Cookies, chips, and chocolate bars might have stolen the spotlight, but they are not the only snacks out there.
Snacking can be healthy. If you have type-2 diabetes or prediabetes, snacks can be essential in helping you manage blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a condition where your body doesn’t make enough insulin to move glucose – sugar – into cells for energy. Sugar can instead stay in the bloodstream and lead to high blood sugar.
Food choices, however, can help manage blood sugar. Snacking in between meals can help regulate sugar metabolism to keep levels in check. The key to smart snacking is eating nutrient-dense foods.
Reaching for foods with fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein can all help keep blood sugar in check. These foods generally won’t spike blood sugar, yet they can provide energy and keep you satiated. This can ultimately prevent overeating and potentially dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar.
So what are some good snack ideas for managing blood sugar? Here are a few to consider.
Tuna-Stuffed Avocado Halves: Tuna is an excellent source of protein, while avocado is rich in fiber, healthy fats, and a host of vitamins. They help keep you full and promote healthy blood sugar. You can add a little flavor by mixing the tuna with red onion and a little mayo.
Cottage Cheese Parfait: Cottage cheese is another high-protein, low-sugar, nutrient-dense option that can be a great substitute for ice cream. Adding some nuts and fruit – like frozen berries – can make it an even more nutritious snack.
Nuts and Seeds: A handful of nuts and seeds, like a trail or nut mixture, might be all you need to keep you going. Nuts and seeds are great sources of fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals that won’t spike blood sugar.
Apples and Peanut Butter: Coring an apple, slicing it, and spreading natural peanut butter on top hits the spot almost every time. Sprinkling some chopped nuts or oats on top can make it even more decadent!