Do you ever feel a bit peckish between meals? Though reaching for a bag of salty chips or sweet cookies can be tempting, neither will provide nourishing or satiating sustenance. Plus, both options can lead to mindless munching, causing you to eat far more than you intended. Banish your guilt and make your body happy by turning to healthy snacks for seniors instead. And if you need some help finding nutritious snack ideas that work with your diet and health limitations, simply scroll down.
Quick, Easy, & Nutritious Snacking for Seniors
Planning ahead when it comes to your diet can prevent you from snacking on things that you oughtn’t. If you’re struggling to find healthy snacks for seniors, our lengthy list may help.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit is always a good idea. While it does contain some sugar, it’s also packed with nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. Step outside your comfort zone if you’re getting bored of the same old apples and bananas. What about plums? Blackberries? Cherries? Figs? Kiwi? Mango? Pears? Branch out from the same old fruits.
- Greek Yogurt with Fresh Fruit: Stick with plain, non-fat Greek yogurt to avoid added sugars, and add fruit for some extra flavor. You could also add cinnamon for a fun twist!
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you want a punch of protein, you can’t go wrong with eggs! Eat them plain, or give them a tiny sprinkling of salt and pepper. They’re also delicious with a bit of Dijon mustard!
- Unsalted Nuts: A quick, easy, no-fuss snack, nuts are packed with protein and healthy fats. However, be sure to stick with unsalted varieties and watch your portion size — they’re quite high in calories!
- Fruit Smoothies: Blend together your favorite fruits with milk, yogurt, and even nutritious spinach or protein powder for a scrumptious treat.
- Veggies with Hummus: Try carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers when you want an easy veggie for snacking. And if you’re bored of hummus, how about tzatziki?
- Sauteed Apples with Cinnamon: When you want a sweet treat but you’re trying to avoid a midday dessert, sauté apples with cinnamon using a tiny bit of butter or coconut oil! It’s sweet and feels indulgent but avoids excess sugar and calories.
- Cottage Cheese with Fresh Fruit: Like yogurt, cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium. Enjoy it plain if you like, or give it a sweet and flavorful punch with fresh fruit or preserves.
- Jell-O with Fresh Fruit: Available in a wide variety of flavors, Jell-O is another great guilt-free sweet treat. To add some nutrients and texture, chop up some fruit and sprinkle it on top.
- Egg Salad: Eggs are full of protein and perfect for seniors who struggle with chewing. Serve egg salad on a lettuce wrap or a piece of whole-wheat bread.
- Whole-Grain Popcorn: Popcorn is a perfect evening snack, providing fiber and a satisfying crunch without too many calories. But be careful to avoid popcorn coated in salt and butter. Instead, look for simple whole-grain popcorn.
- Frozen Grapes and Bananas: When you’re craving ice cream, try frozen grapes or bananas. They’re a wonderful option on hot days — cool and nutritious with a pleasing texture.
- Apple or Banana with Peanut Butter: If plain fruit isn’t appealing to you, add a small spoonful of peanut butter for flavor and extra protein. Avoid peanut butter with lots of added sugars, however. Ideally, the jar will contain only peanuts — and maybe a little salt.
What do you think? Which of these healthy snacks for seniors catches your eye?
Are you planning to retire in Greenville, South Carolina? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing-care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or call us at 864-713-1377.