5 Healthy Snacks and Recipes That Feature End-of-Summer Produce
The end of summer offers arguably the widest variety and abundance of locally grown and freshly sourced ingredients. And in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, and Concord, there's an abundance of fruits like watermelons, strawberries, tomatoes, raspberries, etc., and veggies like bell peppers, corn, zucchini, etc.
But frozen treats like ice cream and snacks like chips and chocolate are still in season. While the occasional indulgence is okay, falling into a snacking slump can have serious health consequences, especially for seniors.
Now, when the end-of-summer produce is abundant and affordable, is the best time to try some healthy snacking options. They increase energy levels; improve skin, teeth, and eyes health; strengthen bones, increase life expectancy, etc.
Try the healthy snacks and recipes that feature end-of-summer produce below.
- Watermelon
Summer is the perfect fruit for this season. Because of the high amount of water and electrolytes, it hydrates and cools the body naturally. It also has several unique nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds, which help seniors maintain their skin, bone, and cardiovascular health.
Watermelon can be eaten in slices or as popsicles.
- Fresh Fruit Bruschetta
The Fresh Fruit Bruschetta typically consists of toasted bread combined with cheese, basil, and onions. This sweet and savory snack is originally from Italy, and the original doesn't contain fruit. Adding fruit makes it a great summer snack.
The recipe isn't set in stone, and one can play around with it to create their unique taste. For example, trying different types of cheeses or including other ingredients like tomatoes.
Enjoy this fantastic recipe!
- Strawberry frozen yogurt
Ice cream isn't the healthiest option to reduce seniors' temperature. Instead, a healthy alternative is DIY frozen yogurt. It requires honey, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and strawberry.
It's a relatively simple procedure, which requires putting everything in the blender and blending it until it's smooth. Then put it in the freezer until it is the right consistency.
It is perfect for seniors as it is very low-calorie and doesn't have too much sugar.
- Tomato and goat cheese tart
Tomato and goat cheese tart is easy to put together and is full of flavors. It only involves slicing tomatoes, setting them on paper towels, salting them to remove moisture, then spreading a simple herbed goat cheese onto the thawed puff pastry.
Pat the tomatoes to remove the liquid, layer them over the goat cheese, and put it in the oven.
- Garden vegetable pasta salad
This season is the perfect time for a garden vegetable pasta salad due to the abundance of fresh end-of-summer produce in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, and Concord, which is needed in a large quantity or variety.
It involves chopping various vegetables into salad-sized pieces (the more the vegetables, the better), cooking and draining pasta, then adding the pasta and the vegetables to the pot.
It can be served immediately or be let to marinate in the fridge for a few hours.
Choose Comprehensive Care for a Senior Loved One
As the sun's last summer rays grace Westford, take advantage of these snacks and recipes that feature newly in-season end-of-summer produce. They ensure our senior loved ones are healthy and remain independent for many years.
Besides ensuring they eat healthily, caring for our senior loved ones also involves providing the care and daily assistance they need within their home, especially if they live with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
If you have an elderly loved one that needs in-home senior care in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, or Concord, Senior Helpers of Westford can help you. They are a premier in-home senior care provider that offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services that support aging-in-place.
If you're looking for in-home care for an elderly loved one, contact us today.