Snack on This: Nutritious Snacks for Older Adults

February celebrates National Snack Month and who doesn’t enjoy a tasty treat between meals from time to time? According to recent research, most survey respondents reported snacking at least once a week. One-third shared they snacked every day and a quarter of respondents admitted to snacking multiple times a day.

Snacking between meals can play an important role in nutrient intake for older adults. They satisfy cravings, boost metabolism, and can help older adults cope with sadness, if the right food is chosen. If you’re looking to improve your nutrition, don’t forget to watch what snacks you eat. Here are five nutritious snacks for older adults that are extremely beneficial to their health.

Berries

Berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are filled with antioxidants. Antioxidants protect human cells against free radicals, which are linked to illnesses such as  heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have found that antioxidants may help fight against memory loss. They can even lower the risk for depression. Berries are an excellent snack for older adults as they’re small, easy to chew, and full of flavor. Keep your refrigerator stocked with a pint of berries of your choice and grab a handful between meals.

Almonds

Almonds contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. Although they have a high-fat content, almonds are an excellent snack choice for older adults looking to lose weight. Eating a handful of almonds between meals can help older adults keep their appetite in check. They have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration. Older adults should choose raw or unsalted almonds over almonds that are coated in salt or sugar.

Bell Peppers & Hummus

Peppers are extremely healthy and are high in antioxidants, especially red pepper. Older adults who struggle with fine motor skills can find sliced peppers in the produce section of the grocery store, making peppers an easy snack option. Dipping peppers in hummus provides

Apples

As the common English-proverb attests, eating apples can help older adults improve their health. Like berries, apples are high in antioxidants. They are also full of soluble fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Fiber is necessary for digestive health and can help prevent heart disease and certain cancers. Older adults with diabetes and/or are looking to maintain or lose weight can benefit from snacking on apples.

Dark Chocolate

Older adults with a strong sweet tooth can enjoy the sweeter snack of dark chocolate. Made from cocoa, dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and minerals. It can improve brain function, reduce inflammation, and may help lower the risk of heart disease. Look for dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa and eat in moderation.

If you’re an older adult who could benefit from addition help in the kitchen, look no further than Visiting Angels Appleton. We offer a comprehensive approach to senior home care that includes meal planning and preparation. Our professional caregivers can escort you to the grocery store or help you place an online grocery order. They can then help you chop fruits or vegetables so that you have healthy snacks readily available for the week ahead. All the while they ensure that you remain safe and independent in the comfort of your own home. To learn even more about the benefits of senior care from Visiting Angels Appleton, please contact us today by calling 920-944-8000.