According to research more than 15 million adults over the age of 50 are considered obese. And a large number of seniors over the age of 65 who aren’t technically considered obese are still overweight. Being overweight raises that risk of seniors developing serious health problems like diabetes. Doctors strongly recommend that seniors focus on losing weight if they are overweight.
But there are a lot of seniors that find it difficult to lose weight. As seniors get older they often have trouble exercising. And losing weight without exercising is a real challenge. Seniors can boost their weight loss by making smart food choices. A healthy diet combined with whatever exercise seniors can comfortably do can make it possible for seniors to lose weight.
Seniors that don’t want to give up snacking but do want to lose weight should try some of these low-calorie snacks:
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is something that people don’t usually think about as a snack. But cottage cheese is a great snack. It’s low in calories but packed with protein. A full cup of cottage cheese has only 220 calories but 25 grams of protein. That’s more protein than a hamburger. And cottage cheese is very versatile. It can sweet or savory depending on what is served with it. Cottage cheese and melon slices is a classic summertime snack. Or, mix a packet of berry flavored sugar free gelatin into the cottage cheese and add a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries for a refreshing low-calorie snack or dessert.
Popcorn
Popcorn is the go-to snack for many people. Whole grain popcorn is relatively healthy and it’s extremely low in calories. When seniors want a snack they can eat a lot of popcorn is the smart choice. A whopping six cups of popcorn has only 100 calories. To keep popcorn health don’t add butter to it. Instead add a touch of salt and some lemon pepper. Lemon pepper gives popcorn a savory bite without additional calories from butter. Grates parmesan cheese tastes great on popcorn too.
Veggies With Low-Fat Dip
Many seniors aren’t getting enough nutrients because they’re not eating enough fruits and veggies. Seniors should buy a veggie tray with pre-cut assortments of vegetables paired with a low-fat dip. It’s worth the extra money to have a big tray of already prepared carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and other veggies. Seniors with senior home care can have their senior home care provider share a tray of pre-cut veggies with them so that nothing goes to waste.
Baked Apples
Baked applies are a wonderful dessert, especially in the fall or winter. They’re also very easy to make. Seniors can make them with help from senior home care. A baked apple with cinnamon and a little bit of butter is a fantastic treat because applies are filled with antioxidants and vitamins that keep seniors healthy. Baked apples can also under 100 calories if there is no butter added.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/dieting-tips-older-adults
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-100-calorie-snacks
https://ncoa.org/article/healthy-eating-tips-for-seniors
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-meal-planning-tips-older-adults
https://hpi.georgetown.edu/obesity2/#
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Harkers Island, NC, please contact the caring staff at East Carolina Home Care today. New Bern area: (252) 814-6289, Morehead area: (252) 240-1234.
Providing quality home care for seniors and families in and around Vanceboro, Havelock, Atlantic Beach, Newport, Harlowe, Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret, Otway, Harkers Island, Davis, Pine Knoll Shores, Fairfield Harbour, Trentwoods, James City, New Bern, Morehead City, and surrounding areas in North Carolina.
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