Healthy snacks are a great way to combat low sugar levels, and maintain energy throughout the day. Here are a number of ways that munching can enhance your day. Scroll down for some easy snack suggestions and bon appétit.

• Socializing – people love gathering around food. A nice spread of fresh fruit, vegetables, and warm drinks is a great backdrop to socialization. Friendships are particularly meaningful in the advance years yet they can sometimes be difficult to forge. Any way to bring people together who can share life experiences is always worthwhile.
• Mealtime supplements – many people do not get all the nutrition that they need during meals and good snacks can offer important supplements.
• Small scale gourmet – Though a full fledged meal can be daunting to prepare, snacks and finger foods can actually be fun, especially for a senior that may have spent years preparing meals in the past. For example simple treats can be turned gourmet with a bit of seasoning like “Sweet Heat Honeydew,” which is a very unique way to eat a classic morning staple.
  • Sweet Heat Honeydew – Cubes of honey dew are seasoned with the juice of 2 limes, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and mint leaves to taste. Pairs perfectly with cottage cheese.

Minimal Preparation Snack ideas:

1. Bagged, raw, chopped, vegetable can be purchased ready to eat and can be enjoyed with a prepared spread of fresh hummus or guacamole.
2. Nuts are a great source of antioxidants and healthy fats and can be munched right out of the package
3. Cheese sticks or wedges are full of protein and can be eaten on their own or with a whole grain cracker.
4. Popcorn, especially from an air popper of microwave is a fun and easy snack. Kernels can be popped in the microwave using just a brown paper bag. Place a ½ cup of kernels in a brown paper bag add and optional ½ tsp of oil and microwave for about 2 minutes until popping slows down.
5. Hardboiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and very satisfying.
6. There are tons of great sandwich ideas to try like tuna, peanut butter, jams, cucumbers and cream cheese – get creative. Cut sandwiches into small strips and enjoy the small portions.

At Rockaway Care Center our goal is to keep our residents happy and well cared for. We appeal to all appetites, large or small.