Food is a necessity of life. It feeds the body and nourishes it. Snacks are a convenience but they raise the spirit. They give us a beak from the mundane and an opportunity to indulge in guilty pleasures – a welcomed respite between meals.
When preparing snacks for diabetics, selections are not as carefree. Adequate nutrients such as fiber and proteins must be considered to keep blood sugar levels stable. To that end, here are our top 5 snack ideas for diabetics.
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1. Yogurt and Fruit
Yogurt with fruit is a well-balanced breakfast snack for diabetics, not to mention delicious. Fruit and yogurt can be combined in a bowl to create a beautiful and tasty serving of goodness or ‘burger stacked’ to create a more complex dish like a parfait.
Yogurt is low on the Glycemic Index so it doesn’t significantly spike your glucose levels. Non-fat and low-fat selections make the best options as they reduce the total number of calories per serving. Yogurt is a good source of nutrients such as vitamin D which improves your immunity.
Being high in protein, yogurt offers benefits such as cellular repair and production. Calcium helps to maintain strong bones and heart health. Other benefits of ingredients such as yogurt include inflammation reduction and blood sugar control.
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries when added to yogurt offer antioxidants and fiber. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals while fiber is known to relieve and even prevent constipation and other digestive issues. Berries are also rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K1.
Vitamin C can lower your blood pressure and help you better absorb iron. Manganese is also a very useful mineral. It supports healthy bones and helps to give your metabolism a solid boost. Other fruits such as apricots, and pears are similarly good choices as they help to improve insulin response.
2. Hummus with Vegetables
Chips and dip is a favorite pastime for most snackers. Hummus and vegetables give you a healthier, more balanced option that is just as entertaining to indulge in.
Hummus is a complex carb which means it does not burn through your system as easily. It contains proteins and monounsaturated fats. The presence of all three macronutrients means this product offers a good balance.
It also carries a variety of vitamins and minerals while staying significantly low on the Glycemic Index. Celery and cucumber can be paired with hummus to create satisfying bedtime snacks for diabetics.
Celery is high in antioxidants, reduces inflammation, and supports digestion. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and folate. Vitamin A helps remove waste from your body and promotes healthy brain function. Folate also helps with brain function but it additionally supports heart health.
Cucumbers contain carbs, protein, and fiber. They have high water content and add a bit of freshness to your meal. Cucumbers may also reduce blood sugar levels. Slicing these into sticks and using hummus as a dip makes this snack choice both fun and feasible.
Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or kale can be used to create a layered hummus dip. Flavor with chopped onion, olives, tomatoes (seeded), and cheese.
3. Apples and Peanut Butter
While fruit is always a healthy option, on its own, it does not satisfy the macronutrient balance. It is always beneficial therefore to pair a portion of fruit with a bit of protein and fat. Peanut butter can satisfy both macronutrient categories and it’s wildly appetizing.
Peanut butter is a high-calorie food but can be a good option when used in moderation. It is rich in unsaturated fats and minerals such as magnesium. Unsaturated fats reduce your overall cholesterol and promote heart health.
Magnesium helps relieve instances of constipation and can even support bone strength. Due to its complex makeup, a moderate amount of peanut butter is a good option for diabetics.
Apples are low in calories and low in Glycemic Index. They have high fiber and vitamin C content as well as antioxidant power. This tart treatment not only helps to control glucose levels but also reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A combination of apples and peanut butter is a nice little morning snack since it’s the best time to eat apples. To keep up with your breakfast theme, you can slice your apples along the width to create luscious ‘bagel buns’.
4. Cheese and Crackers
Crackers with cheese is a timeless classic. It can be consumed as a mid-morning snack or later on, at bedtime. And there are several healthy cheese snacks that can be purchased online.
Crackers have high levels of protein but offer a low-calorie count. Its dietary fiber content helps to keep blood sugar under control. Whole-grain or multigrain selections are most beneficial. In addition to carrying a wealth of essential nutrients, your body receives additional benefits such as blood sugar control and improved heart health.
Cheese puts your body to work during digestion and used in moderation, offers many benefits with bone and muscle health being among them. Fermented cheese, for example, ricotta provides probiotics. Low-salt options such as mozzarella are best recommended for diabetics due to a low-calorie count.
5. Tuna Salad
Tuna is a magnificent snack choice for diabetics. The meat itself is low in calories which helps to maintain your blood sugar levels. It has multiple nutritional benefits including omega fatty acids which reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Tuna salad is also multi-purpose. You can use it on whole grain or multigrain bread as a hearty sandwich. You can also use it on whole grain or multigrain crackers to make another delicious snack option. Tuna salad can be stored for later use and consumed as part of a mid-morning snack or at bedtime.
This meat is also quite malleable. You don’t have to use mayonnaise for your salad, although it’s a natural choice. You can use other ingredients such as yogurt or cheese and still get a smooth consistency without sacrificing the most important thing – taste.
Selective and Succulent
While managing your blood sugar involves a fair amount of selection, it does not mean the result can’t be mouth-watering. Whether you are making breakfast or bedtime snacks, smart choices and star ingredients can do wonders for your taste buds. With these tips, tricks, and combos you can make both the body and heart sing at any time of day.
