October is National Dessert Month and it’s the sweetest time to try some delicious desserts. But often seniors need to be careful about how much sugar they are eating, especially if they have diabetes. Luckily, fall is a season filled with healthy dessert ideas that feature apples, pumpkin, and other fruits and even some vegetables.
If your mom or dad has a sweet tooth but has to watch their diet elder care can help. Seniors with elder care have an easier time eating healthy and finding delicious healthy meals and desserts. An elder care provider can encourage your mom or dad to try some new healthy dishes, and portion meals and desserts into individual portions so that your senior parent isn’t over-indulging.
An elder care provider can help your mom or dad celebrate National Dessert Month in style with these delicious and healthy dessert ideas for seniors:
Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Apples are high in fiber and antioxidants and baking them with cinnamon adds flavor without extra sugar. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. Together these classic fall flavors create a delicious hot dessert that is soft and easy for seniors to eat.
Pumpkin Puree with Greek Yogurt
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C and fiber. Mixing it with Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive health. You can add a little maple syrup or sugar free sweetener to make it taste a little more like dessert. Your mom or dad may also like to eat this for breakfast.
Pear and Almond Crisp
Pears provide fiber and vitamin C, while almonds add healthy fats and protein. Using a small amount of whole-grain oats for the topping offers additional fiber. Pears are often overlooked, but this luscious fall fruit is soft, sweet, and delicious as well as healthy.
Chia Seed Pudding with Spiced Apples
Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Spiced apples add flavor and antioxidants, making this dessert nutritious and satisfying. To make spiced apples just peel an apple and slice it into very thin spices. Toss the slices in a bowl with cinnamon and a little brown sugar.
Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Blending them into a smoothie with low-fat milk or a milk alternative can be a healthy and filling dessert option. Sweet potatoes are sweet on their own, but a little maple syrup can add more sweetness.
Cinnamon-Spiced Roasted Pears
Roasting pears concentrates their natural sweetness and preserves their nutrients. Adding cinnamon not only enhances flavor but also has anti-inflammatory properties. Roasted pears are delicious and soft, so seniors who have a hard time biting or chewing can enjoy this dessert.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Made with whole oats and minimal added sugar, these cookies offer fiber and antioxidants from the oats and raisins. Using whole grain flour and reducing added fats can make them a healthier choice.
Fruit Salad with Walnuts and Honey
Fresh fruit provides essential vitamins and fiber, while walnuts add healthy fats and protein. A drizzle of honey offers a natural sweetener without the need for refined sugars.
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
Oats provide soluble fiber which can help with heart health and digestion, while pumpkin adds vitamins and fiber. Baking it makes a warm, comforting dessert that’s low in added sugars. You can also make this in a crockpot. An elder care provider can leave the ingredients in a crockpot on low overnight so your mom or dad can wake up to a hot and sweet breakfast on cold fall days.
Yogurt and Berry Parfait
Combining Greek yogurt with fresh berries creates a dessert rich in protein, calcium, and antioxidants. Berries are low in sugar and high in vitamins and fiber.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Hoschton, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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