This summer my husband and I were lucky enough to have our parents visit from afar. Dave’s parents live in Texas, my mother lives in Bali and my dad lives 20 mins from us.
Whilst we are in frequent contact by phone and video, it’s exciting to have them stay; spending time with the grandkids, being able to look after them and creating more special memories together.
Dave’s parents came for six weeks, then my mum came for two … so my poor dad had to take a back seat for eight!
As our parents age, we have started to notice subtle or even significant changes in their memory, awareness, and energy levels. These changes became clearer in person.
Changes to their routine and adjusting the body clock to the new time zone and temperature didn’t do them any favours, but we responded with patience, support and food!
As a person who gives love through food, everyone was well fed and watered. But when we went back to work, the wheels started to fall off a bit; they didn’t feed themselves, they either forgot or weren’t hungry.
Discussing their nutrition with them, we discovered they didn’t eat much at home either.
We suggested that they have some ready meals delivered. That sounds easier than it looks.
There seems to be a million options for prepared meals in Texas, but nothing they would actually eat. Lots of modern diet-food, lots of pies, pizzas and frozen meals with high salt and saturated fats.
What’s more, after searching the internet for days, I couldn’t find anything like EAT. Something fresh, familiar and a menu packed with variety. Meals that sit on the fridge shelf and remind them to eat every time they open them. If they lived here, we would be sending them their weekly EAT meals, like we do for Dad!
Having our parents for the holidays has been an exercise in mindfulness, togetherness and joy. When our parents show signs of ageing or memory decline, it is a reminder to treasure the present moment, drink plenty of water and EAT.
Download the Menu – 23 February to 1 May 2026
