10 Safe and Healthy Snacks for Diabetics
Because you have diabetes does not mean that you have to sacrifice munching on tasty snacks. While lifestyle changes might include taking daily medications or joining a Novavax clinical trial, incorporating healthy and nutritious snacks do not necessarily mean mundane and bland foods. According to the American Diabetes Association, the fact that diabetics must only follow restrictive diets is a myth. They can have snacks just like any other person, except that the snacks should be foods that have low sugar, fat, and salt content. Here are some of the best-known natural foods that make great snacks for diabetics.
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Water
Although many don’t think of water as a snack, per say, this beverage contains zero carbohydrates or calories. Also, dehydration is a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus patients, so sipping still or sparkling water throughout the day is imperative to prevent low fluid levels when blood glucose levels are high. The Diabetes Association notes that drinking water helps to control blood glucose levels by helping the kidneys excrete any excess sugars via urine.
- Beef sticks
These are diabetes-friendly, easy to carry around, and very convenient snacks. These are rich in proteins but low in carbohydrate content. Being rich in protein beef sticks can help to keep blood sugar levels in check. It is best to choose sticks made from grass-fed beef as they are higher in fatty acids that are useful for stabilizing blood glucose levels. - Roasted chickpeas
These are some of the best natural foods that can make great snacks for diabetics. They are also called garbanzo beans and are rich sources of fibers and proteins. Regularly having chickpeas regularly can help you stop the progression of this medical condition. - Yogurt with berries
This can be a great snack choice for people with diabetes as berries help check inflammation and pancreatic cell damage. When the pancreas is affected, blood sugar levels can fluctuate. Besides, berries can be excellent sources of fiber; this slows down digestion and helps to stabilize sugar levels in the blood. Yogurt can also lower blood glucose levels because of its probiotics. - Avocado
This is one of the best snacks to munch on for diabetics because it provides high fiber content. The monounsaturated fatty acids in this fruit make it diabetes-friendly; it prevents sugar spikes after eating. - Tuna cups
These are rich in proteins and super lean, making albacore tuna one of the best diabetes-friendly snacks around. You can use ingredients like Kalamata olives, non-fat Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, lemon juice, garlic salt, and red onions to make this snack delectable and satisfying. - Sweet potato toast
You can pop slices of sweet potato in the toaster till they become crisp. This breadless slice can then be topped with tahini, avocado, mustard, almond butter, etc. to make it a tasty snack. - Barley salad
Barley is low in Glycemic Index, and this makes it perfect for people with diabetes. You can add barley to a bowl of tomatoes, feta, lentils, green onions, capers, etc. to toss up a salad. - Veggies and hummus
This can be an excellent combination for people with diabetes as hummus is prepared using chickpeas and tastes fabulous when paired with vegetables. Both are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Besides, hummus is rich in protein and benefits blood glucose control. - Sliced apples and peanut butter
This can be a delicious snack item for people having diabetes as apples are super high in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins, whereas peanut butter offers a high content of Vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, etc., all of which help to regulate diabetes.