Some senior citizens find dessert more attractive than the actual meal. If that sounds like your parents, you might be worried that they aren’t eating as healthy as possible.
Don’t worry, though. There are numerous sweet delights that are quick to make, wholesome, and delectable.
Today’s recommendations include simple recipes with healthy ingredients that can be kept in the refrigerator in case your parents need a snack while you’re away.
Healthy, Simple Sweet Treats for Senior Citizens
Healthy Granola, Yogurt, and Fruits
Some people might immediately think of a nice, delicious breakfast when they think of granola. But trust me, you could make a yummy granola snack for any time during the day, like parfait made with granola, yogurt, and fruits.
Ingredients in granola are rich in fiber and healthy fats, making it a nutrient-dense food. Granola can assist your seniors’ health in the following ways:
- Weight loss. Oats and whole grains are high in fiber, which keeps our seniors feeling full for longer. It reduces appetite and prevents the hormone ghrelin from being released, which makes the body feel hungry.
- Lowering cholesterol levels. The fiber in granola helps raise good HDL cholesterol and lower bad LDL cholesterol.
- Improving hypertension. In granola, high potassium and low sodium contents function as vasodilators to help reduce blood pressure.
- Boosting gut health. Nutrients in granola aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. By increasing levels of beneficial gut flora, the fiber level reduces intestinal inflammation. Additionally, yogurt and granola naturally come together to provide many probiotic cultures that support the digestive system.
The recommended serving size is frequently 45g. But, you can talk with your elderly family members to reduce it by half, so they don’t eat a too-filling snack between meals. The granola should also be served with some natural greek yogurt and fresh fruit to make a balanced portion and upgrade the flavors that will keep them satisfied.
Delectable Whole-Wheat Banana Bread
One of those traditional comfort food dishes, banana bread, will add coziness and cheer to your whole house. Each family member will be satisfied by its fluffy texture and delicious banana flavor.
Although there are many unique recipes, traditional banana bread commonly contains bananas, flour, butter or oil, eggs, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Instead of refined white flour, you might use whole wheat flour to prepare a more nutrient-dense banana bread. Moreover, fiber content can be increased by including foods like flaxseed and chia seeds. You can also consider using honey or maple syrup, both naturally sweetened and providing certain trace nutrients that white sugar does not.
Convenient Granola Bars
If your seniors want something quick and more convenient than the customary granola with yogurt and fruits, granola bars are the answer.
Whole almonds, dried cranberries, and miniature chocolate chips are all in one granola bar. To add more flavors, you can add dried cherries, apricots, and unsweetened coconut.
Here are some helpful tips for making granola bars:
- Press the mixture into the pan carefully. This step is super crucial. Keep in mind that the longer and harder you press, the less likely you will receive granola instead of granola bars.
- Combine honey and brown sugar. The sticky texture of these two ingredients will help keep the bars together.
- Add some chocolate chips. The addition of chocolate chips to the mixture gives it an extra taste. Remember to add some when the granola mixture is still warm. The chocolate will melt, but that’s fine because it holds the bars together as an additional adhesive.
- Let it cool for two hours. The granola mixture should be chilled for around two hours. It will be easier to cut the granola mixture into bars when it’s harder.
Creative Cupcakes
You want to create cupcakes for your parents, but you want to keep it as quick and easy as possible. Then today’s recipe is just what the doctor ordered.
Cupcakes in a mug are for all the sweet tooths out there. While it might not be the healthiest dessert, this one is quick, simple, and sure to satisfy your parents’ hankering for something sweet.
You can prepare all of the basic components needed to make a cupcake. Next, use a fork to mix the dry ingredients in a mug. Ensure the mug is microwave-safe and big enough to account for the rising height of the cupcake.
Use the fork to add the wet ingredients one at a time until the batter is smooth. Lastly, whisk the chocolate chips into the mixture until they are thoroughly combined.
Put the mug in the microwave for only 90 seconds on the highest setting. The cupcake in a mug should not be overcooked, or it will become tough and rubbery. Before serving, let the cupcake cool for a while. Top the dessert with a dollop of heavy cream, whipped cream, or some icing if you’d like.
Appealing Chocolate-Covered Fruits
The fruit has a naturally low calorie, fat, and salt content. It also has significant levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Meanwhile, although milk chocolate is high in calories, fat, and sugar, some studies indicate that consuming a moderate amount of premium dark chocolate may help avoid heart disease and improve arterial health.
After melting the dark chocolate, select a fruit that is healthy for your seniors, any kind that goes well with chocolate, such as banana, strawberry, apple, or cherry.
Sweet Treats at 12 Oaks Communities
Our goal at 12 Oaks managed senior living communities is to provide each resident with carefully cooked delicious meals prepared and delivered by our talented, committed kitchen team. We believe that our tasty and wholesome sweet treats can satiate the appetite of your seniors and older family members.
If you have questions about sweet treat ideas for seniors, connect with us to learn more.Â
At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks senior living communities are an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.
For questions or to book a scheduled personalized tour, don’t hesitate to contact us.Â
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