Healthy Desserts for Seniors

Healthy eating isn’t always simple, especially for those who have a sweet tooth. It’s all right to have something sweet every now and again, but indulging too much can lead to complications with diabetes and high blood pressure. These healthy desserts for seniors will help satisfy that desire for a treat while still being a great addition to a balanced diet.

Chocolate covered strawberries

For someone with diabetes, cholesterol issues, or who is gluten-free, an easy way to get something sweet is with a batch of chocolate-covered strawberries. Melt the chocolate, dip the strawberries, let them dry in the fridge, and you have your treat! This recipe can be completed with any kind of chocolate, but dipping the berries in dark chocolate is best, as it is heart-healthy.

Smoothie-pops

On a hot summer day, nothing sounds better than a frozen treat. Instead of buying sugary, artificial popsicles, try making a smoothie pop. Prepare a smoothie as you usually would, then pour it into a popsicle mold. Leave it to freeze for a few hours, and then you have a delicious treat! If you’d like a recipe to get you started, try this one.

Fruit crisp

If you’re looking for something baked, a fruit crisp is a great option. Pick your fruit of choice, cover it in an oat-based crumble (which is a great source of fiber!), and bake it in the oven. In about half an hour, you’ll have a gooey, delicious treat that is sure to satisfy.

Chocolate banana bread

For a recipe that is gluten-free, free of refined sugar, and vegan, this chocolate banana bread is a winner. Extremely ripe bananas are the secret to this recipe—they are so sweet, you won’t miss the added sugar. Cocoa powder takes this recipe to another level, giving it a decadent taste while still being relatively healthy.

Grilled angel food cake with strawberry rhubarb sauce

Angel food cake is already a healthier option since it has no fat or cholesterol. Take this light dessert to the next level by hitting the grill. Toast a slice on the grill, then cover in a simple strawberry rhubarb sauce. This is a fantastic sweet treat to have when you’re already planning on grilling, as it just takes a few minutes to complete.

Chocolate bark

This is another practically endlessly customizable treat. Use your chocolate of choice (though dark chocolate might be the best not only for your heart health, but for hardening), and sprinkle whatever you’d like on top. It is best to stick to dry ingredients, such as nuts or dried fruits. Anything with water content might make the re-hardening process difficult. Try this roasted hazelnut and pistachio bark to get started.

Crunchy peanut butter thins

Peanut butter lovers will enjoy this recipe. Packed full of protein and fiber, these crunchy peanut butter thins give you the satisfaction of a crunch, a bit of salt from the peanut butter, and a touch of sweetness from the chocolate drizzle. The recipe also sneaks in chia seeds, which are an excellent source of omega-3s (which is great for brain health!). If you like this recipe, try it with other nut butters!

For assistance with meal preparation, consider home care

While these recipes may sound delicious, many seniors are daunted by the prospect of buying groceries, cooking for themselves, and cleaning up afterward. Cooking isn’t as desirable as it once was, and it may even be exhausting. If that is the case, don’t resort to unhealthy fast food or microwavable options. Instead, consider the help of an at-home caregiver.

At Home Care Powered by AUAF, it is our pleasure to provide compassionate caregivers to older adults in the greater Chicago area. Our staff is trained in all the latest standards of care, so you can always be confident you are in good hands. With their support, you can age comfortably and comfortably in place.

For more information on our services, give us a call at 773-274-9262. We would be happy to help.