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Healthy Snacks for Diabetes
Getting a diagnosis of Diabetes can make a simple think like eating feel like an advanced math problem. Suddenly, you can’t just eat whatever wounds good or what’s in the refrigerator but instead have to give real thought to every meal.
And then there’s the matter of what to eat. It’s difficult enough to contemplate the changes necessary to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Adding a couple of snacks to the mix can make something as simple as eating suddenly seem complicated and overwhelming.
But there are some simple guidelines you can follow to make snacking easy and enjoyable while controlling your diabetes in the most effective manner possible. And the best part is there are plenty of snacks out there that are good for your diabetes – and that taste great as well!
Hearty Between-Meal Snacks
Getting the balance right between carbohydrates and protein is crucial in finding a diabetic snack that will release energy into the body at even intervals. Following are a few examples of diabetic snacks that will keep your blood sugar from dropping to dangerously low levels without the “jittery” energy that goes along with snacks that are high in simple sugars.
Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese
½ Sandwich with Lean Meat
Whole Grain Crackers with Cottage Cheese
Air Popped Popcorn
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Dried Fruit
Whole Grain Cereal with Milk
½ Bagel with Peanut Butter
A Piece of Toast with Melted Cheese
Frozen Grapes
Chewing Gum (Yes! Even a stick of chewing gum can get you through a rough spot!)
Sweets and Treats
People with Diabetes often find the hardest snacks to avoid are “sweets and treats”. The fact is, desserts are a part of every day life and can be worked into a healthy diabetic diet with a little extra thought.
So the next time a coworker has a birthday or it’s Friday “Donut Day” at the office, consider packing a little something extra to get you through the temptation!
Here are a few ideas:
A Regular Serving of Frozen Yogurt
Ginger Snaps or Animal crackers with Yogurt
A Serving of Sherbet or Sorbet with a Small Cookie
A Chocolate Chip Granola Bar (choose one with less sugar)
One Serving of Pudding
Fresh Fruit with Yogurt (frozen or regular)
Low Fat Muffin or Scone (one small size, or ½ a large size)
Small Piece of Banana or Pumpkin Bread
Portion Distortion
Few people would argue that portion sizes have become out-of-control, especially in the US. “Portion distortion” is probably the single greatest culprit of weight gain and excess calorie and sugar intake. Portion control is especially important for someone with Diabetes, because while frozen yogurt might be on the “recommended” list of diabetic snacks, a half-gallon of frozen yogurt will have the same effect as eating a half-gallon of full-sugar ice cream! Just checking portion sizes can do wonders for any diabetic diet, and snacking is no exception. Be sure to check portion sizes before indulging in your diabetic snack.
By putting a little thought into your diabetic snacks you’ll find that it’s easy to continue living and enjoying life - even with Diabetes!
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