Top 5 Healthy Snacks for Seniors

In this article, we will discuss some of the best healthy snacks for seniors. We will also provide tips on how to make sure that you are getting the most out of your food!

Why Is It So Important for Seniors to Snack Healthily?

As we get older, our metabolism slows down and it becomes more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. That is why it is important for seniors to snack regularly in order to make sure that they are getting the nutrients they need! Snacking also helps keep us feel full between meals, which can prevent overeating.

While it is important that we eat healthily and exercise, there are some seniors who find the hardest part about their new lifestyle is adjusting to a low-sugar or high-protein diet. Reducing your intake of red meats and replacing them with nutrient-rich vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease (a common disease for seniors). Healthy snacks are key to a healthy senior lifestyle, as they will not only keep you energized but also provide essential vitamins that may be missing in the ageing process!

1) Hummus

Hummus is a great snack to have on hand, as it is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium and potassium. You can enjoy hummus with some fresh vegetables or whole-grain crackers.

Tip: Pre-packaged hummus can often be high in sodium, so try to make your own using low-sodium chickpeas.

2) Oats

Oats are extremely versatile and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They also are a great source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion. Oats are especially good for seniors because they can help reduce the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Tip: Add some fresh fruit or nuts to your oats for an extra nutrient boost so they do not get boring!

3) Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein, choline and vitamin D. They can be cooked in a variety of ways and are perfect for on-the-go snacking. It has been said that one egg per day does decrease your chances of heart disease dramatically. Make eggs part of your diet choices to keep yourself healthy! Another benefit of eggs is that they are incredibly versatile.

• Boil them and put them on a salad for lunch
• Add them to your breakfast burrito
• Fry them up and have them as a quick snack

The options are endless! Just make sure you are not eating too many eggs, as they do contain cholesterol. Too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.

Tip: Hard boil some eggs over the weekend so you have them ready to go during the week! This saves time and effort.

4) Berries

Berries have been used for centuries as a healthy snack and healing fruit. They are packed with antioxidants that can fight cancer cells. They also provide fiber to keep your body functioning smoothly at its best level possible!

All berries are a good source of antioxidants, which help fight off harmful toxins and diseases. They also are a good source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Berries can be enjoyed as part of a healthy snack or added to your favorite breakfast cereal or oatmeal.

Tip: Keep some fresh berries in the fridge so you always have a healthy snack on hand!

5) Tuna

Tuna is a great source of protein, omega fatty acids and vitamin D. It is also low in mercury, so it is safe for seniors to eat. Tuna can be eaten on its own as a snack or added to your favorite salad or sandwich. Canned tuna can often be high in sodium, so try to purchase tuna that is canned in water instead. This will reduce the amount of salt you are eating. Below are just some of the ways you can enjoy tuna.

• Tuna salad
• Tuna wraps
• Canned tuna with whole-grain crackers

 

Tip: To save money, buy canned tuna in bulk at a warehouse store like Costco. This will help you stay on budget and have plenty of tuna for snacking!

Final Thoughts

Incorporating these healthy snacks into your senior lifestyle is a great way to stay energized and feel your best. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about what diet is best for you. And remember, it is never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle.

At Hollenbeck Palms we offer a cuisine options to help seniors stay healthy. Contact us today to hear more about what we offer to see if we are the right fit for your family.