The holiday season may be cheery, cheerful and full of feasting, it is also for me a time to stay mindful of my wellbeing. On a more personal level, with having had some health scares in the last few years, I just needed to stop and think about how I was eating, particularly at this time of year when we have so many relaxing opportunities here in the UK where it is all too easy to overindulge. That is why I have embraced healthy snacks for seniors that are simple to prepare and keep me feeling my best.
I am no health expert. However, I have come to realise over the years the importance of feeding your body with good food. I thought I would share some of my favourite healthy snacks for seniors particularly in the UK. Feel free to pass them on to an older friend or family member or anyone you feel could do with some encouragement.
So, in the interest of keeping energy levels up during this festive time while still being able to enjoy these holiday treats. Here are some delicious and energising sweet snacks that can be made for seniors as well as a few simple, healthy but effective healthy snack ideas.
The Importance of Mindful Snacking Around the Holidays
The holiday season typically means less sleep, oily food and endless sweets. While these are all part of the fun, they can leave you feeling exhausted. Which is why choosing the right energy boosting snacksbecomes all the more important, especially for elderly people. Snacks in and of themselves keep energy levels stabilised, keep you satisfied until the next meal and limit the temptation of falling into junk food territory!
The UK’s Top Easy and Healthy Snacks for Seniors
- Dehydrated Fruit Medley
Dehydrated fruit has been one of my most favourite and easy holiday snacks. They are naturally sweet and loaded with fibre and potassium, such options include dried apricots, banana chips and apple rings. I like to mix them with unsalted almonds or walnuts for an easy on-the-go trail full of energy.
- Greek Yogurt with Fresh or Dehydrated Berries
This is a creamy protein filled food that will fill you up. In the summer, I enjoy adding in fresh berries but during the winter, dried cranberries or blueberries are a great seasonal add-in. They provide some antioxidants and all that natural sweetness too, making this feel like an indulgent snack.
- Hummus with Whole Wheat Crackers
It is a classic and you can never go wrong with this snack. Hummus gives you plant-based protein and healthy fat, while whole-grain crackers add fibre to help with your digestive system. Sometimes I add some cucumber or cherry tomatoes to the side of this snack for a little more flavour.
- Crunchy Okra Chips
These are such a yummy and healthy snack, love these Okra chips! Slice fresh okra in a thin layer and roast it with a little olive oil, season or place them in your fryer makes a very chic crispy snack. High in the richest fibre and antioxidants, you will have one of the healthiest energy boost snacks suitable for seniors. They are great for nibbling on during a holiday get-together.
Luxurious But Simple to Prepare Holiday: Snack ideas
- Cheese and Veggie Platter
Pack a mini cheese platter: Cut thin slices of low-fat cheese, add cherry tomatoes and cucumbers stick in your bag to get everything you need. Some nuts and whole grain crackers round the plate out. It’s festive, delicious and good way to sneak some vegetables into the menu.
- Herb-Seasoned Popcorn
Popcorn pills are not just a snack during the movie. I pop it in air fryer and sprinkle some olive oil over it with dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. It is a treat you can indulge in with no guilt, yet still feel extra and festive.
- Dried Fruit in Oat Energy Balls
No-bake Treats perfect for the holidays. I incorporate oats, peanut butter, honey and chopped dried apricots or cranberries into small-sized balls. They are not difficult to make and everyone who eats these loves them.
Grab and Go Snacks for Travel or a Busy Day
- Fruit and Nut Packs
I have little bags of mixed nuts and dehydrated fruits always in my purse. They are clean, easy to portion and ideal for long car rides or shopping excursions.
- Bananas with Almond Butter
The potassium from the bananas and the almond butter contributes protein and healthy fats for long-lasting energy.
- Protein Bars
Not all protein bars are the same, I look for ones that are made with natural ingredients such as oats, nuts and seeds. They are a perfect backup when you don’t have time to make something by yourself.
Stay Hydrated
During the holidays it can be easy to forget about hydration, more so with the weather being on the colder side. It is also important because it can reduce inflammation and avoid tiredness. Personally, I like to add some orange or lemon slices, a few cinnamon sticks or fresh mint to my drinks to give it some flavour. Soothing warm options are herbal kinds of tea like chamomile or peppermint which work nicely with the snacks.
How to Pick Healthier Snacks
Prioritise Whole Foods
Choose snacks with whole food ingredients such as whole grains, fruits and nuts.
Avoid Added Sugars
Be label conscious to make sure your snacks are not loaded with sugar or any of the used artificial sweeteners!
Plan Ahead
Putting in a little bit of effort ahead of time, can make a big difference. If you know you will be hungry later, spend a few minutes portioning out some snacks so that you don’t end up eating something unhealthy.
Thought for the day: a healthy holiday is a happy holiday
Mindful snacking is not restricting yourself; it is finding balance. Savour those tasty holiday goodies but balance them with wholesome and energy boosting snacks that help you feel great. The aim is not to achieve perfection but making choices (that are sustainable for you) and feeling energised afterwards to celebrate and honour what could be a very small shift (in the right direction).
Learning to choose healthy snacks is a game changer for me. It is important to take care of ourselves during this festive period so we can all get energised in our older years.
For more healthy eating tips and snack ideas have a look at this British Nutrition Foundation guide, who are one of the best sources for balanced nutrition.
Join our community of people enjoying the benefits of health, wellness and happiness. Let us walk this holiday season together with good energy, alive and in the positivity of our best lives!
