Everyone needs a snack now and then.
They might not have eaten enough at their last meal or have expended all of their calories by doing something active. Whatever causes your aging relative to feel a little hungry, offering a snack can fill that void. For many caregivers, choosing a snack isn’t difficult. However, if you’re a caregiver for an older adult with diabetes, snacking becomes a little more complicated. If you’re at a loss for diabetes-friendly snacks, below are some ideas to satisfy your older family member’s appetite.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent high-protein snack. Each egg contains 6 grams of protein, a nutrient that can help to control blood sugar levels. To make perfect hard-boiled eggs, Food Network recommends following these instructions:

Put 1 dozen eggs in a pot and cover them with cool water.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Bring the pot to a full boil, then turn off the heat and put the cover on.

Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 12 minutes.

Transfer the cooked eggs to ice water and let them cool completely before peeling them.

Apple Slices with Nut Butter

Fruit is a good snack option for seniors with diabetes because it contains lots of vitamins and minerals. However, its natural sugars can make blood sugar rise, so it’s important to have only one serving of fruit at a sitting. Adding protein to the snack can help keep blood sugar from rising. But, what kind of protein do you serve with fruit? Well, nut butters pair perfectly with apples. Caregivers can slice up a small apple and serve it with some nut butter for dipping to provide a crunchy, sweet, and creamy snack that takes just minutes to prepare.

Fresh Veggies and Hummus

Fresh non-starchy vegetables are a low-calorie snack option that is also low in carbohydrates. To make serving them as a snack easier, keep washed and cut vegetables in the refrigerator that caregivers can grab at snack time without a lot of fuss. To add some protein, serve the vegetables with a tablespoon of hummus.

Handful of Almonds

Nuts are another protein-rich and convenient snack choice. It doesn’t get much easier than grabbing a handful of almonds. And, research has linked eating almonds with decreasing blood sugar over time. Almonds are full of nutrients, too. One ounce of almonds contains 15 different vitamins and minerals. A word of caution, though. Nuts are high in calories, so serve them in moderation.

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 Home Health Care in Flowery Branch, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources
Healthline.com
Verywellhealth.com
Medicalnewstoday.com
Foodnetwork.com

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

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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