Healthy Snacks to Try

Who doesn’t love grabbing a tasty snack from the kitchen as you curl up on the couch to watch a movie or read a book? Snacks are also the soul of social engagements, keeping your hands busy as you catch up with friends. But unfortunately, so many go-to snacks are filled with artificial flavors and ingredients and don’t contain any nutrition. Instead of swinging down the chip aisle and filling up with sodium and sugar, try finding some quick and easy homemade snacks to fit into your day. 

The importance of good nutrition with age

Your nutrition needs may change with age. Most people’s metabolism slows as they get older, and you may need fewer calories than when you were younger because you’re likely less active and using less energy. Other bodily changes may also require you to include more vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as calcium, to keep your bones healthy, and B vitamins to improve eye health. 

Getting all the proper nutrients is challenging at any age, but some older adults face obstacles making it difficult to grocery shop, prep meals, and cook food. Finding healthy snacks to eat throughout the day is an easy way to ensure you’re fueling your body between meals. 

Nutritious snack ideas

The trick with finding healthy snacks is to keep them tasty but straightforward, so they’re easy to make, provide nutrition, and satisfy your cravings. 

• Greek yogurt parfaits are a quick and easy way to enjoy something sweet. Purchase a single serving of yogurt in your favorite flavor, or grab a plain one and add fresh berries, sliced bananas, granola, seeds, or peanut butter. 
• Ditch the store-made vegetable spreads and opt for fresh veggies and hummus. Sliced sweet peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, or steamed carrots are great vegetable options. 
• Get your daily need for fruits with a smoothie. Blend your choice of frozen fruit with Greek yogurt and milk to create a refreshing, drinkable snack. For additional nutrients, you can also add vegetables, like spinach or kale. 
• You probably know apples and peanut butter taste amazing, but have you tried celery and almond butter? You can spread your favorite nut butter onto your celery or dip your celery into the butter.
• If you’re looking for a grab-and-go option, try unsalted pretzels, plain popcorn, baked apple chips, or your favorite unsalted nuts.

Working with Visiting Angels

If you’re an older adult who is uncomfortable in the kitchen, the team at Visiting Angels is happy to help. Our team of professional caregivers can help with grocery shopping, meal prep, cooking, and cleaning up afterward. We also assist clients with light housekeeping, medication reminders, personal grooming, and more.

Our Prince William County office works with seniors in Prince William and Western Fairfax counties, including Fort Belvoir and Lorton. If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule a complimentary consultation, send us a message or call 703-530-8811.