Valentine’s Day is a day for giving sweets to everyone you love, including your senior parent. But if your senior parent has diabetes or other health conditions that make sweets something they shouldn’t have very often you may want to gift them something a little healthier.
There are plenty of sweet treats that you can give or make for your senior parent that are made from natural ingredients, don’t have a lot of sugar, and are healthier than commercially made candy. If your senior parent has senior home care their senior home care provider can help you make some healthy sweet treats to let your senior parent know how much you care.
Try making some of these healthy candy alternatives for your senior parent this Valentine’s Day:
Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and studies show it could be a heart-healthy type of chocolate that seniors can enjoy. This treat is always very easy to make. Just dip fresh strawberries in melted dark chocolate and allow them to cool. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and the bittersweet richness of dark chocolate makes for a delicious and health-conscious treat.
Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip
Sweet fruit is a healthier way for seniors to satisfy a craving for sweets. This year try making colorful fruit kabobs. Cut some washed and prepared fruits into heart-shapes and put them on skewers. Good fruits for this include berries, watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple. Serve them with a side of low-fat or Greek yogurt for dipping. This treat provides a refreshing and nutritious combination of vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Homemade Granola Bars
Baking granola bars at home is easy. Try using oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Shape them into heart using a cookie cutter and once they are baked you can serve them with a yogurt dip or plain. These freeze really well for snacks in the future too.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola to create a delightful parfait. Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and probiotics, contributing to digestive health. Choose a yogurt with a sugar substitute to make it healthier.
Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon
Baked apples are a favorite treat with seniors, and they are easy to eat for seniors that have dental problems or missing teeth. Anyone can make this easy treat. Just slice apples and bake them until they are soft. Top with a little butter, cinnamon, and a tiny bit of brown sugar.
Frozen Banana Bites
Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces and dip them in melted dark chocolate. Freeze until the chocolate hardens. These frozen banana bites offer a creamy and sweet alternative to traditional frozen treats.
Fruit Sorbet
Sorbet is a great dessert after a special Valentine’s Day dinner. It’s easy to make homemade fruit sorbet by blending frozen fruits like berries or mango with a splash of orange, apple, or pineapple juice. The result is a refreshing and naturally sweet dessert without added sugars.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Fresno, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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