The foods you eat are vital to your ongoing health and wellness. This is true no matter how old you are. However, your age can have a big impact on your specific nutritional needs. For a variety of reasons, seniors often find it difficult to eat well. One potential option for overcoming this difficulty is regular snacking. But for snacking to play its intended role in supporting health, you must make wise food choices. Experts recommend a range of possible options for simple, healthy senior snacks.
At Parkway Place, our team of experts understands the importance of healthy snacks for seniors. Learn more about our dining services to support your health and wellness at 281.305.1846.
Why Do Seniors Sometimes Have Problems Making Healthy Food Choices?
Seniors can be in a tough position when it comes to eating well. On the one hand, you may need fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight as you age. However, on the other hand, you still need to supply your body with adequate amounts of nutrients. This means that you may have to make smarter food choices than you did when you were younger.
A wide array of other issues can also interfere with your ability to fulfill your nutritional requirements. Such potential issues include:
- Being isolated in your home
- Having difficulty preparing meals and/or feeding yourself
- Finding it difficult to chew or swallow your food properly
- Taking medications that make food less appealing to you
- Losing some or all of your ability to taste or smell food
In addition, some seniors find it hard to pay for the foods they need to support good health.
The Importance of Nutritional Snacks for Seniors
Snacking can provide significant nutritional benefits for older adults. Research shows that seniors who snack can reliably increase their:
- Protein intake
- Carbohydrate consumption
- The overall level of energy/calorie intake
As a result, they may find it easier to meet their core nutrient needs. Unfortunately, snacks for senior citizens often contain substantial amounts of fat. When consumed regularly, these food items can lead to unhealthy weight gain. To avoid this pitfall, older adults must know how to choose healthy snacks for seniors.
The Best Snacks for Seniors
The best snacks for seniors do two things. First, they supply you with enough nutrients to help support your well-being. At the same time, they steer clear of ingredients that can make you feel worse, not better. Fortunately, plenty of food items provide these key benefits. The long list of simple, healthy snacks for seniors includes:
- Dried fruits such as prunes and raisins
- Pita bread topped with hummus
- Small servings of cheese
- Veggies or whole-grain crackers topped with tuna
- Avocado toast
- A handful of pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- Apple slices with sugar-free peanut butter
- Fresh fruit added to plain yogurt
- Celery topped with raisins and peanut or almond butter
- Seasoned, unbuttered popcorn
All of these snacks can be prepared with little fuss in a short amount of time. You may also find other favored options. As long as they support good health, snacks for senior citizens can be whatever you want them to be.
Get More Information on Health-Supporting Snacks for Seniors at Parkway Place
To learn more about nutritious snacks for seniors, talk to the senior living specialists at Parkway Place. We have extensive experience helping older adults meet their nutritional needs. With our advice, you can make healthier snack choices for yourself or your loved one.
All senior living programs at Parkway Place feature comprehensive nutritional support. Our tasty snacks and meals help you simplify the process of making healthy, satisfying food choices. To learn more about our dining services, just call us today at 281.305.1846. You can also contact us through our online message form.