What Are the Best Snacks for Diabetes?
Snacking is natural, and diabetes doesn't necessarily change that. Sometimes, with diabetes snacking is an emergency treatment. So, how do we choose the best snack? Let your blood sugar level be your guide.
Hi there, I’m Toby Smithson, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with DiabetesEveryDay. Let's talk snacks today, and please remember to sign up for my newsletter, so you never miss out on great tips and recipes.
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What Is The BEST Answer?
I get this question a lot… What are the best snacks to have when you have diabetes? Honestly, the best answer when it comes to managing diabetes is to check your blood sugar. Your blood sugar will be the first step in the decision of what is the best snack. For instance, if your blood sugar is 70 or below, you will want to have a fast-acting carbohydrate snack like 2 packs of smarties or 3-4 glucose tabs or one- half cup of juice.
Best Snacks With Blood Sugar Within Target Range
Suppose your blood sugar is within target range before a meal - a reading at 130 or below. In that case, the best snacks will be a protein and carbohydrate combination like chia pudding (I have the recipe listed in my chia pudding video) or nuts and one serving of fruit or cheese and fruit or cheese and wholegrain crackers. A homemade yogurt parfait is another option that gives you a nice carb/protein combo. Use plain Greek yogurt as your base and add fruit and nuts as your topping. I developed a delicious “apple pie” yogurt parfait, and you can find the recipe in my next newsletter, so make sure to sign up.
Be Sure To Check Out - Berry Good Yogurt Parfait
Well…I’m definitely a fan of eating nuts and seeds as snacks or with a meal. Some of the superstars are almonds, which have the highest fiber source compared to other nuts with 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of carb, and 3.5 grams of fiber. In the seeds category, pumpkin seeds are highest in protein with 9 grams per ounce, and the chia seeds are the highest in fiber.
Best Snacks With Blood Sugar Above Target Range
Now, If your blood sugar is above the target range, but you are still hungry for a snack, you can choose some lower carb options like homemade Kale chips, homemade parmesan crisps, raw veggies, pickles, jerky or low calorie, low carb beverages like unsweetened iced tea or coffee, water with lemon or lime OR adding a flavor packet to your water.
Want to Learn More? - Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?
Hope some of the ideas sparked a new snack option for you. Please share your favorite snack in the comments section below.
Until next time, Cheers to your health!
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