Poofie. I am in a similar quandry. My parents both realize that low-carbing is good for them (and they have chosen TSP
) and they need really to do it. However, my dad has been continuously ordering fish & chips whenever he goes out for lunch, which is often, and eating a lot more carbs than is good for him.
I just got through spending a 2 1/2 weeks vacation with them where we camped and ate out a fair bit of the time. I was able to cook for them and I tried to be a good example to my dad when we went out. Mom was with me on this and she followed my lead wonderfully.
Today we had our last lunch together before they leave town tomorrow. As we were deciding what to order, Dad said he would have the fish & chips. I sighed. A few minutes later, Dad asked me what I recommended he order. I was elated! He wound up getting the Santa Fe Chicken Salad. A very good low-carb choice.
What I'm trying to say is that it can be done. You can help your loved ones (parents) join the low-carb way of eating.
As to suggestions: I recommend that your mom roast some chicken thighs and keep them in the freezer. They are quick to thaw and heat and yummy. I buy the chicken thighs in the bulk bag (4 pounds) and cook up two or three bags at a time.
Also, string cheese is one of my dad's favorite snacks. He also eats peanuts, but when I explained that they tend to give me acid reflux, from which Dad also suffers, he started to cut back on them. They are a good snack, but they do have a fair amount of carbs in them.
Does your dad like carrots and celery? They are easy to keep handy in the refrigerator and if you get a tub of soft cream cheese, you have quick, easy snack that covers all three nutrients (protein, fat, & carbs [non-starchy]).
Good luck. Your dad will feel so much better when he really gets on the program -- my dad has heart problems we are hoping to alleviate.
;-Deb