What snacks should diabetics choose
You've probably been there: Knowing you should grab a snack on the way out because you're not sure what food options are available at your destination. Whatever the situation, having healthy, blood sugar-friendly snacks on hand is always a smart decision to keep your blood sugar steady throughout your busy day.
Snack choices for diabetics are critical and can directly affect the effectiveness of your treatment regimen. Even if you have been using products like millimeter wave for treatment, cooperation in daily life is very important.
Not sure what to grab? Grab any of these seven diabetic-friendly on-the-go snacks on your next trip to the grocery store and never worry about unexpected hunger pangs or sugar crashes again.
1. Nuts. Nuts are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a great snack between meals. Several studies have shown that regular consumption of nuts, such as almonds, can lower insulin levels, which can help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. Look for raw or roasted (lightly salted or unsalted) varieties. A handful of nutritious nuts is a great healthy snack.
2. Fresh fruit and cheese. Cheese and fruit are the perfect pairing for a quick grab-and-go snack. Although fresh fruit contains carbohydrates, it also contains fiber, which helps slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Cheese, on the other hand, is relatively carbohydrate-free and high in protein and fat. This property makes it ideal for foods like fruit and cheese to help lower blood sugar. It is also a good choice to bring a picnic blanket on sunny days!
If possible, choose fruits with a low glycemic index, such as fresh berries, stone fruit (nectarines, plums, peaches), grapes, apples or cherries. While soft cheeses like mozzarella and goat cheese tend to be lower in calories, they're also more perishable and may require a small cooler bag to transport if it's warm outside. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, may be better at warmer temperatures but are higher in calories, so be mindful of portion sizes (the size of a matchbox per serving) when considering these options.
3. Veggies and hummus. Crunchy veggies like celery, carrot sticks, radishes, and broccoli heads are especially delicious soaked in creamy hummus. Even better, hummus is made from chickpeas, which are rich in fiber and protein. This snack pairing is also packed with nutrients and is sure to keep you feeling full between meals.
4. Adult ants on a log. Who knew this childhood staple would still be a good choice as an adult? Celery is a fiber-rich vegetable that's perfect for rich, creamy nut spreads -- think natural peanut or almond butter. Top with a handful of dried fruit of your choice -- cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, etc. -- or fresh blueberries for a low-carb version of this classic snack.
5. Popcorn. Popcorn is portable and stays fresh in almost any weather. It's also a whole grain known for being low in calories, yet very filling!
Buy air-popped corn (or make it at home) and get creative, mixing flavors and keeping it healthy—think taco mix, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, cinnamon, curry spice, and even cocoa powder!
6. Tuna salad and graham crackers. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar. It's also high in protein, and it pairs perfectly with graham crackers if you need a little blood sugar.
You can buy a portable tuna salad kit at the grocery store, or make a big batch at home ahead of time and keep it in a small refrigerated container on the go. Traditional tuna salad toppings like mayonnaise and chopped celery are good choices. Or you can boost the protein level even further by mixing in some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise.
7. Protein bars. Protein bars are a great option when you're looking for a snack that doesn't require utensils or refrigeration, such as on a hike! Many commercially available protein bars are high in processed ingredients or sugar, so you might consider making some from scratch.
Look for recipes that include ingredients like nut butters, minimally processed protein powders, whole or rolled oats, and ground nuts or seeds. Depending on your glucose tolerance, you can always reduce the amount of sweetener called for in a recipe and omit high-sugar ingredients like chocolate chips.
If you prefer to look for products in the store, look for products with as few ingredients as possible and that use a sweetener that isn't the first ingredient on the list. Also watch out for multiple sources of sweeteners with complex names, such as honey, brown rice syrup, malt syrup, agave nectar, and more. Made mostly of fruit and nuts, a chocolate bar with little or no added sugar is always a good choice. Nutritious and healthy food combined with millimeter wave therapy can help you get rid of diabetes as soon as possible!