HEALTHY SNACKS DISCUSSED DURING "SENIOR-WISE" AT CASPER SENIOR CENTER

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                (Casper, WY) -- Local seniors were provided important nutritional advice during the latest edition of "Senior-Wise", the weekly informational program held Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Casper Senior Center. Nutritionist Karla Case of the Natrona County Extension Office was the guest speaker and she offered many tips on healthy snacks. "Snacks are an important part of a healthy diet," she said. "For instance, they fill you up so you don't overeat at your next meal. In fact, they're just as important as a healthy meal itself." 

                She said snacks fill the nutrition gaps that are in most diets and they provide the important nutrients throughout the day that our bodies need. They give our bodies energy so we don't get sick as often, they help prevent us from overeating and keep us more alert, and they help keep our blood sugar levels constant. "Whether you're 5 or 95, your body still needs nutrients, " she added, "and once we reach the age of 55 to 60 our bodies don't need as many calories so eating properly becomes even more important." She pointed out that we all need vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates -- but in smaller caloric amounts.

                According to Case, fruits and nuts and cheese (mozzarella is a healthy choice because it is lower in fat) are examples of healthy snacks. She suggested apples, strawberries, grapes and almonds. "Sweet peppers are also excellent snacks," she said. "They're colorful and easy to prepare; just wash them and eat raw or with dips." Even popcorn is a good snack food because it's a whole grain and is high in fiber. "Just make sure you watch what you add to the popcorn, like butter and salt."

                Snacking doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, she said. "People want healthy snacks that are inexpensive and simple to make. Making your own snacks is actually healthier than buying prepackaged foods and it's a lot cheaper, too." She suggested that buying health snack foods in bulk helps cut costs, and also can help with portion control as well. For example, trail mix is an easy, convenient inexpensive snack food. "I like to make my trail mix with Chex cereal or Cheerios, and then add raisins, some nuts and dried fruit, and even some M-and-M's. The M-and-Ms add some color and the chocolate is all right too, as long as you don't overdo it."

                Senior-Wise is held Tuesdays at 12:30 at the Casper Senior Center. A different guest speaker presents the program each week.