Have you ever hears people tell you not to eat between meals? This used to be an old theory of why people were fat, but did you know that eating snacks is not only healthy, but is also recommended by dietitians and doctors? A nice mid-afternoon or evening snack might be just what the doctor ordered to help keep your blood sugar levels steady. Snacking can also be very important for people who are medications. Check with your doctor before adjusting your diet.
Here are some helpful tips to help you find some of those healthier snacks, or “diabetic friendly” snacks:
- 150 Calories or less. A snack can easily become a small meal if you’re not careful. Try to pick something small and healthy (try some chopped vegetables).
- Portion control. If the first tip wasn’t enough of a tip, this expands on it. Eating a few potato chips or a snack out of a bag can easily cause you to loose track of how many you’ve had. Try using a bowl or a plate so you can see how many you are eating.
- Nuts! Most people underestimate the value of having a selection of nuts in the cupboard. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, and cashews contain the healthy monounsaturated fats that lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Crackers and Peanut Butter. Make it even more health and go with whole-grain crackers.
- Raw Veggies. As said in tip number 1, raw veggies cut up on a plate are a fantastic diabetic friendly snack. (also heart friendly too)
- Cup-O-Soup. Nothing goes down nicer than a hot cup of soup, especially in the winter season.
- Fruit Smoothies. If you don’t want to make your own, there are tons of new “smoothie” shops opening up in most major areas. If you got a few minutes, try combining half of a chopped banana, 3/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt, and a non-nutritive sweetener, and blend until smooth.
- Grapes and Bananas. Easy to prepare and tastes great. Best yet, you can easily have 20 red seedless grapes and keep your snack under 100 calories (typically).
- Have an apple, and leave on the skin. Most people don’t realize how valuable (dietary wise) apple skin is. An apple with skin has approximately3 grams of fiber and helps lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and has antioxidants.
These are just a few diabetic friendly snack tips I have learned. Be sure to speak to your doctor or dietitian regarding any changes you want to make to your diet. Be sure to use your One Touch meter devices to monitor your blood glucose levels when you try anything new as well.
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