Making food for sick neighbor

[Tracy Savage]

My neighbor lady just had a triple bypass and I'd like to prepare some food for them. Something nice and light, they have no air conditioning at home. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[mamacatnv]

Maybe some chicken breast cut into strips that they can add to:
Salads (a bag of salad with some sliced veggies)
Pasta - perhaps a cold pasta salad w/beans and a vinegarette
fresh chopped veggies in a steamer bag all ready to go
Rice pilaf or couscous

You could also cook up some shrimp for all of the above as well as steak.

Taco fixings complete with a packet of tortillas so they just heat and eat.

 

[AustinTink]

How about a nice roasted chicken, with carrots and new potatoes.

 

[mhsjax]

What a nice neighbor you are. I don't have any ideas but do have a suggestion. I know when my mom had a bypass and also other people I have known that have had them, their tastes seem to change temporarily, things my mom loved before surg where not so appetizing after surg. In fact some things she just couldn't get down. You may want to ask her is there is something that sounds really good.

I am sure she will be very grateful. Open heart surg can do some strange things to a person including depression. Nice touches like this I am sure would certainly be very much appreciated.

 

[christineann]

I like the roast chicken idea, too.

I took a neighbor a chicken and wild rice casserole (one that is not made with cream of mushroom soup) with asparagus, and another day I took over a light quiche.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

She probably has some restrictions. Probably no or little salt and low fat. Grilled chicken is always nice. Maybe some watermelon or other fresh fruit cut up so she could snack on it with out the prep. Even bringing some ice cream and topping or yogurt if it is really hot where you are.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

you are so nice. I know after a friend of mine has a bypass, he had a special diet to follow for awhile. Is there a way you could find out what she may be allowed to eat?

 

[Planogirl]

You are so thoughtful!

I would think that some fruit would be OK but it might be a good idea to find out what she can have first. I got the impression that she didn't live alone from your post so maybe whoever else lives there can tell you?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Surgery of this nature is painful, and really can affect a person's emotional status (faced with mortality, sometimes made to feel that they are responsible for the condition of their heart, ect.) so your caring enough to bring some nice dishes is going to be a very positive act.

If at all possible stick with as natural food as you can get. Little or no preservatives or chemical additives. Try to avoid any animal fats, although the recommended chicken seems ok. If they like seafood or fish, you could incorporate that.

Of course you'll be alert to not using too much salt, or high carb foods that offer little nutritional value (like white pasta, rice, etc.).

Fruit can be nice, but it can also be high in sugar and that is not recommended for post op recovery in many cases. Bananas are a good choice, better than the very high sugar watermelon or pineapple.

If they like avocado a Haas variety can add a silky texture to dishes without compromising the avoidance of "bad" fat.

Take care now and I hope your graciousness is appreciated!