When you have diabetes, you probably would not like to add snacking time to your schedule as you will have the fear that snacks are packed with sugars that will level up your insulin levels. But there are still many options left that include mouth-watering as well as healthy snacks and as a diabetic patient you would be able to relish those snacks and no one will stop you.
Adding healthy snacks for diabetics to your list will control your blood sugar levels and also will keep you full and energetic throughout the day. These snacks should be rich in all the nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, protein, and others, but should be deficient in bad carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates play a major role in maintaining levels of blood sugar in our body and thus one should choose wisely when it comes to consuming foods that house carbohydrates. Consuming too many simple carbs will increase the chances of developing heart disease.
Choose those foods that we get from the plants, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and others, or some animal products such as low-fat dairy products. These plant or animal products house all the necessary nutrients and of course, the good carbs that your body needs and which will also keep you healthy.
Compiled below is a list of healthy snacks for diabetics which diabetes patients can enjoy anytime without any worries about increasing their sugar levels.
1. Avocados
Avocados are probably one of the best snacks for diabetics as they are quite low in sugar unlike many fruits and also are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. The best thing about avocados is that you can eat anytime you want and probably with anything.
When snacking on it, remember to eat only one-half of an avocado. This is a recommendation from nutritionists because avocados are calorie-packed and eating a lot of them will increase your calorie intake in no time, which is not good if you are aiming for good health.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas, despite their size, are great snacks for diabetics which are protein as well as fiber-packed, and these green wonders are also low in saturated fat. They can prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes.
While raw chickpeas might not be a favorite snack for all, therefore one can prepare roasted chickpeas with olive oil and enjoy a healthy snack. A bowl of this crunchy snack can provide you with 15 grams and 13 grams of protein and fiber per cup respectively.
3. Trail Mix
This snack for diabetics is prepared by combing seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes sugar-free candies too. Trail mix has no added sugar in it and it is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients that control the insulin level.
Though it is one of the healthy snacks for diabetics, eating half-cup of the trail mix at a time is recommended because it is high in calories, but that half cup will also provide you with 6 grams of protein.
4. Celery Sticks
One of the easiest and popular snacks for diabetics, celery sticks are non-starchy vegetables that are low in calories and are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One can enjoy celery sticks by dipping them in peanut butter or hummus.
5. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese makes a great snack for diabetics. Delicious and creamy, it has no added sugar. A half-cup of cottage cheese houses 15 grams of protein. This high protein content helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
To elevate the taste and nutrient intake, you can pair up your cottage cheese with fruits such as apples, pears, or berries and also some raw vegetables of your choice.
6. Shrimp Cocktail
Replacing your plate of fried seafood with a protein-packed shrimp cocktail would be a great decision. This is one of the fanciest as well as healthiest snacks for diabetics. To reap all the benefits of this delectable appetizer, the shrimps must be either sauteed, steamed, or boiled.
Housing no unhealthy saturated fat, shrimp cocktails are scrumptious when paired up with some hot sauce, sliced tomatoes, or whole-grain crackers. This snack from our list of snacks for diabetics will surely make your snacking time a luxurious one.
7. Potato Chips
The snack which is loved by all, potato chips are one of the easiest snacks for diabetics. But mind you, the potato chips that you like to pick up from the stores are not a healthy choice as they house all those unnecessary ingredients that will degrade your health.
Preparing this snack for diabetics at home will be a better option, and it is quite easy to prepare also. Pair this crunchy snack with vegetables or fruits of your choice to increase the health benefits.
8. Whole-Grain Crackers
Any whole-grain snack is a great option for those who are managing diabetes. Whole-grain crackers paired with cheese or any other dairy product that has no saturated fat is a healthy option because the healthy fat in the dairy products will help in releasing the hormones that are responsible for controlling blood sugar levels.
9. Greek Yoghurt
This sweet-but-safe treat from our list of snacks for diabetics is a good option for people who are managing diabetes because Greek yogurt stands out from the other regular yogurts that are found on the market. This yogurt has no added sugar in it and houses more protein than regular yogurts. A single cup of Greek yogurt can provide you with almost 24 grams of protein.
Other than the protein content, it is also rich in vitamin D and calcium. Pair your yogurt with some fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds and enjoy a nutritious snack that will keep you full for a long time.
10. Popcorn
Popcorn, without any doubt, has its name in the list of snacks for diabetics which is popular as well as healthy. But to reap the health benefits from popcorn, one must prepare the snack, unlike the way it is prepared and packed in the stores.
