Living with diabetes means making a lot of changes. You need to monitor your blood sugar, get special diabetic socks, and change your diet.
That includes snacking. When most people think of snacks, they picture the little package of M&Ms waiting for them in their desk, or the bag of chips calling to them from the pantry.
But when you have diabetes, snacking becomes trickier. You need to choose things that will help you control your blood sugar levels.
That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a lifetime of bland, boring food. Here are a few snacks for diabetics that are as healthy as they are enjoyable.
1. Yogurt and berries
Berries and yogurt taste amazing together, a nice blend of sweet and tart. Better still, yogurt – Greek yogurt especially – offers you a great source of protein, while berries are high in antioxidants and fiber, all of which adds up to lower blood sugar levels.
2. Hummus and vegetables
Hummus might look and sound boring – a beige paste made from chickpeas? – but it’s delicious. Native to the Middle East, it has a wonderful flavor, and offers a great source of protein. Add some veggies – raw broccoli, carrots or bell pepper – and you’ll be getting the fiber you need as well.
3. Apple slices and peanut butter
Next on our list of snacks for diabetics is something virtually anyone can enjoy. Once again, both these foods are high in fiber, which is important for blood sugar control. And peanut butter is a good source of vitamin E, manganese and magnesium, which help you manage your diabetes.
4. Almonds
Almonds are good for everyone, not just people worried about diabetic health. They can reduce your cholesterol levels and promote weight management, while also helping stabilize your blood sugar levels. But note that almonds are high in calories, so limit yourself to just a handful.
5. Peanut butter with celery sticks
Celery isn’t the most exciting food but spread some peanut butter on a stick and it becomes another delicious addition to our list of snacks for diabetics.
Celery sticks are low in calories, which helps you manage your weight. They also contain antioxidants for lowering blood sugar levels. The addition of peanut butter gives you an added dose of protein and fiber, which help lower your blood sugar even more.
6. Trail mix
Just like almonds, this is a snack you’ll want to eat in smaller doses. A handful should be enough. Anything more is giving you more calories and sugar than is healthy.
But in smaller portions, trail mix – nuts, seeds and dried fruit – offer you a good source of protein, healthy fats and fiber, which can help lower your blood sugar and insulin levels.
Other tips
No matter which of these snacks for diabetics you choose, there are a few tips you should remember:
- When you go shopping, stock up on healthier foods so you have them on hand, and don’t need to resort to cracking open that bag of chips.
- Make sure you know portion sizes ahead of time. Use measuring cups or measuring spoons if you’re uncertain.
- Try not to engage in mindless snacking in front of the TV or while working/reading/driving.
Are you looking for other tips on living with diabetes? Be sure to read our other blog posts, where explore what to do after your diagnosis, questions about diabetic foot care and more.
And if you’re searching for the right diabetic sock, Creative Care has you covered on that front as well. Browse our online store to find the pair that’s right for you.
