12 Simple Snack and Meal Ideas from People Living with COPD
August 16, 2024
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Preparing meals or snacks when you have COPD can be difficult sometimes. We asked for your favorites. Here’s what was shared.
We often think of our diet as something that can affect specific organs or areas of the body, like the heart or skin. But what you eat can also affect your breathing and other COPD symptoms.
It doesn’t help that COPD can limit mobility, making it difficult to navigate the kitchen for some people. Others have reported difficulties swallowing because of COPD.
In our Bezzy COPD forums, you told us that you want to learn about quick and easy recipes or meal and snack ideas. Some of you mentioned that you especially enjoy meals you can stretch across a couple of days.
We asked our community members, “What are your go-to healthy meals and snacks?” Here’s what was shared.
Breakfast
Simple breakfasts are where it’s at. Maybe you prefer oatmeal or eggs, or something else. You shared a variety of ideas. Here are just a couple of the responses we received to get you started in the morning.
Scrambled eggs with spinach.
Claire, received diagnosis in 2010
Old-fashioned oats porridge with fruit and nuts.
Rosalie, received diagnosis in 2015
Lunch
When the clock strikes noon (or later if you got a late start to your day), your stomach may let you know that it’s time to grab something from the kitchen.
Large-batch salads can be made in advance so that all you have to do is open portioned containers. The same can be said for leftover veggies from last night’s dinner. Take a look at what these members shared.
I like vegetables including turnips, radishes, and broccoli. I also like making eggs.
Wayne, received diagnosis in 2016
Salad meals and unsweetened plantain chips.
Madmonk4u, received diagnosis in 2014
Kombucha, kefir, Ozuke beets, and lots of vegetables.
AEP, received diagnosis in 2021
Dinner
Sometimes, dinner can seem daunting. It requires a balanced plate that gives you the nutrients you need to keep you feeling full for the remainder of the evening.
Protein and fiber can help. From one-skillet meals like a stir-fry to sides that include roasted vegetables, read on for what our members are whipping up.
Stir-fry meals, veggies and hummus, and MediterrAsian foods.
Unarmbears, received diagnosis in 2015
I like chicken and roasted vegetables.
Anonymous, received diagnosis in 2006
Small meat portions and salads.
BeckyAnne06, received diagnosis in 1994
Snacks
Feeling snacky? Some of you enjoy a bit of sweet, while others prefer savory. Fruits and nuts were the most common responses to our question. Check out the fun and simple snack ideas below.
An apple with peanut butter.
Al Buterol, received diagnosis in 2014
I’m vegan/vegetarian so I enjoy snacking on fruits, veggies, and nuts.
Lamar, diagnosis date unknown
Jell-O with fruit, yogurt, and puddings as snacks.
PJ, received diagnosis in 2018
I snack on yogurt and nuts.
Anonymous, received diagnosis in 2006
Takeaway
Sometimes, it’s challenging navigating the kitchen with COPD, especially if you live alone. While some of you crave sweet, others go for savory. Eating a nutritious diet can help you feel your best.
Consider chatting with your doctor to learn how you can reach for healthy snacks that are easy to swallow and won’t cause your symptoms to flare. Your doctor might recommend working with a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that works for you.
What are your favorite snack or meal ideas? Head to our Bezzy COPD forums and let us know.
Fact checked on August 16, 2024
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