She doesn’t like anything she used to like and she won’t eat meat because she kind of chokes on it. I’m running out of ideals. I give her protein shakes to try to replace the meat, but she’s starting to turn her nose up to them too. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) is very common and choking on meat may be the tip of the iceberg, she may very well be having problems with other foods and fluids too which of course would affect her appetite. There are several good articles here on Aging Care about this, the balloons below your question are links that will lead you there.
Poor appetite and insufficient calorie intake is why things like ensure were invented, you might want to try adding in some of those.
I can tell you that the norm in aging is that they like to eat less and sleep more.
You tell us nothing about your mother, but do know that ability to taste and smell goes out often in elders and there is much less drive to get calories in while there is less activity going on for them.
I think your Mom is the best gage here of what might be good, so talk to her frequently about it. And keep healthy snacks around. Rice pudding, yogurts and fruit, Keifer and protein drinks, perhaps a nice chocolate ensure. Whip up a batch of mac and cheese, put in individual containers, and have them handy when mom needs a snack?
Other than that I wouldn't overthink or over worry this. You are looking at the long slow slide that is aging, and what you are seeing is more or less the norm. You would be amazed at how little the amount is needed to sustain life.
Sure do wish you and your mom best of luck in finding what is tasty and nutritious.
After my late husband almost died in 2018 of aspiration pneumonia, I had to puree all of his foods for quite some time along with thickening his drinks with the product Thick-It. I would just add a little gravy in with his meats.
Your mother may need to have a swallowing evaluation done before she too develops aspiration pneumonia.
Cottage cheese, yogurt, Mac and cheese, beans peanut butter, Hummas.
But what others posted is better information.
Best of luck
https://www.med.upenn.edu/lung2022/assets/user-content/documents/softandmoisthighproteinmenuideas.pdf
Adding things such as tofu (blend well) to "cream soups" or add full fat unflavored Greek yogurt; can boost the protein in soup.
If she'll try tofu that is a great option. Many folks do not like it, but it all about the prep and sauce. Try cutting into very small cubes, dredge in corn starch and then sauté in sesame oil. Turn to toast all sides. Finish with light soy sauce or "sweet duck sauce" depending on if she prefers salty or sweet.
Almond butter is a good protein option, mix it into creamy oat meal for breakfast.
Avocados are a great option, mash into guacamole or just cube it. As long as it is soft, is should be easy to eat. Douse with lemon so it does not turn brown and the lemon will add more flavor. Salt and garlic power too.
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, whip it if the curds are a problem. Blend with some almond butter for more flavor and protein.
Purred meats (chicken is quite easy to make) with bone broth (for more protein); just add it to an appealing soup, perhaps a tomato soup with nice color.
Fish and cream cheese. Salmon or tuna blended with cream cheese can be a good option.
Egg salad is another good option.
Purred beans: such as human (garbanzo beans), refried beans (pinto), black beans in any form, or blend them. Split pea soup. Mashed edamame (soy beans, you can find them in the frozen section sans the outer shells).
Add Ricotta to small pasta (pastina) w/red sauce (comes out pink).
Egg drop soup. Bring chicken bone broth to a boil. Whisk in a beaten egg. Add crumbled tofu, dash of light soy. Cooks in under 2 mins. Let it cool before eating.
Seafood, ground turkey, beef, pork, rice, beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, soup, eggs, ice cream (her favorite) cookies, crackers to name a few.
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