Best Diabetic Snacks and Blood Sugar Foods to Reduce Blood Glucose Spikes
Why Diabetic Snacks Are a Healthy Idea
Diabetics have to watch their diets probably closer than any other group of people. So many foods are just like poison to diabetics. So, what are the best diabetic snacks to help control blood sugar? Are there foods that will reduce spikes in blood sugar? Foods that will help keep blood sugar levels in a more normal range? Yes, there are.
As a matter of fact, it is recommended that diabetics eat healthy snacks between meals. This reduces blood sugar spikes that occur when a person eats only three large meals. Eating small meals and having frequent snacks is much healthier for diabetics. Read on for the best diabetic snacks to eat in between meals to keep energy levels high and blood sugar levels more even.
Diabetic Cookbooks for More Snack Ideas
Some of the Best Diabetic Snacks? Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Of Course!
Of course, most diabetics know that raw vegetables are healthy snacks. Most are loaded with fiber and low in calories. If you don't like them plain, try eating them with non-fat salad dressing. Some of the best vegetables to eat for diabetic snacks include broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, and lettuce. If you like hummus, it is an excellent dip for raw vegetables. Hummus itself is an excellent snack for diabetics. Eat it with whole grain crackers, too.
Potatoes are given a bad rap for diabetics. But sweet potatoes and yams are both healthy food choices for diabetics. Boil, bake or cook in a microwave. Add some cinnamon. If you must have a sweetener, try stevia. This is one of the best diabetic snacks you could choose.
Fresh fruit is another healthy diabetic snack choice. Some fruits are better than others. Apples with the skin are good because they have fiber called pectin. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are other good snack choices. Strawberries, cherries, pears, and plums also prevent huge blood sugar spikes after eating. Avoid certain fruits as they can cause blood sugar levels to rise significantly after eating them. These include figs, watermelon, and dates.
Avoid fruit juices that are loaded with sugar. Also, don't eat fruits canned in heavy syrup. And avoid salads with lots of high fat dressing or vegetables cooked in loads of butter or cheese.
One of the best diabetic snacks ever for both taste and health benefits is fresh fruit and low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese. Both are low in calories and fat. The fruit provides fiber and the cottage cheese has both dairy and protein. This is the perfect combination for a diabetic.
Another One of the Best Diabetic Snacks- Nuts! Who Knew?
If you're diabetic and you like nuts, good news! Nuts are one of the best diabetic snacks to eat. Nuts contain healthy fats that are good for the heart. They also have lots of fiber and are filling. And nuts have muscle building protein. For health benefits, the best nuts to choose are almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Nuts are also high in calories if you eat too many. Only eat a handful of nuts a day.
Other Healthy Diabetic Snacks to Try
Lowfat and non-fat yogurt and milk are tasty diabetic snacks. They are low in fat, of course, and won't cause blood sugar to rise quickly.
Whole grain crackers and cereals with high fiber content are also good snacks for diabetics and for keeping blood sugar under control. Whole wheat and whole grain pastas are more healthy snacks to consider. Just don't add lots of butter or cream based sauces to them.
If you're familiar with the glycemic index, any low glycemic foods are some of the best diabetic snacks.
If you eat moderate size meals and add two or three of these healthy diabetic snacks to your daily menu, you will be doing a lot to help keep your blood sugar levels in normal ranges.
