Diabetic Snack Ideas

A handful of nuts are a tasty and very filling way to stave off hunger. Not only do nuts contain stomach-filling protein, they have a dose of healthy fats that lower cholesterol and stave off heart disease. Good choices include peanuts, pecans, cashews, walnuts and almonds. Make sure the nuts are straight up rather than coated in honey or other sugary substance. Also be aware that nuts are incredibly high in calories, so stick to small portions. A handful should be enough to fill stomachs.

Raw vegetables are a great choice for a healthy, crunchy snack. Yes, they may seem a tad boring, but they can be jazzed up with a dip into nonfat yogurt, hummus or a light, fat-free salad dressing. Avoid blue cheese. Good veggie choices are baby carrots, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower and strips of red and green peppers. Variations on the veggies could be eggplant slices covered in a thin spread of black bean salsa or similar combinations.

Fruit is sweet, tasty and also as healthy as vegetables. A whole, unpeeled apple contains lots of fiber. The apple skin is also known to help lower cholesterol, stave off heart disease and free radicals, and lower the possibility of complications from diabetes. Grapes and peeled bananas also work well frozen inside a sandwich bag for a variation on the fruity theme.

Homemade soups and smoothies are great ways to use the simple, healthy fruit and vegetables for a delicious and filling snack. Soups can be made by boiling up a concoction of onions, spinach, carrots and whatever other veggies tempt the palate. Plain water dashed with spices or a low-fat, low-sodium chicken or beef broth can be used. Make a smoothie by blending nonfat yogurt with half a banana, strawberries, blueberries or other fruit, adding a dash of sweetener if desired.

Giant portions can turn a healthy snack into a calorie-packed feast. Some ways to keep the portions appropriate include using a plate, drinking water between bites and taking the amount that’s intended to be eaten, rather than just grabbing from the whole bag. If folks enjoy lots of snacks, meals can be made smaller to make up for the frequent snacking. Snacks should be consistently 150 calories or fewer and calories counts can be calculated from a guide or online (see Resources below).