Beauty
If you happen to have either type I or type II diabetes, pre-planned snacks can go a long way in helping you keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range. Often registered dietitians will recommend a small, nutritious daily snack to energize you while keeping blood sugar levels controlled. However, snack consumption can be tricky with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The idea is to consume fibrous, protein-rich snacks that are low in sugar, but high in healthy fats.
Here are a few healthy nutrient-dense snack ideas for diabetics:
1. Apple slices and nut butter
Nothing is quite as satisfying as sliced apples with a smear of protein-rich nut butter to get you out of that mid-afternoon slump. Plus, apple slices take you back to the safe and loving arms of your mom or nursery school teacher. This well paired snack happens to be perfect for diabetics because it’s nutrient packed (i.e., potassium and vitamins C and B) from the apples and nut butter (i.e., manganium, vitamin E, and healthy fats), but little sugar. Plus, you can sample from different nut butters (i.e., almonds, sunflower, cashews, peanuts, and more) until you find a favorite.
2. Turkey roll ups
This snack combines 2 of my favorite things (meat and cheese) plus it’s super easy to make in a pinch. Plus, it does away with needless carb-filled bread that can cause a dangerous spike in glucose levels. Simply wrap a lean turkey or chicken breast slice around a hard cheese slice or a smear of cream cheese. You can even add a bit of tomato or pickle if you like. This is the ideal low carb and high protein snack for managing type 2 diabetes.
3. Chia seed pudding
It might appear this snack contains sugar on first taste, but the absence of any refined sugar actually makes this chia seed pudding a great snack option for diabetes patients. It may take some time to pre-soak the chia seeds (it needs at least an hour), but the wait is worth it. Try soaking your chia seeds in unsweetened almond or coconut milk until they become gelatinous (like pudding), then mix with a handful of frozen berries and add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for natural sweetness.
4. Almonds
Almonds are not only full of protein and healthy fats; they’re also the perfect snack to keep blood sugar level when you’re on the go. Just a small 1-ounce handful will do the trick. Believe it or not, you’re getting over a dozen vitamins and minerals in that small amount (i.e., riboflavin, magnesium, fiber, healthy fats, etc.). And better yet, you’ll feel satiated until dinner time.
