Food is a universal love language that transcends every societal and cultural difference. Everyone looks to travel the world in search of new foods to try, and many cultures do define themselves based on the food that they cook. Food is one of the more important factors to ensure good health, but eating healthy is easier said than done. A bigger issue for mature adults would be the change of dietary needs due to the conditions that they have. Some may also have difficulties eating by themselves, which makes the once-loved activity a dreaded chore. Snacks have become a way to get some nutrition into loved ones while making it easier for them to consume. Here are some healthy snack ideas for your family members to try out.
Protein Boost
Protein is one of the food groups that everyone needs to consume to stay healthy. It gives us fuel to stay active, but it can be difficult for mature adults to consume enough. The good news is several snacks are rich in protein. It is good to eat 10 to 15 grams a serving to ensure that your muscles have energy after meals while keeping you full. Some healthy options of protein would include hard-boiled eggs, tuna, turkey, edamame, and chickpeas. If you are not a fan of whole chickpeas, hummus works too. Just add in some crackers or veggie sticks to dip and you are all set.
Calcium Filled
Calcium is known to strengthen bones and boost the functionality of a healthy heart. Snacks that are rich in calcium are a good way to get the nutrient into their bodies and the good thing is that there are many available! You can buy some string cheese for a fun way to eat, otherwise, regular cubed cheeses work fine. Greek yogurt is also a good option, as there are also probiotics to aid in digestion. Sardines and salmon are also good options on toast or crackers. Almonds or almond milk are great alternatives for loved ones who are lactose intolerant as they do not contain dairy.
Nutrients Galore
Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, which is why they are amazing snacks. Citrus fruits have a lot of vitamin C while bananas have potassium. There are many benefits to eating fruits and vegetables, so making them a snack will never go wrong. You can make a fruit salad, blend your favorite smoothie, or have dried fruits. You can also make your fruits and veggies into chips. You can also opt for the traditional veggie sticks and dip. You can make your fruits into fresh popsicles and even pop your own popcorn using raw corn.
Nuts and Seeds
When going on road trips, some food might not be viable options due to the preparation needed. Many prefer snacks that are easily brought around, hence why nuts and grains come into the mix. Everyone loves a good trail mix, but other options can be seeds, granola bars, and nuts.