Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are the best occasions to spend quality time and bond with senior loved ones. What are Thanksgiving and Christmas without holiday treats? When dessert shopping, remember to buy diabetes-friendly holiday treats, especially when hosting senior loved ones. Luckily, there are tons of healthy dessert options available so everyone can enjoy the holidays.
Here is an overview of some diabetes-friendly holiday treats to buy for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Dark Chocolates Provide Many Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Treats
Is anyone surprised? Most chocolate contains high amounts of artificial sugar, which can increase sugar levels for an elderly person with diabetes. On the contrary, dark chocolates are the best alternative diabetes-friendly holiday treats for seniors with diabetes. That's because a standard chocolate bar contains about 70 to 85% of cocoa, which has a group of plant chemicals known as flavonoids that help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
They also have other benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease and blood pressure. So, high-quality dark chocolate should be on the list for diabetes-friendly treats this holiday season.
Yogurts
Another great dessert to include in the shopping list is yogurt. Like many fermented dairy products, yogurt contains healthy bacteria known as probiotics. Health professionals associate this with insulin resistance and lowering glucose levels. When buying yogurt for a senior with diabetes, choose one with live and active cultures, as they contain high levels of probiotics.
Moreover, carefully read its nutritional information as many yogurts contain added sugars. Those rich in protein and low on carbohydrates with no added sugar, such as unflavored Greek yogurt, are the best, especially for seniors with diabetes.
Light Popcorn Sacks
Popcorns are the last thing one would expect to include in a shopping list with elderly loved ones in mind. That's because most packed popcorn contains high levels of added fats, salts, sugars, and other preservatives, which may harm someone with diabetes. However, there are alternative popcorn brands with little or no trans fat listed on their nutritional information that are diabetes-friendly.
What Should You Avoid?
When shopping for diabetes-friendly holiday treats, remember which snacks to avoid for seniors with diabetes. Manufacturers use preservatives with high sugar content, salt, and unhealthy fats to keep popular snacks on the shelves.
Here are some of the things you should avoid so as not to pose a health risk to an elderly loved one with diabetes:
- Candy
- Ice cream
- Cookies
- Canned and bottled juices
Snack Safely Through the Holidays With the Help of Senior Helpers of Greater OKC
Having trouble finding diabetes-friendly holiday treats for an elderly loved one in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Norman, OK? Senior Helpers of Greater OKC has friendly and supportive caregivers with experience in in-home senior care who can provide the perfect diabetes-friendly dessert shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We also provide around-the-clock assistance with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, running errands, and companion care. Contact us today for more information about our quality services.