Let’s face it, snacking throughout the day can be just as important for your health as eating the proper meals. According to a Redbook magazine article, dietician Rachel Beller said that grazing during the day has a big impact. If you get too hungry between meals, that can deplete your will power and make you consume more calories overall. The trick, Beller said, is to choose nutrient-rich foods and filling combos of protein and fiber.
Here are some healthy snacks for seniors and adults, according to Reader’s Digest:
1. Healthy Potato Chip Swaps. Rich in Vitamin A, it’s a kid favorite, but you can also enjoy the recipe:
* Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
* Cut four sweet potatoes into 1-inch-wide wedges, place fresh-side down on a roasting pan, then brush with a mixture of 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* Cook, turning once, for 20-25 minutes.
* Remove pan from oven and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2. Spicy Popcorn. A light, fun snack, add garlic, parmesan and sugar or salt to this all-occasions hit. It’s a solid source of fiber and antioxidants.
3. Do-It-Yourself Kettle Corn. This one can eliminate some of the artificial chemicals from processed versions:
* Toss 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of Stevia with 2 cups of freshly popped popcorn.
* Then, shake them in a paper bag for even distribution.
* The Stevia can be switched with 1 teaspoon of honey plus 1 teaspoon of water, microwaved for 20 seconds to thin it out.
4. Healthy Nachos. This tantalizing dish includes only three to four multigrain chips, a few pinches of cheddar, a zap in the microwave and a dollop of guacamole or sprinkle of scallions.
5. Brown Rice Bonanza. A big batch of brown rice is oh, so good. Heat up a small bowl and top it with salsa, hummus or Trader Joe’s ‘Cowboy Caviar,’ a mix of black beans, peppers and roasted corn.
6. Low-carb Turkey Wrap. A turkey wrap only has 75 calories, so go to town! Spread 2 teaspoons of honey mustard on three thin slices of turkey, top with 1/4 cup sliced apple and wrap in lettuce.
7. Healthy apples. They’re called cinnamon-spiced baked apples:
* Core a crisp apple and put the wedges in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, then toss to cover.
* Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and cook for three to four minutes on high.
* The apple is less than 90 calories and provides 3 grams of filling fiber; adding raisins provides more iron, Vitamin C and fiber.
Learn more about boosting a senior loved one’s physical and emotional wellbeing in the New Year and beyond with BrightStar Care. Families looking for senior care help and support in whole person wellness for their loved one in the comfort of their home can turn to our BrightStar team for help. Whether you’re caring for a loved one and need some respite or a senior in your life has advancing needs and would be a good candidate for home care and support, our team is available 24/7 to come up with a home care solution that is custom tailored to your loved one’s needs.
About the Author
BrightStar Care consists of 150+ franchises that provide homecare to anyone who needs it, from children to seniors, and medical staffing solutions to individuals, families and organizations nationwide.
To learn more about benefits of home care and types of senior homecare services please visit www.brightstarcare.com/senior-home-care.
