Hold the Sugar
Diabetes can make meal-planning difficult, but snack time can still be a breeze. If you focus on homemade recipes, blood-sugar-friendly foods, and healthy moderation, you can still enjoy plenty of amazing snacks that will have you excited to eat.
1. Popcorn
Of course, there’s popcorn! Popcorn is light, airy, and you can eat 3 cups of it without having to worry about carb overload or salt. Speaking of salt, be sure to avoid the pre-seasoned super-salty packets.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
It may sound a bit bland at first, but roasted chickpeas are going to become your favorite chip replacement in no time. When you roast them in the air fryer, they can get super crunchy and crackly. Just add your favorite seasonings, like paprika, and a bit of olive oil, and they’ll be the perfect munchable.
3. Cottage Cheese
If you like creamy snacks, then cottage cheese is a healthy alternative to fill up on. Plus, just half a cup of cottage cheese has 13 grams of protein, meaning there are a lot of benefits to consider. In terms of diabetes, cottage cheese is known to decrease insulin resistance as well.
4. Nuts
An assortment of nuts is another great way to get that crunch, mindlessly snack on something, and do it all without the threat of spiking your blood sugar. While most nuts do the trick, consider hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds. Just be sure to avoid the salted variant.
5. Hummus
If you’re really craving a carb, then hummus technically fits the bill. You’ll want to pair it with some veggies for that snap and texture, but what really makes hummus so great is the fact that your body digests it slowly, so it won’t spike your blood sugar.
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6. Guacamole
While guacamole is pretty carb-heavy, keep in mind that they are healthy carbs, and as long as you avoid the chips, you’ll be fine. You just need some avocados, cilantro, and a bit of lime juice, and you’re essentially there.
7. Whole Grain Crackers
While crackers are a filling and relatively okay snack, you just want to be picky about the type of crackers you choose. Avoid crackers that are high in refined flour or added sugar. Instead, go for 100% whole grain crackers for the best benefits.
8. Beef Sticks
If you’re itching for some protein, or more plainly, some meat, then beef sticks are a solid choice. Not only does the average beef stick provide around 6 grams of protein, but it can also keep your blood sugar under control as long as you avoid the high-sodium variant.
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9. Apple Slices
The world of fruit makes for a bunch of inventive and delicious snacks that are as healthy as they get. Consider apple slices, as they’re crisp, easily accessible, and have a healthy amount of fiber. Just be sure to eat them quickly to avoid that browning.
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10. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is also something you can have in moderation. Consider using it as a dip, perhaps with apple slices or celery. Just be cautious of the carb quantity in peanut butter, and you should be good to go.
11. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are both a filling and tasty snack, plus they’re so easy to store in the fridge. Just pre-boil a few and you’ll always have a go-to snack when you’re in the mood for a quick protein fix.
12. Turkey
Another healthy protein you can prepare as a snack is turkey. Consider turkey roll-ups, which can help you manage your appetite, especially if you throw in some cream cheese or wrap it around a vegetable.
13. Energy Bites
Lots of health stores will sell energy bites, which are balls made of superfoods and healthy ingredients, like shredded coconut, nuts, and peanut butter. You can buy them in pre-made packets or just go ahead and make your own.
14. Edamame
You can get this tasty appetizer at most Japanese restaurants, but it can also be enjoyed on its own at home. Impressively, edamame is full of protein and fiber and is known to help improve cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes.
15. Yogurt
By now, you’ve probably heard all the benefits of yogurt, from its probiotic benefits to its protein value. Either way, you want to go for low-fat yogurt, and if you want some flavor, mix in fruits or even soup mixes for a savory treat.
16. Chia Pudding
If you like creamy snacks but yogurt isn’t what you’re looking for, then try chia pudding instead. This is super easy to make and just involves soaking chia seeds in milk to create an overnight pudding.
17. Protein Bars
When it comes to the world of protein bars, you’ll want to make your own at home. That’s because most of the store variants are loaded with sugar that can trigger effects. So instead, explore homemade recipes and focus on prioritizing ingredients like protein powder and nut butter instead.
18. Caprese Salad
While not necessarily a snack, a bit of mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and a veggie or two is a great way to get some flavor in without risking your blood sugar. The mozzarella, especially, can make the snack feel fresh and filling, so find inventive ways to incorporate it into your meals.
19. Tuna Crackers
Tuna and crackers just go hand-in-hand to make one of the tastiest snacks around. The idea is to use soda crackers to keep that salt and carb level down, but aside from that, tuna is a pretty healthy and filling snack.
20. Salsa
You can also try making your own salsa and go a completely different direction by making a sweet and spicy version. Fruit salsa is particularly popular, and you can incorporate diabetes-friendly fruits like strawberries and blueberries alongside some jalapeño peppers for a fun dip.
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