Healthy snacking throughout the day is an important part of your nutrition needs. Eating small meals at regular intervals helps you maintain your energy and concentration levels while keeping hunger away until the next meal. For seniors, adjusting their diet for medical conditions or compromised dental health can make snacking more challenging. Here are some tips to help make healthier snack choices easier.
Stick With Snacks Specific to Your Needs
It's important to choose snacks that meet your specific health needs. For example, if you have diabetes, consider selecting low-carbohydrate snacks with protein and healthy fats. These include a handful of nuts or a hard-boiled egg. If you don't want crunchy foods due to dental issues, then look for softer options. These include cut-up fresh fruit or cottage cheese paired with soft, cooked vegetables. Whatever your dietary restriction may be, there are plenty of alternatives available — it just requires some creative thinking.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Options
When it comes to snacking, look for high-nutrient-dense options. This means foods that provide a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients in addition to calories. Nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables are all considered nutrient-dense choices that are also low in sugar. Choosing these types of snacks will help you get the most out of your food without overdoing it on unhealthy ingredients like fat or simple carbohydrates (sugar).
Purchase Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
If you have difficulty cutting, consider purchasing pre-cut fruits and vegetables that are easy to grab and enjoy. Cut-up carrots, celery sticks, or apples can all be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days so they're ready when hunger hits. Another great idea is adding canned beans or peas to salad greens for added fiber. Just be sure to watch portion sizes as these foods may be higher in calories.
Limit Processed Choices
When you snack, try to limit processed choices such as prepackaged cake bars or crackers. These tend to have high calories and little nutritional value. Instead, opt for choices from the produce aisle or look for organic versions of your favorite packaged foods.
Prep Your Snacks for Portion Control
Pre-packing your snacks into portion-controlled grab-and-go containers can help you keep the calorie count down. This can be especially helpful if you tend to snack a lot throughout the day or are easily tempted by larger portions of unhealthy foods. You can purchase small containers or place food in several baggies to have your favorite ready-to-go options available any time you want.
Drink More Water
Water is the best beverage choice for everyone. Plus, the more you fill up on water, the less likely you are to excessively snack and take in too many calories. Water has no calories and helps your body in numerous ways.
Contact Senior Helpers Greater Cincinnati
If you're in the Greater Cincinnati Area (covering Hamilton, Fairfield, Middletown, Cincinnati, Loveland, and Milford) and need extra assistance with meal prep services, Senior Helpers Greater Cincinnati is here to help. You can trust our experienced caregivers who specialize in meeting the unique needs of seniors. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive in-home care services!