Everyone craves a little something sweet sometimes, but it may be a challenge to find a pleasurable snack that’s also nourishing. Luckily, there are a variety of simple healthy foods that can offer a taste both you and your elderly loved one can enjoy. Try some of these sweet suggestions.
1. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit
Fruit can be a refreshing and sweet snack on its own, but pairing it with chocolate can add to the sweetness. You can buy chocolate dips that come in a ready-to-use liquid form that hardens when it dries or in a flaky, dry form that needs to be microwaved before dipping. Your loved one can dip whole strawberries or chunks of banana or pineapple into the chocolate and then let the shell harden before serving.
Some seniors find it difficult to eat healthy because of health conditions or mobility issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Naples seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
2. Smoothies
Smoothies can be a great choice for seniors who have difficulty chewing harder foods. Simply mix plain yogurt, milk, and your loved one’s favorite fruits in a blender, then puree and serve cold. You may also want to check with your loved one’s doctor to see if it’s okay to add a bit of protein powder for an extra nutritional kick.
A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with preparing healthy treats and nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Peanut Butter & Jelly
With the perfect balance of good taste, comfort, and nutritional value, this traditional sandwich is a classic for a reason. Grab some whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and your loved one’s favorite flavor of jelly, and this simple and sweet treat is ready. A thinly sliced banana in the sandwich can also be a healthy addition.
4. All-Natural Freezer Pops
Your loved one can make homemade fruit pops with fresh juice and a mold or buy them already prepared in the freezer section of the local grocery store. For the best health benefits from store-bought pops, suggest those made of 100 percent fruit. To offer variety in your loved one’s snack choices, puree watermelon chunks with lime juice or peach slices with apple juice.
Limiting consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and some seniors need help when it comes to managing nutrition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of Home Care. Naples families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.
