During summer, you can easily fall into a snacking slump. The days get warmer and longer, inspiring people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the sunny weather. You can use healthy snacks and recipes to help seniors feel part of these seasonal celebrations.
Luckily, Hilton Head Island, Okatie, Bluffton, and South Carolina, in general, enjoy a mild climate favorable for the variety of farm produce year-round. Some common summer seasonal produce include apples, basil, beans, blueberries, bok choy, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cauliflower, chard, green garlic, kale, leeks, cucumbers, eggplant, collard greens, corn, grapes, melons, mushrooms, onions, okra, peanuts, potatoes, spinach, plums, strawberries, watermelons, among others.
Many of these summer fruits and vegetables are tasty and nutritionally rich, offering additional benefits of helping seniors obtain vital nutrients and vitamins required to maintain their health. Instead of snacking on cheese, chips, and chocolate, seniors can try these delicious and healthy snacking options during this warm season.
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Watermelon
Summer is ideal weather for watermelons. They are great for seniors because they are tasty and have little or no sodium or fat. They also contain essential components like vitamins A, C, and lycopene as antioxidants. Watermelons can be consumed directly in slices or converted into popsicles.
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Homemade Microwave Popcorn
Popcorn is delicious, but may not contribute much to seniors' health when bought in supermarkets. Instead of doubting their butter content and health benefits, why not prepare yours? That way, you can control what goes into the snacks to make them as safe and healthy as you like.
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Fresh Fruit Bruschetta
Bruschetta combines finely chopped basil, tomatoes, and onions on toasted bread. This Italian classic can be turned into a summer snack with tomatoes, peaches, and strawberries using this specific recipe.
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Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Instead of cooling off with standard ice cream, you can prepare a frozen yogurt with more great healthy alternatives. The recipe requires honey, strawberries, lime juice, and Greek yogurt. They are all blended into a fine juice and then frozen to the right consistency and indulge.
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Coleslaw
No summer foods for seniors are complete without a colorful slaw or a bowl of crispy snacks. Some enjoy its tart, while others love its creamy or sweet versions. Regardless of the option, coleslaw remains an excellent source of the necessary dietary fiber the seniors require.
Cabbages, the most common ingredient in coleslaw recipes, are rich in vitamins K, C, and antioxidants that fight cancer. They also aid in reducing body inflammation, a common phenomenon in most seniors.
How Can Senior Helpers of Hilton Head, SC Help Seniors?
Why waste the end of your summer celebrations snacking on fatty and unhealthy foods? At Senior Helpers of Hilton Head, we offer exceptional care designed to give seniors the best quality of life.
Regardless of the care they require, we provide perfect in-home programs and services for any of their needs to ensure they age in place. We are located in Hilton Head Island, Okatie, and Bluffton but offer our senior care services to various regions across South Carolina. Contact us to help us help your loved ones.