Snacks can skyrocket your blood sugar levels if they’re not well-planned.
Here’s how to plan yours.
From keeping you from getting hangry to avoiding wolfing down the next mealsnacks can offer many benefits.
Photo: Casey Barber
Fiber, the roughage nutrient, is known for itsamazing health benefits, from lowering cholesterol levels torelieving constipation.
What’s the link between a healthy heart and diabetes?
Read on to unwrap our list of nine fiber-filled snacks that are best for diabetes and dietitian-approved!
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a tasty snack to enjoy at any time of the day.
A Book of Vegetables.
Try ourCocoa-Chia Pudding with Raspberriesfor a whopping 13 grams of fiber per serving.
Roasted Beans
While some people delight in sweet-tasting snacks, others may crave a good crunch.
“Additionally, to satisfy a salty, crunchy craving, try roasted chickpeas, soybeans or fava beans.
Beans are packed with protein, which helps blood sugars rise more slowly versus spike quickly.
They offer a neutral flavor that can be transformed with the help of flavor additions.
Quickly turn your beans into a sweet or savory snack by seasoning them how you want.
“Season chickpeas with a dusting of cinnamon and turmeric.
OurCrunchy Roasted ChickpeasandToasted Paprika Chickpeasare delicious recipes to try.
You’ll find great options in-store, but it’s super simple to make at home.
If you’re looking for a savory popcorn snack, enjoy thisLemon-Parm Popcorn.
Popped Sorghum
Here’s anotherwhole grain(and popcorn alternative) brimming with nutrients to stabilize blood sugar.
saysLauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner ofNutrition Now, LLC.
Prunes
Grandpa was right; prunes really are good for you!
Not only are they apoop-promoting food, but they may help keep your diabetes in check too.
Prunes with no added sugars have one of the lowest glycemic index levels of all dried fruit.
If prunes aren’t all that appealing, it’s possible for you to try them in many ways!
Palinski-Wade shares a pro tip for sneaking prunes into your eating routine without the fuss.
She recommends pureeing prunes and using them as a sugar substitute in baked goods.
“Oats are well known for their cholesterol-lowering effect, and they’re great for blood sugars too!
saysCaroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a northern Virginia-based dietitian and diabetes educator.
“They make a great anytime snack, and packets of instant oats can be taken anywhere.
Choose varieties that do not have added sugar,” says Magill.
And ourPeanut Butter-Oat Energy Ballswill help you beat an afternoon slump.
Berries
Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain many antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavonoids.
Bioactive compounds like antioxidants may improve insulin sensitivity, which improves blood sugar control and could combat diabetes complications.
Nuts
Nutspack an impressive nutrition trioof fiber, protein and healthy unsaturated fats.
And they’re low in carbohydrates, making them ideal to include in a diabetes-friendly diet.
Whether almonds, walnuts, peanuts or pecans, nuts are filling and can lessen between-meal hunger.
Other winning nutrients in nuts are iron, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium.
Magnesium might aid in blood sugar control, per a 2023 study inNutrients.
Apples
Gut health supports overall health, and that includes diabetes health too.
“Envy apples provide 3 grams of fiber per serving along with antioxidants and a satisfying crunch and flavor.
Aiming for the right balance that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals is vital tomanaging your diabetes.
