Aging loved ones are prone to weight gain because of a slowing metabolism, less physical activity, and changes in eating habits as they age. Healthy snacks can help with weight loss or at least keep your body’s metabolism in good shape even as you get older.
If you’re looking for some easy and healthy snacks for seniors, check out these five recipes!
Greek Yogurt With Fresh Berries
Yogurt and berries are high in protein and fiber but low in calories and fat. What’s more, they’re also high in calcium, which can help ward off osteoporosis. Try mixing some vanilla flavoring into your yogurt for an extra treat! For best results, choose Greek-style yogurt over regular yogurt. It is higher in protein, but it also has more live cultures than regular yogurts.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, but too much high-protein food can be bad for our bodies. It’s important to always eat healthy snacks with good nutrition, and a hard-boiled egg is an excellent snack to include in your loved one’s diet. These snacks also have a long shelf life and can be stored in your refrigerator until you’re ready to eat them.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is made by curdling fresh cheese, which contains most of its lactose content. This makes it easier for individuals who struggle with lactose intolerance to consume cottage cheese without any side effects or adverse reactions.
Protein Smoothie
Not only are smoothies an easy, nutritious way to start your day, they can also be a tasty and filling snack. Smoothies can be made with all kinds of ingredients like yogurt, fruit, greens, and protein powder. They’re quick to make and easy to carry around in case you get hungry later in the day. Just add any combination of these ingredients for a nutritious treat. Try adding some green spinach or kale for extra nutrition without changing the taste too much. Enjoy on its own or top with granola or fresh fruit for added crunch and taste.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are full of protein and fiber and can help keep you feeling full. They’re also an excellent source of healthy fats that can improve your cholesterol levels, brain function, and heart health. Choose almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds for a mix of monounsaturated fats (good cholesterol) with polyunsaturated fats (bad cholesterol). Almonds have been shown to reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease by increasing HDL cholesterol while reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Celery With Nut Butters
Celery is a great snack for people in their golden years because of its high-water content. Celery contains zero fat and almost no calories. Slather on nut butter like peanut butter or almond butter to make celery an even healthier snack. Although both nuts are relatively high in calories, they’re also good sources of protein, so they’ll help keep you feeling full longer than other snacks with less protein would. Almonds are also full of heart-healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium—all nutrients that can help you feel better overall!
Vegetables With Hummus
Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern food that has become well-known and loved in many other countries. Hummus is made from chickpeas, a good source of protein and fiber. The texture is somewhat like peanut butter, but its taste isn’t as strong and can be sweetened with anything you like to add on top of it. For example, if you want something healthier than regular potato chips, try carrots or celery dipped in hummus instead.
