As you grow older, taking care of your health becomes more important than ever. One of the most crucial components to improving your health is maintaining a good diet. Certain foods and beverages are particularly beneficial in this regard. Brightwater Senior Living has compiled a list of the foods and beverages that are healthy, tasty, and convenient for older adults.

Veggies & Dip

Replace your go-to chips and dip with these healthier and filling substitutions. Baby carrots and hummus are a great snack for when you’re on-the-go or watching TV. You can also experiment with celery and a low-fat peanut or other nut butter or try making your own tzatziki dip with low-fat Greek yogurt, dill, cucumber, and garlic. If raw carrots are too tough on your teeth, softer foods like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes are also delicious dipped.

Egg-White Scrambles

Eggs are one of the most versatile breakfast foods around and they pack a ton of protein. Making a scramble with egg whites instead of the whole egg will significantly lower its cholesterol and calorie count. Mix in healthy fillings like peppers, cherry tomatoes, or green onions and a little bit of salt and pepper and you’ve got a go-to easy breakfast. Enjoy it with whole-grain toast.

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad first got a reputation as a diet food in the 70’s due to the high amount of protein relative to fat, carbs, and calories. Although the traditional recipe calls for canned tuna to be mixed with mayonnaise, you can use yogurt or hummus for the mayo for a healthier alternative with a great flavor. Mix the salad with relish, pickles, or celery for some extra veggies and serve it on lettuce instead of bread for low-carb crunch.

Ensure Shakes

First introduced in 1973, these meal replacement shakes are well-known for being delicious and nutritious. Ensure shakes come in multiple flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, and provide you with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals. While you shouldn’t rely on Ensure for every meal, it’s a great option to get some nutrients in you if you’re too tired to fix anything else.

We hope these ideas give you a jumping-off point for cooking up some healthy, tasty, and filling meals and snacks. For more information on nutrition for seniors and health-conscious reading, check out Brightwater’s blog.