Snacks are one of the leading causes of unhealthy eating habits. Mindlessly munching on snacks, especially junk food, can lead to issues such as heightened blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. However, seniors who love to snack don’t have to stop eating between meals. Switching to these healthy snacks can greatly enhance a senior’s diet.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, and it also contains probiotics. These helpful little live cultures can enhance digestion and reduce inflammation throughout the body. To get the benefits of yogurt without too much added sugar, seniors should buy plain yogurt and sweeten it with a little honey or fresh fruit. Managing all the aspects of a senior’s health, including diet, can be challenging for a family caregiver. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elder care, Des Moines Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
2. Fresh Berries
With their bite-sized shapes, berries are an ideal snack food, and they have several properties that make them very healthy. Berries provide cancer-fighting antioxidants in high proportions, and those with edible seeds are a great source of fiber. Some berries also contain as much vitamin C as citrus fruits, so they boost the immune system.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are an ideal way to get healthy omega-3 fatty acids into a senior’s diet to reduce memory loss and cholesterol. A handful of walnuts also provides vitamin D, an important nutrient needed to prevent depression and other issues. Preparing meals and monitoring their loved ones’ diets are just some of the many responsibilities of family caregivers, who also need to make sure to take care of themselves. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Des Moines, IA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
4. Hummus and Veggie Sticks
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip that is ideal for serving with vegetable sticks, since it doesn’t have a lot of added fat or sugar. This high-protein dip is great for serving with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips, allowing seniors to have a hearty snack without consuming a lot of calories.
5. String Cheese
Made from low-fat cheese, string cheese has a massive amount of protein in each serving, which keeps seniors feeling full for quite a while between meals without requiring them to eat a lot of calories. If seniors feel like string cheese isn’t quite enough of a snack on its own, they can eat it with whole-grain crackers to add a little fiber and volume to the snack.
6. Granola
As long as the granola doesn’t have a lot of added sugar, it can be a very healthy snack choice. Granola is loaded with fiber, which has multiple benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, producing easier bowel movements, and reducing the risk of cancer.
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
A hard-boiled egg is almost entirely protein and doesn’t contain any sugar, which makes it a perfect snack for diabetic seniors. Eggs are healthy snacks because they contain high levels of vitamins A, B6, and D.Because of decreased immunity and other health concerns, seniors should eat nutritious foods to maintain optimal health. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Des Moines families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (515) 264-2438 today.
