Good finger foods

holly1221

Hello. I've recently noticed my father is eating way less, and was assuming his appetite has decreased. However, after watching him closer I think he no longer knows how to use utensils. He does well feeding himself foods with his hands. He also has bad arthritis in his fingers so some foods are more difficult and he ends up smashing it. Suggestions for good and nutritious finger foods ?

Cosmic

If you have an air fryer there are numerous finger foods that are easy and quick to prepare. Breaded shrimp, tater tots, battered fish, Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich can be put in a microwave for a minute and most foods in the freezer section of a grocery store. next time you go shopping look in the cooler section/frozen food and you will be amazed at the choices that can be eaten by hand. Chicken strips are also good for hand eating. When my wife had difficulty using utensils I found that when I prepare food put it on a plate and cut it into bite size pieces she can then use her fork. Sometimes have to show her how to use the fork but then it works out. Last night's supper was ring bologna cut up in pieces with baby red parsley buttered potatoes that are easily cut into sections. sometimes I have to show her how to pick things up with her hands. Canned cut green beans work well. For a sweet desert she gets a one serving of chocolate pudding in the small cups using a small soup spoon. Pre packaged apple pies and foods in the snack section like you would put in a kids lunch box work well also. Sandwiches work well when cut into quarters. If we go out for lunch it would be a plain hamburger cut in half, fries, etc. you get the idea. Lots of nutritious things you can eat with hands.

JDancer

Quesadillas and tacos are easy to pick up and eat and they can be made with a variety of options.

Sunshine2024

Breakfast burritos are easy to prepare ahead of time. Cheese chunks, fruit, crackers, laughing cow cheese if getting through chunk cheese is difficult. I have a single blade chopper from Pampered Chef. I cut everything up with it.