Snack Attack!

When you have diabetes, you might think you will never be able to have another snack. However, there are many snacks you can have and feel great. 

For others having diabetes, you might feel like you must deprive yourself before successfully controlling your diabetes. This is not true, and you can eat healthy snacks that work for you rather than snacks that hinder you. 

In your switchover to healthy snacks, it is best to start with a clean slate. Clean your environment by removing all non-healthy foods. Your change will accomplish two things:

• You will remove anything that may be a temptation for you when you have a weak moment.
• You will be able to make better choices.

What types of snacks can you eat that will not increase your blood sugars? You might be surprised at the choices available. The secret is portion size. You can eat any fruit but must be mindful of the serving size.

Fresh fruits and vegetables attack

Your healthiest snacks will be those that are as close to mother earth as possible. This means keeping fresh fruits and vegetables on hand.

• Try to aim for fruits and vegetables as your healthiest sweet and crunchy snacks.
• Look for what is in season for fruits and vegetables, which will save you money.
• Apples, grapes, oranges, and other fruits are essential for a healthy diabetic diet whether you are trying to control your blood sugar or lose weight. Avocadoes are another smart choice, but moderation is the key.

Dried fruit can be a great snacking option in small quantities. You might want to try Raisins, Craisins (dried cranberries), and other dried fruits. They will give you the feeling of eating something forbidden, yet the fruit can be enjoyed in moderation.

• If you overeat it, your blood sugar will rise too high as with many other types of sweet foods.

Salty, crunchy alternatives

Here are some quick snacks you can grab and go to give your crunch without the salt. First, wash and cut up these snacks. Keep in the refrigerator and grab some when you have a snack attack. You can have them plain, with hummus or peanut butter.

Check off the ones you like and underline the ones you will try.

□ Baby carrots or carrot sticks

□ Celery sticks

□ Broccoli

□ Cauliflower

□ Cucumber

□ Cherry or grape tomatoes

Nuts and seeds are additional healthy snacks you can eat but in moderation. Too much of these will increase your cholesterol and your blood sugars.

• Alert be careful when eating nuts and seeds. They’re high in fat content in large quantities and eating too many can also cause weight gain.

Popcorn can be a great snack but get light popcorn or air-popped popcorn; rather than adding butter or other toppings, try nutritional yeast. This seasoning will give it a cheesy taste.

Snack attacks can be scary, but it will be easier to control your blood sugar, calories, fat, and salt content with healthy choices and preplanning. These snacks will also not derail your diet efforts if you try to lose weight. Preparation is the key.

Let me know which snacks you like to try. Feel free to add your own to the list as well.