5 Ways To Make Cookies Healthier For Seniors
Home Care in Spotswood NJ
October is National Cookie Month! That means October is the perfect time to enjoy a sweet treat with your senior mom or dad. But, for seniors who have diabetes, or who have other health conditions that require a special diet, cookies may not be something they can enjoy. If your mom or dad has home care, their home care provider can help them make some healthier cookies that everyone can eat! There are lots of ways that seniors with special diet restrictions can still enjoy a delicious cookie.
Try these changes and substitutions to make delicious cookies that are healthier:
Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour
Whole wheat flour is better for seniors than white flour. Whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ of the wheat, which means it’s higher in fiber and B Vitamins than white flour.
Wheat flour also has minerals like iron and magnesium, which all-purpose white flour doesn’t have. The increased fiber helps with digestion and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Substitute Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil for Butter
Butter is delicious, but it’s not great for seniors with heart problems or high cholesterol. Coconut oil and avocado oil contain healthier fats compared to butter. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may help boost metabolism.
Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Both oils also have lower levels of saturated fat compared to butter. Coconut oil is recognized as a healthy fat, and it can still give cookies a satisfying taste.
Replace Granulated Sugar with Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup
Sugar is something that seniors with health problems need to be careful of eating. But, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than granulated sugar, which means it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels.
It also contains small amounts of nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium. Maple syrup is less processed and contains antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and zinc. Both alternatives can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Incorporate Oat Flour or Almond Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour
If your senior mom or dad is gluten free, try making their cookies with oat or almond flour. Oat flour is high in fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is beneficial for heart health and can help regulate blood sugar.
Almond flour is a low-carb, high-protein alternative that also provides healthy fats and vitamin E. Both options are good for those looking to reduce gluten intake or increase nutritional value. Almond flour cookies are a great choice for diabetic seniors who are trying to eat fewer carbs.
Add Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds to the Dough
Chia seeds and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion and can help with satiety, potentially leading to healthier weight management. Additionally, both seeds provide a boost of protein and essential minerals.
If you grind the chia seeds in the blender and add them to the dough they won’t be noticeable in the dough, but they will give it a nutty flavor that makes the cookies taste even better.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Spotswood, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care today. Call (732) 607-8870.
The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.
Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.
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