportunity, but it seems like there's always something urgent demanding your attention. Furthermore, time isn't enough: quality time is what you're after. One of the simplest ways to create that quality time (and complete an important task simultaneously) is by cooking healthy recipes together.
You all have to eat, anyway, right? Someone needs to prepare lunch, so why not get together with mom and do it? The process encourages her to eat nutritious foods she might not be interested in preparing by herself, and you have the opportunity to chat while you work. Furthermore, cooking isn't only associated with healthy food: it's also connected to mental well-being.
According to a new study, published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who frequently do small, creative projects feel more relaxed and happier in their everyday lives. Researchers followed 658 people and found out that doing everyday tasks like cooking and baking made the group feel more enthusiastic about things the next day.
Let's get cooking! Here are four simple, nutritious recipes to get you and your mom started in the kitchen.
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
These pancakes are low-carb and gluten-free, and there is no added sugar. With only five ingredients, they're easy to whip up for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You'll need pumpkin puree (pumpkin is rich in fiber and Vitamins A and C), pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, eggs, and (optional) vanilla whey protein powder or vanilla extract. See the full recipe here.
Hummus and Grilled Vegetable Wrap
Zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, and onion make up the main part of the filling in this wrap. Add the hummus, those toasted pine nuts, and some mint leaves, and you've got a uniquely flavorful lunch that's easy to put together. It's rich in protein, Vitamin A, iron, and much more. Get the recipe here.
You can easily buy hummus at the store, but with a good blender you can make your own if you want to spend a little more time in the kitchen. Here is a basic hummus recipe; you need chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin or paprika.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Warm and comforting, homemade tomato soup is perfect for those cold winter days. Roasting the tomatoes gives it that extra flavor--well worth the time, considering you just have to pop them in the oven and enjoy a cup of coffee while they roast! See this recipe here.
Of course, what's tomato soup without a grilled cheese sandwich? No, it's not the healthiest food, but there are a few ways to make a healthier grilled cheese sandwich, starting with good bread. You and your mother can experiment to create the healthiest version possible while maintaining that comfort food deliciousness you loved as a child (and as an adult!).
Dark Chocolate Pudding
There's a secret ingredient here: avocados! It sounds crazy, but it's incredible, and avocados are loaded with healthy fats. They provide a smooth, rich texture, and the chocolate flavor shines through. There are many versions of this recipe that use different sweeteners (this one goes for maple syrup) and types of milk (this one uses unsweetened almond milk; coconut milk is also a great choice). Click here for the recipe.
With so many easy-to-access recipes out there, you can try something new every weekend! Feed your families and your souls by preparing healthy meals, snacks, and even desserts with your mother. You'll both love it.
