Who doesn’t occasionally crave the odd candy bar or savory snack every now and then? Even older individuals have cravings, and these can be perfectly normal and little cause of concern. However, it is important to note that many older individuals may also have other medical conditions that may be affected by the consumption of snacks. For instance, for individuals with diabetes, eating too many sugary snacks may be deeply problematic. Furthermore, as we age, our digestive system may not do as great a job as it normally does at digesting highly processed foods. There are many other reasons why we may have cravings for sweet and salty food as we grow older.
Did you know that as we age, the number and sensitivity of our tastebuds will decrease over time? By the age of 70, we will lose almost two-thirds of all taste buds, so foods may begin to taste more bland. For this reason, we may crave saltier and sweeter foods to supplement our diets. Additionally, a decreased sense of smell (which also occurs as we age) may also reduce the ability to taste the full flavors of food and lead to the same effect.
How Can We Deal With This?
When it comes to sweet cravings, the best thing we can do is to encourage our loved ones to eat their meals regularly. Oftentimes, sweet cravings come about when the body isn’t consuming enough carbohydrates to meet the body’s daily energy needs. Eating regularly combats these cravings. Research shows that eating complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, may lead to slower digestion which results in a feeling of fullness (and reduced cravings) for longer. Alternatively, you may consider meeting those sweet cravings with healthy sweet snacks, such as cut fruit, slightly sweetened yogurt, or sweet vegetables.
Salty cravings may be a bit harder to deal with, considering how prevalent salt is in almost all of our meals. To deal with this, you may try substituting salt with other spices. Rather than reaching for the saltshaker to eat your eggs, consider pepper or herbs. The more you choose healthier options like unprocessed, whole foods, the less your body will have a reliance on salt.
Why Choose Rittenhouse Valley At Lehigh Valley?
At Rittenhouse Valley At Lehigh Valley, we have much experience preparing meals for our residents that are both delicious and highly nutritious. As part of our exclusive senior living program, all residents have full access to our elegantly designed Sensations dining rooms. Here, residents can expect high-quality meals prepared gourmet style by chefs using only the freshest of ingredients. You can expect a wide range of cuisine from all over the world, so every meal is an exciting and delicious culinary experience. Have a look at our sample menu to see what you can expect!
To find out more about Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley, feel free to contact us here to ask us any questions you may have, or request a tour of our community to discover us first-hand!
