Caregiver in East Windsor NJ

You likely remember those tiny boxes red boxes of raisins that you had for snacks when you were young, or that you gave your children when they were little. Now that you are a caregiver, these sweet little dried fruits can be a valuable tool in your nutritional efforts for your aging parent.

Some of the nutritional benefits of raisins include:

• Just one little box of raisins, approximately 90 individual pieces, counts for half a cup of your parent’s required fruit servings in a day
• Carbohydrates offer the same energy boost and sustaining fuel as sports chews or bars, but without the chemicals and additives
• Raisins are a good source of iron, which can be an exceptional benefit for those who do not eat animal products
• The potassium in raisins helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the impact that sodium has on the body
• Dietary fiber packed in each little fruit gem helps to promote healthy digestion, a sense of satiety, and reduced cholesterol

Eating raisins daily can help you to keep your aging loved one, and yourself, healthy and active. Try packing them into homemade energy bites for a delicious and satisfying snack that will keep you going through that afternoon slump.

What You Will Need

• Raisins
• A small bowl
• Water
• A strainer
• 1 and 1/2 cups of whey vanilla protein powder
• 1/3 of a cup plus 1 tablespoon of unsweetened almond milk
• 1/3 of a cup plus 1 tablespoon of smooth peanut butter
• 1 and 1/2 cups of quick oats
• 3 tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• About 20 drops of Stevia to taste
• A large bowl
• A mixing spoon
• A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment
• An 8 by 8 inch square pan
• Plastic wrap

What to Do

• In a small bowl, place all of the fruit you wish to add to the bars
• Add enough water to cover them (you can also use fruit juice or liquor to add a specific flavor)
• Allow to steep in the bowl for 15 minutes
• Strain the fruit and discard the water
• In the large bowl, place the oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, honey and stevia
• Stir the ingredients together until well combined
• Add the contents to the bowl of the stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and mix until a dough forms
• As the dough hook begins moving, slowly add the milk to the bowl
• Spray the square pan with the cooking oil
• Empty the contents of the mixing bowl onto the pan
• Cover the dough with plastic wrap
• Use your hands and flatten the dough down evenly, creating a rough rectangle
• Place the pan in the refrigerator
• Allow to stay in the refrigerator for a half an hour to firm up
• Remove from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap
• Use a sharp knife to cut 12 bars out of the bars
• Place each bar in a small zip tie bag for individual use
• Store bars in the refrigerator or freezer (if using the freezer, allow to thaw for 10 minutes before eating)
• Bars can be stored for up to a week

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiver services in East Windsor, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.

Source:  http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-raisins-day-5982.html