Air-pop your popcorn at home to get the nutrition because the ones that you usually find in the stores have unhealthy and unnecessary ingredients mixed in. Popcorn is a light, crunchy and comforting snack that you can enjoy with some cheese without spiking your levels of blood sugar.
11. Almonds
One can eat almonds any time they want, whether they are watching TV or doing some work. Almonds house several nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, minerals, and fiber, but they are also rich in calories so sticking to a handful of these nuts is recommended per consumption.
The nuts also house monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial for the health of the heart as they help in reducing cholesterol levels.
12. Seeds
Seeds from our list of snacks for diabetics are a rich source of healthful fats, protein, and fiber. They are as nutritious and healthy as nuts are, despite their tiny size, and you can use them as a top-up to any dish that you like.
13. Energy Bites
Energy bites are easy-to-prepare snacks that are a ball of deliciousness. You can prepare these at your home itself and add any healthy ingredients that you like, such as nut butter, oats, and seeds.
Remember to prepare your energy balls protein and fiber-packed. These snacks for diabetics will prevent you from eating frequently, thus managing your weight as well as blood sugar levels.
14. Sliced Veggies
Sliced and non-starchy vegetables are a great option for a crunchy snack. As vegetables are plant products, they have lots of nutrients to offer that can boost our heart and overall health.
You can choose to eat raw and sliced vegetables such as fresh carrots with some creamy hummus or any other healthy dip that you prefer, or you can simply roast your veggies and eat them with low-fat cheese.
15. Nut Butter
Many people like to have a scoop or two of nut butter at any time, and that is why it makes one of the healthiest and tastiest snacks for diabetics. A sweet and creamy way to prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking, they are many nut butter to choose from such as peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter.
Before buying any nut butter, remember to check the ingredients list and note if the ingredients are all-natural and free from oil or any unnecessary products. You can eat nut butter with apples and pears, or bread that is made of whole grain to reap the health benefits.
16. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Eggs are a good choice for those who are managing diabetes because they are low in carbs, packed with protein, and is easily available. While it can be prepared in many delicious ways, you can also choose to eat a hard-boiled egg or two because a hard-boiled egg provides 6 grams of protein per consumption.
While you can enjoy this snack for diabetics alone, choose to pair it up with whole-grain crackers sometimes to increase the quantity of fiber on your plate and also the chances of your blood sugar levels being stable.
17. Beef Sticks
Beef sticks are a rich source of protein and have low carbs, that is why they make a convenient snack for diabetics. Remember, beef sticks are also rich in sodium, so sticking to a minimum number of sticks at a time is suggested because excess consumption of them can lead to the rise of blood sugar levels.
18. Turkey Roll-Up
This snack from our snacks for diabetics list is easy to prepare as well as scrumptious. Turkey roll-ups are a healthy choice for people with diabetes because they are rich in protein, low in carbs and they also help in keeping a person full for a long time, thus preventing both the blood sugar levels and weight from spiking up.
The cheese, veggies, and slices of turkey that are included inside the wrap altogether make this snack for diabetics delicious and mouth-watering that you would finish in no time.
19. Tuna Salad
This snack from our list of snacks for diabetics is one of the most toothsome snacks for diabetics. A half-cup of tuna salad can provide you with almost 25 grams of protein, and it is also carb-free and high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Preparing tuna salad is quite easy and the final product is very tasty too, with mayonnaise, cottage cheese, or yogurt.
20. Edamame
Also known as immature soybeans, edamame are quite nutritious and tasty snacks for diabetics. One cup of edamame can provide you with 8 grams of fiber and 17 grams of protein which makes them one of the healthiest snacks in our list of snacks for diabetics. They can keep you full for a longer time, thus keeping your weight in check while keeping your levels of blood sugar and cholesterol low.
You can prepare edamame in various delicious ways by seasoning them as you like, and then enjoy a munchy snack during your evenings.
21. Apples
Last but not the least, apples are one of the fruits that can become one of the healthiest snacks for diabetics. They play a major role in diabetes management as they are a rich source of many nutrients, such as vitamin B, vitamin C, and potassium. Remember to eat apples with their peels on as they house most of the nutrients.
Pairing peanut butter with sliced apples is a great option as the peanut butter will not only elevate the taste of the apples but will also increase the intake of nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E. The nutty and delicious treat will keep you healthy and fit.
These were some of the snacks for diabetics which you can enjoy if you are managing diabetes. These healthy and savory options will keep a check on your taste buds as well as your health.
Like this article, if you found it helpful enough and also don’t forget to share it with your family and friends, especially those who are managing diabetes, and let them know that they don’t have to worry about snacking at all because our list of snacks for diabetics is here to rescue them.