Refreshing Warm Weather Snacks For Retirement Communities In Ohio

Help your loved ones expand their cooking skills this summer!

Ohio has a temperate climate, making it possible to enjoy all four seasons. However, as the weather gets warmer and the sun is shining, it can be tempting to stay outside all day long! While hearty soups and stews might be a typical craving for winter months, as the weather gets warmer we’re looking for snacks that are light and fresh. All of our Ohio Senior Retirement Living Communities recognize the importance of high-quality and nutritious meals for our residents. While the amazing executive chefs in our communities can provide delicious food 24/7, we want to empower your loved ones to be as independent as possible in creating snacks they love. Take a look at these four snack ideas that are sure to be a hit! One of the best parts about these snacks is the fact that they don’t require an oven or stovetop.

Oat Energy Bites

Snacks with protein and whole grains can help your loved one stay focused during the day. However, sometimes it seems more convenient to eat something packed with sugar or simple carbs instead. Luckily, these oat energy bites are packed with protein while still tasting sweet. They’re also very simple to make– just stir everything together and form into balls! You can customize the ingredients to whatever your loved one enjoys, which makes it possible to create lots of different variations of this recipe. The main ingredients are:

Honey
Nut butter
Oats
Optional add-ins: coconut, chia seeds, chocolate chips, raisins, dried fruit

Fruit and Nuts

Fruit is nature’s candy, and it makes a great sweet snack for that reason! There is a wide variety of delicious fruit in season during the warmer months, including strawberries, cherries, kiwi, grapefruit, and mangoes. Eating fruit on its own may not always be a hearty enough snack, so adding some healthy fats can make a big difference. Pairing a vibrant summer fruit with a handful of nuts can give your loved one a perfect, portable pick-me-up before lunch time. Here are some ideas for fruit and nut combinations:

Apple slices and almonds
Blueberries and cashews
Strawberries and pecans
Grapes and peanuts

Avocado Toast

Avocado toast has become incredibly popular the last few years and for a good reason! It’s a great simple snack that can be whipped up in just a few minutes. Avocados provide healthy fats and are also an excellent source of fiber. Combined with whole grain toast, this snack can keep your loved one full for hours! This avocado toast recipe is a great choice for a light and refreshing snack. In addition to the avocados, all you’ll need is:

Feta cheese
Whole grain bread
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Basil
Tomatoes
Balsamic vinegar

Greek Yogurt and Toppings

Plain Greek yogurt has great health benefits due to its low sugar and high protein content. Greek yogurt can be used to amplify the nutrient content of muffins and oatmeal and can even be a great substitute for sour cream. Still, eating Greek yogurt on its own can be an acquired taste due to the tangy flavor. That’s why it can be really helpful to know which toppings to add to make a filling and tasty snack! There are lots of great ideas for Greek yogurt recipes, including Cinnapple Yogurt and Banana Split Yogurt! Here are some quick and easy add-ins your loved one can include in their Greek yogurt: