Healthy Snacks for the Mature Woman

It is true that women get better with age. Therefore, we must make healthy choices when it comes to snacking. As we age, our bodies require fewer calories and so we must be more careful about choosing foods rich in nutrients and low in fat. In addition, calcium intake should be increased as well as vitamins E, C and beta carotene (vitamin A).

A great snack would be low-fat ice cream. It contains the calcium that mature bones require to ward off osteoperosis. And who doesn't like ice cream?

Another delicious snack is some nice low-fat cheese. Combine this with a cut up apple or a few grapes and you have increased your vitamin C and calcium intake in a natural fashion.

If you like sardines, snack on a few with some whole wheat crackers. This is extremely healthy for you.
But, if you are like me, then I suggest trying a little tuna, without the mayo, on the crackers. Another idea, is to put some tuna on tomato, cucumber, or carrot slices. This will give you wonderful calcium along with vitamins A
and C.

A large glass of tomato juice, with a slice of lemon or lime is delicious and filled with beta caratene.
Add a little pepper,and hot sauce and you have a delightful snack, called a "Virgin Mary".

Don't forget to eat a banana. The potassium alone is fantastic for your body. Try a little peanut butter with it and you have one very healthy snack!

My mom, enjoys eating rice cakes with low fat peanut butter, cheese, or jelly. Pair this with a cup of hot green or black tea and you have a wonderful snack that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Remember, do not add salt to your food. As we mature, salt tends to retain water which raises our blood pressure which is not what we should be doing. Try pepper or a little garlic powder, (not garlic salt) as alternatives to salt.

Snack on a sweet potato, a cup of spinach, or a small bowl of fortified breakfast cereal. These foods will provide you with vitamin A which is necessary for your eyes, respiratory system, and urinary and intestinal tracts.

Vitamin E is essential for protecting your cells from damage. Cook with olive oil, eat sunflower seeds, snack on almonds, and mix some sun dried tomatoes with green leafy vegetables.

Try to add some of these food suggestions into your diet. We can't stop getting older, for that is the cycle of life.
But, we can mature beautifully, gracefully, and happily, feeling positive about the healthy eating choices we make along the way.

Sources:
www.eatright.org
www.nutrition.com