Diabetic Snackin’

By: Nikki Nies

I recently talked to someone who has type II diabetes and she saw me eating my regular peanut butter and apple snack.  She said that’d be a great snack for her to eat as well.  She said it looked so delicious and even ate two of my apple slices.  I love it when people enjoy the simple snacks I have.

I became interested in what other snacks suggestions I could not only use to diversify my snacking, but great snacks for diabetics as well.

Here we go–5 grams or less of carbohydrates: 

• 5 baby carrots 
• 1 hard boiled egg
• 1 frozen sugar free popsicle
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 string cheese stick
• 1/4 half of avocado
• 16 green olives
• 1 cup of light popcorn
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin or sunflower seeds

10-20 g of carbohydrates

•  1/2 cup of almonds
• 1/4 cup of dried fruit and nut mix
• 1 small orange or apple
• 1 cup of chicken, tomato or vegetable soup
• 2 rice cakes + 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of tuna salad + 4 saltines
• 1/2 turkey sandwich
• 1 cheese quesadilla–1/4 cup of salsa, 1 oz. shredded cheese
• 5 whole wheat crackers + 1 string cheese

About 30 g of carbohydrates–good pre-exercise

• 1 banana + PB 
• 1 english muffin + 1 teaspoon of margarine
• 1/2 peanut butter sandwich + 1 cup of milk
• 3/4 whole grain, ready to eat cereal + 1/2 cup of milk

These snack suggestions may sound obvious, but when grocery shopping or grazing your cabinets, remember these quick tips.  Maybe print out a copy of this list and have it on your fridge for a quick reference?  Good luck!

Source: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/snacks/

Picture Source:http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1801