Nutritious Snacks That Every Senior Should Keep in Their Pantry
February kicks off National Snack Food Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness on healthy snacking. In our busy American culture, snacking has almost replaced the sacredness of a sit-down meal. Many seniors remember growing up in an era where meals were prepared and consumed at home. No one left for the day without a hot breakfast. School children often walked home for lunch before returning for afternoon classes. The end of the day was marked by another hot meal where children were to be seen and not heard. Snacks were seldom served, unless your mother baked cookies to welcome you home after school.
Today, snacking has become routine. In fact, healthy snacking between meals has been proven to help with weight loss and improve our overall health. Snacking allows seniors who suffer from low appetites to receive key nutrients and calories that their bodies need to thrive. Seniors with memory loss may get overwhelmed with a large plate filled with food, therefore refusing to eat. Snacking allows them to graze all day, receiving the nutrition they need and preventing agitating behaviors due to an empty stomach.
With so many snack options to choose from and so many conveniently packaged snacks, choosing the healthiest options can be confusing. Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita has made it all the easier to stock your pantry with healthy snacks. Here are six nutritious snacks that every senior should keep in their pantry.
Fresh Fruits
Keep your pantry stocked with fresh fruits and reach for fruit when you’re craving something sweet. Fresh fruits also assist with hydration. Try fresh blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or grapes. These fruits require very little preparation. Simply rinse them when you come home from the store and store in a visible container in your refrigerator.
Bell Peppers & Hummus
Peppers are extremely healthy and are high in antioxidants, especially the red varieties. You can even find sliced peppers in the produce section of your grocery store, so you don’t have to prepare them at home. Dip them in hummus and you’ll receive more nutrition for your bite. Hummus is high in fiber, which promotes digestive health, and has been proven to help fight inflammation.
Mixed Nuts
Nuts are a great snack to keep in the pantry because they have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration. They are the ideal nutritious snack, providing the perfect balance of healthy fat, fiber, and protein. They are surprisingly filling. Eating a handful of nuts thirty minutes to one hour before a meal can help prevent overeating. Nuts reduce heart disease and may even prevent depression.
Greek Yogurt
Many seniors enjoy yogurt daily. Making the switch to Greek yogurt means consuming more protein. Greek yogurt is also filled with calcium and potassium. Choose a Greek yogurt that is low in sugar or buy plain Greek yogurt. Sweeten it at home by stirring in a tablespoon of honey and a handful of berries. Greek yogurt comes in an assortment of tubs or individualized packages, so select what works best for your lifestyle.
Whey Protein
Whip up a whey protein shake for a more substantial snack. Whey protein is an excellent source of high-quality protein. It promotes muscle growth and may lower blood pressure. In a study by McMaster University, drinking a whey-based shake actually boosted the physical strength in a group of men over the age of 70. Seniors with memory loss may find it easier to drink a shake than to eat a snack or meal. Whip up a whey protein shake by blending one cup of unsweetened almond milk, one scoop of whey powder, a squeeze of honey, and a half-cup of crushed ice until smooth.
Dark Chocolate
Finally, indulge that sweet tooth with a piece 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.
For more assistance with nutritious snacks, consider teaming with Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita. Our senior home care services provided by our compassionate caregivers allow many seniors to remain safely and independent in the comfort of their own home. We can assist in a variety of ways, including escorting you to the grocery store and assisting with meal planning and preparation. Many of our clients find comfort in a familiar, friendly face provided by our company, and have benefited from our companion care services. To learn more about us and how we are assisting seniors in the Santa Clarita region, please contact us today by calling 661-263-2273.