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Healthy and Easy-to-Make Sweet Treats for Seniors

By Ruby Cemental

With the arrival of cooler weather and the holidays, more opportunities are on the horizon to indulge in the most forbidden of foods. Cravings become activated at just the sight of a fresh-baked pie or the smell of a batch of warm, baked holiday cookies. While turning down all of the temptations is likely too difficult, here are some healthier treat ideas to counterbalance the temptations while keeping your sweet tooth satisfied.

Baked Goods

If you're looking for a baked good that's appropriate for seniors with special health considerations, there are several to choose from! Try some of these great recipes:

Be sure that you're considering your loved one's dietary requirements when you select a sweet treat. While there are some seniors who can still eat whatever they like within reason, others may have specific restrictions that prevent them from eating certain types of baked goods or sugary treats. That doesn't mean, however, that you can't find a sweet treat that fits their diet!

Candy Treats

With candy in bowls across every office and sitting around the house, you need candy treats that are ideal for seniors, too. 

  • Chocolate and sea salt-covered almonds are great for seniors who don't have problems chewing. Keep in mind that they are hard, so they might not be good for seniors who have issues with their teeth.

  • Dark chocolate coconut bites. Use honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar for a healthier sweet option. 

  • These no-bake chocolate peanut butter cups are a healthier version of the Halloween favorite.

  • Chocolate bark is an easy and easy-to-customize candy bar-like favorite. 

Keep in mind that what's in your candy matters! Ginger, coconut, and dark chocolate are all known to have health-boosting properties, while candies that contain nuts and nut butter may contain additional protein that will be great for the senior in your life.

Fruit

If you like fruit, the natural sugars can really hit the spot if you have cravings for sweets. Here are some ideas to incorporate more fruit. 

  • Cinnamon apple chips are an excellent treat that's appropriate for nearly any diet.

  • Fruit and cottage cheese. Mix fruit with some cottage cheese and a little honey for a satisfying snack. 

  • Yogurt parfaits are a great way to get in some dairy and fruit servings. Add granola or crushed graham crackers on top for some extra texture. 

  • Chocolate-dipped fruits make for a heavenly treat! Plus, they are really easy to make at home. 

Whatever treats you're baking up, make sure to include senior-friendly options that will be sure to put a smile on your loved one's face. For more information on healthy foods for seniors, check out our blog post: Super Foods for Seniors.

Tags: Healthy Recipes