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5 Delicious (and Healthy!) On The Go Snacks for Seniors

Monday, July 10, 2017 - by Euro-American Connections & Homecare
5 Delicious (and Healthy!) On The Go Snacks for Seniors | Homecare4U

As we age, we are known to settle into specific eating habits and diets that may not be necessarily healthy given the medical conditions we develop over time.

A senior with diabetes for example will require healthy snacks on hand to regulate their blood sugar when needed. Another client with high blood pressure who may like to eat frequently will need to make sure they are snacking on foods that are low in sodium that could lead to more serious problems down the road.

Thankfully, snacking throughout the day is a perfect way to keep your client and loved one healthy- especially if they are light eaters! Did you know that the key to healthy weight management is eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day? Try to incorporate some of the snacks below into your loved one’s diet that will keep them energized, nourished, and above all motivated to try new things each and every day….snack in hand.

Go Nuts!

Foods like nuts, from almonds to cashews, contain high levels of antioxidants and protein- a win-win snack that will keep anyone energized and nourished throughout the day. Be sure you do not overdo it, however- especially as overconsumption of peanuts, for example, has led to developing allergies and other food sensitivities. Many nuts come salted, so be sure to buy unsalted packs to avoid increases in blood sugar that will negate the benefits of this power snack!

 Protein Boost

Although eggs are usually thought of as a breakfast food, did you know that hard-boiled eggs are a core part of many athletes’ diets and can be incorporated as a snack whenever you may feel lightheaded or suddenly hungry? If you or a client feels a pang of hunger, it usually means you are low in iron and protein, so be prepared and always have some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge. Another great snack to keep on hand that is also soft on the teeth is cheese sticks – and no, they’re not just for kids! Cheese sticks are made of mozzarella cheese (which is naturally stringy) and known as one of the healthiest cheeses out there that contain much less fat and sodium than sharp cheddar cheese cubes or cream cheese spreads.

 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

It’s a given that a great vegetable tray or fruit salad can be your to-go party snack at any BBQ or picnic, so be sure to incorporate these trays to your loved one’s daily diet by preparing small batches of fruit salad using fruits that are in season for the week. When it comes to veggies, prepare sliced celery, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and pair it with some low-fat ranch dressing that you can store in baggies in the fridge to have on hand. As fruits and vegetables should be the core food group of older adults, having such snacks on hand is the perfect way to sneak it in throughout the day and stay full for longer!

Enjoy a particular snack with your client? Feel free to comment below – we’d love to see your stash of snacks for the week!

 

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