5 Guilt-free Snacks for Diabetes
Most people relate diabetes to giving up on all their sweet treats. Well, that’s not entirely true. When an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, they must learn to make smarter food choices. By that, we mean look for snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. And of course, they must be low in sugar, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring and flavorless. Let’s look at some of the most delicious low-sugar snacks for people with.
Nuts
Nuts are among the tastiest and healthiest low-sugar snacks for diabetics. They are a perfect grab-and-go snack that can be eaten anywhere, any time of the day. People can choose whichever nut they like — walnuts, peanuts, or almonds. They can even spread their favorite nut butter on whole-grain bread or crackers to make a healthy snack. Nuts are packed with many vital nutrients, such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and riboflavin. Multiple studies have shown that nuts like almonds can help reduce cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Yogurt
Just a cup of plain yogurt topped with berries makes a delectable low-sugar snack for people with diabetes. It is sweet and nourishing. Yogurt contains a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, along with probiotics, known to lower blood sugar levels. The reason people might want to top their yogurt with berries is that berries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. They are an excellent source of fiber and can help with digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels efficiently after eating.
Veggies and hummus
Hummus is a famous middle-eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Chickpeas are high in fiber and lower on the glycemic index, so they are great for managing blood sugar levels. One can pair hummus with raw veggies like celery, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for additional vitamins, minerals, and flavor. One small study found that eating hummus can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
Air-popped popcorn
Popcorn is a whole-grain snack food and is considered diabetes-friendly. This is because popcorns are incredibly low in calories and can help people with diabetes manage weight. A single cup of air-popped popcorn contains only 31 calories. Keeping weight under control is crucial for lowering blood sugar levels and managing type 2 diabetes.
Fresh fruits
When craving something sweet, fruits are probably the best snack options, as they are naturally low in sugar. Plus, they are packed with a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to consume fruit in its whole, natural form, and avoid drinking fruit juices with added sugar, or processed fruits from a can. Also, remember not to consume them in excess in a single sitting. Some of the best fruits for people with diabetes include apple, banana, cherries, clementine, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi, honeydew lemon, papaya, orange, plum, pineapple, and watermelon.