When hunger strikes between meals, it’s all too easy to grab a bag of chips or a handful of candy if they’re nearby. While convenient, salty and sugary snacks can lead to health problems if you indulge too frequently. To ensure that your food choices are benefiting your body, keep a variety of healthy snacks for seniors in your fridge and pantry.
Healthy Snacks for Seniors
You might think that you don’t like healthy foods, but we’re certain that some of the nutritious items on this list of healthy snacks for seniors will tempt your taste buds:
- Vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, a small salad, etc.)
- Fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, peaches, pineapple, berries, watermelon, etc.)
- Greek yogurt with fruit
- Nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, etc.)
- Trail mix
- Smoothies
- String cheese sticks
- Hard-boiled eggs
- A spoonful of peanut butter and an apple or banana
- A few slices of cheese and an apple
- Hummus with carrots or cucumber slices
- Cottage cheese and fruit
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocado or peanut butter on whole-wheat toast
- Baked apple chips
- Frozen grapes or banana slices
- Popcorn (lightly salted)
- Rice cakes
- Sweet potato fries
- Deviled eggs
- Tuna salad on whole-wheat crackers
- Veggies with dip
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Bruschetta
- Whole-wheat chips and salsa or guacamole
Common Complications
Diet-Restricting Diseases or Medications
Seniors often have to watch their diet carefully due to chronic conditions and medications that limit what they’re able to eat. For example, if you’re prone to gout, you may be advised to eat less meat and stop drinking alcohol. Or if you’re taking blood thinners, you’ll need to limit your consumption of leafy greens. If your diet is restricted by a disease or medication, we encourage you to consult your doctor for advice and consider meeting with a Registered Dietitian to better understand your options.
Difficulty Chewing
Loosened teeth, ill-fitting dentures, and decreased saliva production can all make it difficult for seniors to chew their food. The keys to tackling this complication are to choose foods with softer textures, chop food into fine pieces, and cook food until it is tender. Here are some options: pasta, oatmeal, bananas, minced meat, fish, egg, cheese, smoothies, soup, beans, etc. In addition, if you wear dentures, visit your dentist if your dentures don’t fit your mouth properly.
Lack of Appetite
For a variety of reasons (including medications, illnesses, reduced taste, etc.), some seniors suffer from a lack of appetite. In this situation, it’s important to make sure you’re still eating a nutritious diet despite lacking an appetite. You might find that it helps to eat smaller, more frequent meals/snacks that are nutrient dense. To increase the appeal of your meals, be sure to season them properly and add flavorful herbs and spices.
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By keeping a variety of healthy snacks on hand, you’re setting yourself up for success. We also encourage you to explore a lot of options. If carrots and rice cakes will make you feel like you’re depriving yourself, try lightly salted popcorn or chips and salsa instead. With a little trial and error, you’re sure to find some healthy snacks you truly enjoy.
Are you looking for a relaxing place to retire near Riverview, Florida? Check out the Crossings at Riverview, located near Tampa, Florida. Our staff and trained healthcare associates work hard to help our residents stay on track with their health goals. We invite you to tour our community, meet our friendly staff, and see our amenities first-hand. Overlooking the Alafia River on twelve beautiful acres, the Crossings at Riverview offers a relaxing atmosphere, and our talented team is committed to cultivating a welcoming and vibrant community. Our goal is to make our community feel like home for all of our residents. To schedule a tour, contact us online. We look forward to meeting you!