Since my dad was diagnosed over two and a half years ago, he experienced different stages of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Through using my cooking talents, I learned how to help him cope with whatever symptoms he was experiencing. I developed easy cooking techniques, creative snack ideas, and healthy meals for him. These tips are not just for MG patients but could be helpful to a MS patient, diabetic patient, heart disease patient, elderly individual, etc.

I presented at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation National Conference last year and gave the below presentation. For more information about MG, visit www.myasthenia.org

 

Chewing and Swallowing difficulties:

Textures:

Crisp- romaine lettuce vs. spring mix

Tender- cooking methods for proteins

Smooth- cauliflower “mash” vs. steamed

 

Protein:

Hummus- made from chick peas or other beans

                    – ½ cup chick peas= 7g protein

                    – dip or condiment

Nuts- almonds, peanuts, pistachios, etc.

   almonds- 1 oz. (22 almonds)= 6.2g protein

            – dry roasting

            – homemade nut butters

            – nut powders

 

Fatigue with Preparing Meals

Use Gadgets and Appliances to your advantage

    – food processor- shred, puree, chop, slice

    – grater- onions, garlic, celery, carrots

    – egg slicer- eggs and mushrooms

Roasting and Baking vs. Boiling and Frying

    Advantages

    – healthier

    – less time standing over the stove

    – adds flavor

Consequences of Medication

Increased Hunger:

-plan snacks to carry with you

  * homemade granola

  * fruit

  * open-faced peanut/almond butter sandwiches

  * homemade chex mix

  * dips- hummus, guacamole, pesto

  * yogurt (Activia)

  * high fiber foods

  * nuts- pistachios

Drink water throughout the day

Healthy Options

Turnips & Cauliflower instead of potatoes or pasta

 

Look for my Cauliflower Mac N’ Cheese recipe under recipes on my site.

Skim milk instead of whole milk

Natural Sweeteners

-Fruit juices, pistachio powder, honey

 Homemade Ketchup

Low-sodium

No salt added food products like butter and canned foods

Use garlic and fresh herbs for flavor

Weight Loss Tips

 Cooking Techniques

    -oven-fry vs. deep fry

Fats

    – olive oil vs. butter

Beverages

    – water/flavored water vs. sweetened beverages

Portion Control

    – share meals when dining out

    – eat meals on small plates

 

My Dad’s Experience

Taste

    -aversion to sweets

Medication

    -stomach problems

    -bananas

Homeopathic treatment

    – gluten-free

    – organic

    – no sugar

 

My dad while experiencing the drooping of the eye lid and double vision.

My dad doing well after thymectomy and while on prednisone.