February is National Snack Food Month which means it’s a great time for seniors to stock up on snacks. There are millions of seniors who aren’t getting enough calories each day and are actually malnourished because they aren’t eating regular meals.
Snacks are a fantastic way for seniors to eat the calories they need in small portions that may be easier for them to eat than eating a large meal. Snacks are also preferred by many seniors who don’t want to cook a meal just for themselves.
Even though elder care can help seniors make nutritious meals at home, seniors who prefer snacking should try to incorporate some of these delicious and healthy snacks into their snack routine!
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is an affordable source of protein that will also keep seniors full for a long time. Cottage cheese can be savory or sweet depending on what it’s paired with and it has more protein than some types of meat. It also has calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Seniors can have a cup of cottage cheese with salty snacks like pretzel sticks or add fruit or cinnamon and spices to make delicious.
Cheese And Crackers
Cheese and crackers is another great snack that will deliver protein and whole grains for seniors. Cheese has protein, calcium, and vitamins that will help keep bones strong and keep seniors full. Whole grain crackers are also a great source of healthy carbohydrates. Seniors who have elder care can ask their care provider to stock up on their favorite cheeses and a variety of crackers when shopping. An at home care provider can prepare a cheese plate for seniors to use when they are snacking throughout the day.
Peanut Butter On Whole Grain Bread
Peanut butter or any nut butter is a snack staple for everyone from children to seniors because nut butters are creamy, slightly sweet, and delicious. They are a great source of healthy fat and protein and many seniors find that peanut butter is something they can tolerate well even if they have digestion problems. Whole grain bread is often recommended by nutritionists because it has a good variety of grains that are not processed so they retain the vitamins and minerals that are naturally found in the grain. An easy snack of nut butter on whole grain toast before bed will help seniors sleep better in most cases.
Protein Chips And Crackers
High protein foods are everywhere these days, and that’s good news for seniors that like snacks and don’t get enough protein. High-protein chips and crackers deliver the satisfying crunch that makes a great snack but they also have additional protein that seniors need. Protein chips and crackers served with vegetables and a yogurt or cottage cheese based dip make a wonderful snack for seniors that gives them flavor, healthy vegetables, grains, and protein all in one delicious snack. An at home care provider can make up a tray of washed and cut vegetables, cheeses, and protein crackers along with a high protein dip and leave it in the fridge so that seniors can just snack throughout the day.
If you or someone you know needs Elder Care in Buffalo, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information.