[Joanne S]

Danielle, Please know you, Christine and your family are in my thought and prayers!

As far as for weight gain, this might be worth a try. You might consider using a VitaMix or similar smoothie juicer. The consistency of most fruits and vegetables will remain good after blending. I found that avocados are not---better to make guacamole with them. In addition to the fruits and veges, there lots of other things you can blend together for more nutrition and calories intake and to make the smoothie blends more palatable; for example, soft cheeses like cottage cheese, oils like hemp oil or olive oil, nuts, dates, figs, you can also include ensure/boost/supplements in the mix instead of (or in addition to) water. Maple syrup or other flavored syrups, salad dressings, and spices like ground cinnamon or salt can really make them more palatible. In addition to fruit/vege smoothies that might be beneficial especially if she doesn’t like chewing or has difficultly chewing, you can make a smoothie meal by blending meat, potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and/or soups. If you would like, I’d be happy to share some combinations I’ve tried.

I personally am not trying to gain weight but have increased my intake of natural foods and have smoothies/juices instead of regular meals. I have not had any meat and potatoes smoothies, but I imagine they would be pretty good. You’ll be surprised how much more you can consume at one time when processed like this. I could not even come close to eating 1/2 the amount of vegetables I eat in one meal if they weren’t processed/blended. And consuming more fruits and vegetables, I feel better instantly!
Of course, please continue to offer your mom different foods and snacks – especially her favorites.
I hope this helps with her appetite and strength. Please keep up posted.

Hugs and best wishes, Joanne
PS (These smoothies/juices are best when consumed immediately following blending as some will separate and oxidize over time. And there will probably be a change in bowels. You probably already know, complete loss of appetite and desire to eat is a sign that it is time...)