When you realize you’re hungry in the middle of the day, what kind of food do you reach for? If you’re only eating highly processed snack foods, you might be doing more damage to your body than you realize. Learn how to identify healthy snacks for seniors, and you can keep your cupboards stocked with nutritious and delicious options instead.
What Makes a Snack a “Healthy” Choice?
It can be difficult to spot a healthy snack these days. Plenty of pre-packaged snack foods will tout their nutritional value on the front of their box, only for a consumer to be surprised once they read the fine print on the ingredients list. It would be nice if we could make all our own food from scratch using healthy ingredients, but that’s not realistic for most of us. Instead, nutritionists recommend following these guidelines when seniors select their daily snacks:
- Look for snacks that have the daily nutrients you need, like fiber and whole grains. If you’re not sure what you need on your plate, check a reputable online resource or talk to your doctor.
- Avoid snacks that are high in sodium or calories. These typically contain fewer of the nutrients you need and can have other adverse effects on your health.
- Be selective about ingredients. If an ingredient list contains items you cannot identify, the odds are good that it’s a highly processed food with little nutritional value.
- It’s also important to monitor snack foods’ additives, such as added sugar. These additions make snacks tasty, but they also make them less healthy.
Some Easy-To-Make Snacks to Try
Are you looking for some examples of nutritious snacks to try? Here are some quick and easy healthy snacks for seniors you can put on your daily menu:
- Greek yogurt is a great food choice for seniors because it’s low in fat and high in protein. Turn it into a snack with some chopped-up fresh or canned low-sugar fruit and a natural sweetener. Fresh fruit preserves can also turn Greek yogurt into a delicious parfait dessert!
- Mixed nuts are an excellent, easy snack that is high in protein and healthy fats. Buy an unsalted variety to avoid sodium, and add dried fruit for additional sweetness and flavor.
- Do you need more vegetables in your diet? Pre-sliced carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other veggies can become a healthy snack when combined with a dip like hummus or cottage cheese.
- Canned fish like salmon and tuna are easy to prepare and surprisingly tasty. Flavor with your favorite herbs and spices and serve on whole-wheat crackers for additional fiber.
- Are you looking for a snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth? Dark chocolate-covered almonds are high in protein and fiber, and they’re delicious too.
- Hard-boiled eggs are the ultimate grab-and-go healthy protein option. They’ll also stay fresh in a refrigerator for up to a week, so you can quickly make a snack that will last for days. Season them with salt, pepper, or paprika.
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Healthy snacks can keep you satiated and feeling good. That’s why we provide healthy snacks for seniors and other gourmet meals for our residents every day. If you are looking for a community where your health comes first, visit us at Beach House.
If you hope to retire in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care could be the ideal place. Our friendly and compassionate staff members offer individualized care 24/7, ensuring all residents’ safety, security, and happiness. The Beach House provides assisted living and respite care. Most importantly, we tailor these services to suit each resident’s unique needs. To learn more about our amenities or schedule a tour, please get in touch with us online or call us at 904-615-8076. We look forward to hearing from you!