When it comes to managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels, a good diet plan plays an important role. This diet plan should not only be about meals, but also about snacks.
In order to prevent blood sugar level from going too high or too low, people with diabetes need to eat small snacks from time to time as they cannot afford to go without eating anything for long hours.
There are many healthy and tasty snacks that diabetics can enjoy. You must choose those snacks that are low in carbohydrates, low in calorie, high in protein, and full of nutrition in order to keep your blood glucose levels stable.
Here Are Some Of The Tasty And Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Snack Ideas You Can Try
Celery
Celery is high in fiber and water content as well as incredibly low in calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and fat. It can easily fill you up. It also has the goodness of other nutrients like vitamins A, C, K and some B vitamins as well as folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Celery can be chewed on as a midmorning or midafternoon snack. Try filling it with cottage cheese or peanut butter.
Yogurt
Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is a protein-packed, low carbohydrate snack which is a good source of calcium and contains very few calories.
It is rich in B vitamins, potassium, zinc, folic acid, and phosphorus. It also promotes digestion by adjusting the natural balance of bacteria in your gut.
Whole-Grain Crackers
Whole-grain crackers help keep you feeling full between meals due to its richness in fiber. Just make sure that what you will be buying are made of whole-wheat flour or another whole grain, such as rye or quinoa.
Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix is a non-perishable snack that you can carry with you by putting it in an airtight container. Store-bought trail mix can be unhealthy. Making it on your own can be a healthy snack option.
Here is a simple and easy homemade trail mix recipe:
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds, 1 cup of roasted peanuts, 1 cup of roasted almonds, 2 ounces of unsweetened grated coconut, 2 ounces of dark chocolate chips, and ½ cup of raisins or currants. Mix it well and your trail mix is ready.
Whenever you are hungry, eat 1 to 2 tablespoons of it.
Apples
Apples are great sources of iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and phytonutrients. It can keep you full for a long time because it is a low-calorie snack which is rich in soluble fiber. Its fiber can also slow down the digestion and absorption of fructose that is present in apples.
This fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth without sending your blood sugar soaring.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is rich in protein, low in calories and carbohydrates and contains all the essential amino acids. It also contains iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorus.
You can eat half a cup of cottage cheese together with water-based fruits, like cucumber or cantaloupe. Also, you can try sprinkling some herbs or a little salt in about 1 cup of cottage cheese.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn can keep you feeling full without adding lots of extra calories. Aside from being a good source of fiber, it also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin A, copper, magnesium, zinc, manganese, potassium, and phosphorus.
As compared to traditional snack foods, air-popped popcorn has a very low glycemic index.
Olives
All varieties of olives can be a perfect snack option for diabetic people.
Its healthy fatty acids help in controlling blood sugar levels. Monounsaturated fats are the best type of fats to eat when it comes to diabetes because these fats have the ability to lower blood glucose, increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol and improve your overall health.
Satisfy your hunger pangs by taking a handful of olives and then chew them slow and thoroughly.
Smoothies
A small smoothie is all you need if you suddenly feel hungry at home. Smoothies are very nutritious but make sure not to add too many sugar-laden fruits into it. Here’s a great smoothie recipe for you:
Put a small banana, ½ cup of frozen berries, and ½ cup of low-fat yogurt in a blender and blend the ingredients well. For a protein boost, you may add a dash of chia seed or flaxseed powder to the smoothie.
Put ½ cup of low-fat Greek yogurt, 1 cup of blueberries, ¼ cup of spinach leaves, and ½ cup of water in a blender. Blend thoroughly and your smoothie is ready.
Black Bean Salad
A small salad can be a healthy snack option if you are feeling quite hungry before your meal time.
Black bean salad, with plenty of green vegetables, is a good option for diabetic people. It offers the benefits of both protein and fiber, which makes you feel full for several hours. Aside from this, fiber can also help in lowering your cholesterol.
Put ½ cup of boiled black beans in a bowl. Add ½ cup of cubed avocado, ½ cup of chopped cucumber, ½ cup of chopped fresh tomatoes, and a handful of salad leaves. Add 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, a little salt and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Whenever you feel hungry between meals, eat ½ cup of this tasty salad.