Who doesn’t like snacks? And for seniors, snacks can be a great way to supplement a diet. Especially when a senior lacks interest in eating larger meals. Snacks can also provide some energy to keep them going for the next activity.
Too many unhealthy snacks can be detrimental by providing empty calories, excessive salt, and other unhealthy products. Since February is National Snack Month, it can be a great time to reevaluate your loved one’s snacking habits. Also to help him keep his pantry and fridge healthy snacks that provide the energy and nutrients he needs.
The first step is to see what’s in those cupboards and refrigerator shelves. Get rid of any old, expired snacks and unhealthy snacks. Ask his companion care at home provider to help during her visit by looking through his pantry with him. Toss any expired products. But if he has fresh, unopened bags of chips or boxes of cookies, those can be donated to a local food pantry.
Next, plan a shopping list. A companion care at home provider can start by suggesting healthy snacks for your loved one to see which he would be interested in. He may not think of some of these items on his own, so be creative in the snacking options so that he’ll be excited for the new snacks coming. Here are some top-tier healthy snack options that he may want to consider stocking up on:
- Fresh veggies and hummus. If your loved one loves chips and dips, this is a great alternative. Companion care at home providers can prep his veggies before they leave, so when your loved one craves a crunchy snack, he can reach into his fridge, grab the veggies and hummus, and find a satisfying snack.
- Fresh fruit. Be creative and put some unusual fruit on the list. Maybe some mangoes would be a new idea, or whatever berries are in season. Fruit can be a great snack to replace those overly sweet snacks he used to have.
- Greek yogurt. This protein-rich snack should be on the list for your loved one to pick up and have ready when he’s feeling those hunger pangs.
- Nuts. Is there a particular type of nut your loved one likes? While they are high in calories, they are also full of heart-healthy fats and protein. Add the words “no salt” before nuts on the list to keep them from increasing his salt intake too much.
- Eggs. Add it to the list to pick up a dozen eggs. Once he’s home, have your companion care at home provider boil some up so that he can snack on a hard-boiled egg during his day if he needs an energy boost.
The final step will be to get all these snacks home and ready for your loved one to enjoy when he needs it. He might be surprised how much better he’ll feel when his snack choices are healthier.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Nassau, FL, please contact the caring staff at Companion & Compassion today. 904-502-9052
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