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Sometimes, people need snacks to help them get through the day. Whether you have a longer day than usual and need extra energy, or you are just craving something to eat, snacks are a great way to go. Seemingly a simple task, choosing snacks can prove to be tough for elderly individuals who have diabetes.
Because of their condition, seniors with diabetes cannot simply grab and eat whatever is around or available. Elderly individuals who have diabetes need to consider their blood sugar levels and be conscious of their food choices. They also need to make sure their snacks are providing proper nourishment and energy.
The following list includes some great snack options that seniors with diabetes can indulge in.
1.Almonds
Almonds are a good snacking choice for various reasons. For one, seniors can easily have a small bag of almonds packed away in a bag they use when they go out or even stored in a pocket. So even if they are out and away from their home, elderly individuals can have some almonds on hand if needed.
In addition to convenience, almonds have great nutritional benefits for seniors who have diabetes.
Almonds provide protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The combination of these nutrients plays a factor in why almonds can help control blood sugar. Furthermore, this type of nut has also been linked to lowering cholesterol.
2.Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Apples go great with peanut butter, but it is more than just a tasty food duo. A high-fiber combination, apples with peanut butter can help stabilize a person’s blood sugar. In addition, they also offer other nutrients that have proven to aid in diabetes management: B vitamins, vitamins C and E, magnesium, and manganese.
3.Avocado
Although high in caloric content, avocados can be an excellent snacking choice for seniors with diabetes. Avocados contain healthy fats and are high in fiber. Both of these qualities can help stop blood sugar spikes following meals. So, whether you choose to eat avocado on its own or as a guacamole dip, remember to limit yourself to no more than half an avocado to limit caloric intake.
4.Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is the key benefit they can provide to seniors with diabetes. Its protein content can help stabilize blood sugar following a meal. While it may not make for the most convenient on-the-go snack, hard-boiled eggs still make for a great snack choice when you’re at home.
5.Popcorn
While it may not seem like it, popcorn is actually a healthy snack. It’s the additional toppings like butter and salt that often make the snack unhealthy.
On its own, popcorn is a whole grain, low-calorie food that provides fiber, which makes it a great choice for seniors with diabetes. You just need to be cautious of the type of popcorn you get. Because of this, it is recommended that you pop your own popcorn. If you are going to be purchasing prepackaged popcorn, be mindful of added sodium and trans fats.
6.Vegetables with Hummus
Hummus has become a popular spread and is often paired with vegetables. Not only does this combination make for a tasty snack, but one filled with benefits, especially for those elderly individuals who have diabetes.
The nutritional benefits of vegetables, such as fiber and vitamins, is no secret. But the same benefits are also offered by hummus. Hummus also has high protein content, which can help stabilize blood sugar.
Another great thing about having hummus and vegetables as a snack is that you can mix up the vegetables you’re having. Seniors can stick to just one vegetable, such as carrots, or they can rotate between several, going from cauliflower to bell peppers to broccoli.
7.Yogurt and Berries
A complementary duo, yogurt with berries provides a good contrast in taste to balance out flavors and offers a variety of health benefits.
Yogurt, which is more of a tart treat, contains probiotics that can help lower a person’s blood sugar levels. Adding berries to the mix will add some sweetness to combat the tartness of the yogurt while also providing fiber and antioxidants. These antioxidants can limit harm to the pancreas, which releases the hormones responsible for lowering blood sugar levels.
Senior Home Care Services
It isn’t uncommon for elderly individuals to live alone. This means they have to care for themselves and their home on their own, including handling things like food preparation. But it can be tough for seniors to handle such care on their own, especially if they have diabetes or another condition that requires extra care. For example, keeping track of blood sugar levels and figuring out appropriate food choices can be difficult without someone around to help and monitor the situation.
Assisting Hands Home Care offers senior home care services that provide elderly individuals in Lombard, Villa Park, Elmhurst, Addison, IL and the neighboring areas with the care they need to safely age at home. Our professional caregivers will help seniors with personal care, light housekeeping, bathing, and showering, and other elderly care tasks as needed. If the elderly individual has diabetes, we can help with meal preparation and snack choices, ensuring that they consume healthy, nutritious foods that help keep their blood sugar under control.
With elderly care help from Assisting Hands, seniors will have the help they need to ensure they can age at home in a healthy and safe manner.
