Summer weather is on the way, and that means it’s time for delicious summer treats. However, seniors who have conditions like diabetes and those who are just trying to make healthier choices need to be careful about what they eat.
If your senior parent is having trouble cooking healthy meals or needs extra help with grocery shopping to keep the house stocked with healthy food, in-home care services can help.
With in-home care, your senior parent will have help shopping for ingredients and making healthy summer treats like:
Sugar-Free Popsicles
With the help of in-home care providers, you or your loved one can make homemade popsicles using sugar-free fruit juice or unsweetened yogurt. You can add chunks of fresh fruit for added flavor and texture. These popsicles are easy to make with a set of plastic popsicle makers that can be purchased at any big box store or online. Your mom or dad will love these cool, naturally sweet alternatives to ice cream.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Another low-sugar frozen dessert perfect for summer is frozen yogurt bark. Spread sugar-free yogurt onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with chopped nuts, seeds, and a few dark chocolate chips, then freeze until firm. Break into pieces for a refreshing and satisfying snack. If your senior parent has dentures, in-home care providers may need to let the pieces of bark get a little soft before serving them.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a perfect summer breakfast, snack, or dessert. Combine a variety of fresh fruits such as berries, melons, and citrus fruits for a colorful and naturally sweet dessert or snack. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. And if you want to add healthy protein to this dish, get cottage cheese. Mix the cottage cheese with a little low-fat whipped cream and a few spoonfuls of sugar-free gelatin powder. Then mix in the fruit.
It makes a fantastic cold breakfast on a hot summer day, and in-home care services can make sure everything is purchased and ready.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
For a satisfying, protein-packed dessert or snack, layer sugar-free Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of low-carb granola or crushed nuts.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Blend ripe avocados with unsweetened cocoa powder, a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, and a splash of almond milk until smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Avocados are a fantastic source of healthy fat for seniors.
Sugar-Free Sorbet
Sorbet is easy to make and delicious! You can make homemade sorbet using pureed fruit such as strawberries, mangoes, or peaches blended with a sugar substitute and a splash of lemon juice. Freeze until firm, then in-home care workers can scoop and serve for your senior loved one.
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Bites
These soft, easy-to-eat snacks are refreshing on a hot day. Spread slices of cucumber with a thin layer of cream cheese and top with smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs for a refreshing and low-carb snack.
Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a simple and flavorful snack or appetizer.
Zucchini Chips
Slice zucchini into thin rounds, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until crisp or put them in the air fryer until crispy. Enjoy these crunchy chips on their own or with a side of sugar-free marinara sauce for dipping.
In-home care providers can help with all the slicing and dicing to keep your senior safe when you’re not available.
Coconut Chia Pudding
Mix coconut milk with chia seeds and a sugar substitute, then let it sit in the refrigerator until thickened. Serve topped with fresh berries or toasted coconut flakes for a creamy and satisfying dessert.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Morrisville, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
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