One of the biggest pet peeves for people that have diabetes is being told that they can’t eat this or that because it has too much sugar. When you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to always have snacks handy in order to help you control your blood sugar levels. What are some of the best snacks for diabetics?
When looking for good healthy snacks, you have to think about snacks that are a good mix of protein, fat, and fiber in order to keep you from getting hungry and to keep your blood sugar under control. The snacks you eat play a big role in your energy level and how you feel throughout the day. This is why it’s smart to have a list of foods that you can snack on, such as:
Nuts: Healthy mono-saturated fats are something that you need in order to manage your sugar levels. Snack on almonds that are rich in healthy fats and contain magnesium. Other healthy nuts include hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios. Make sure you eat those that are low sodium; raw or toasted are your best options.
Crackers: Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you don’t eat carbs. When snacking on crackers, make sure you choose wisely and choose crackers that are whole grain, which is a good source of fiber. You can also eat crackers with cottage cheese, which give you more nutrients and help you feel fuller.
Fruit: When eating fruit, you have to be careful about the type of fruit you eat because there are some fruits, like bananas and mangoes that contain too much sugar. If you’re going to have those, have smaller quantities. Snack on fruits that don’t have that much sugar and are high in fiber, such as pears, apples, kiwis, and strawberries. If you choose to have your fruits blended in the form of a smoothie, make sure you prepare it at home because store bought smoothies contain too much sugar.
Dip: There are several low-calorie dips, but the best dip is the one you make at home. You can make a low-calorie dip from any of your favorite beans, such as black or pinto. Hummus is another healthy option, which you can munch on with carrots, celery sticks, and even crackers. These dips are high in fiber and protein, which is a healthier way of snacking than your traditional dips.
Yogurt: Eating yogurt adds protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar and curbs hunger, not to mention that it has calcium, which is good for maintaining strong bones. Be careful when choosing yogurt because it can be packed with sugar and unhealthy additives. A healthier option is Greek yogurt, which has more protein, fewer carbs, and less sugar than most yogurts. You can buy plain yogurt and add chopped fruit like strawberries, which is delicious and healthy.