Healthy Snack Foods For People With Diabetes

People with diabetes have to be extremely careful and calculating with the food that they consume, as it has a direct impact on their blood sugar levels. Not only do they have to meticulously arrange their meals, but they also have to choose snacks that will not cause their blood sugar levels to rise or cause them any other harm. It is of the utmost importance to include nutritious snacks into one’s diet, particularly those that are high in fiber and protein and also contain healthy fats. People who have diabetes may still enjoy a variety of delicious snacks without worrying about the effects of their condition on their bodies and here are a few food items they can opt for. 

• Sugar Free Yogurt With Berries

One of the easiest and tastiest snacks for people with diabetes is sugar free yogurt with berries. Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber which prevents and heals pancreatic cell damage and inflammation along with lowering blood sugar levels. Yogurt on the other hand contains proteins which balances the blood sugar levels and balances the sweetness of the berries. It is a lightweight and healthy snack that can be mixed and enjoyed. 

• Low GI Fruits 

As a rule of thumb, people with diabetes should consume foods that have a low glycemic index or load as it helps regulate blood sugar levels long term. Even though there is some amount of sugar in watermelon, apple and oranges, these fruits have a low glycemic index and will not cause any harm upon consumption when eaten in moderation. These fruits are packed with fiber and nutrients which are all beneficial for people with diabetes. 

• Sugar Free Baked Goods 

Just because one has diabetes does not mean that they cannot enjoy their favorite desserts. Making desserts for people with diabetes however does involve small changes such as using artificial low calorie sweeteners, dark chocolate with a low sugar content and whole wheat in place of maida. These changes considerably reduce the calorie count and don’t cause blood sugar spikes. For example, sugar free biscuits can be made of whole wheat and artificial sweetener and can be a good snack in small quantities. 

• Veggies And Hummus

Hummus, a thick and creamy dip, is made mostly of chickpeas. Raw veggies provide a nice taste and texture when eaten along with hummus. Vegetables and hummus are both great ways to obtain your daily fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, hummus has significant amounts of both protein and healthy fats. All of these characteristics have the potential to help people with diabetes in better controlling their blood sugar levels. According to the results of one study, people who took at least one ounce of hummus with a meal had blood sugar and insulin levels that were four times lower than those who consumed white bread with a meal. You can make this interesting snack even better by experimenting with dipping various vegetables in hummus, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. 

• Peanut Butter With Apples

A tasty and nutritious snack that is ideal for people with diabetes is sliced apples with peanut butter. Apples provide a variety of minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, while peanut butter has magnesium and vitamin E, all of which are known to aid in the management of diabetes. Peanut butter and apples both have a lot of fiber. A single medium apple and two tablespoons (32 grams) of peanut butter both provide about 7 grams of fiber, which is beneficial for controlling blood sugar. Apples are believed to include polyphenol antioxidants that shield pancreatic cells from damage that often makes diabetes worse. 

• Popcorn 

Another great whole grain snack for people with diabetes is popcorn. Popcorn is a low calorie and tasty snack that is air popped and contains negligible calories. It contains fiber that is filling and various flavors and seasoning can be added to it to make it even more appealing. This low calorie food is great for managing diabetes as it does not cause weight gain and aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels. However, ensure that you don’t get packaged popcorn as that contains preservatives and try getting kernels and making it at home for best results. 

Apart from these, people with diabetes can have other snacks such as chia seeds with yogurt, eggs, whole wheat toast and dishes with veggies and cottage cheese. All of these have a low glycemic index and will help in keeping blood sugar levels normal. These tasty and easy snacks can be enjoyed by people with diabetes but make sure that you exercise portion control as an excess of anything can be harmful.