Healthy Snack Options for Diabetic Patients

Diabetic patients are always advised to eat a low-sugar and low-fat diet. As a result of this, they find it very difficult to find healthy foods to snack on. Eating snacks that are loaded with sugar and are high in calories can have dangerous effects on the blood sugar levels. This does not mean that diabetics should eat tasteless snacks. There are a lot of healthy and delicious snacks that a diabetic patient can eat without worrying about a spike in the levels of blood sugar. Some such snacks are listed below.

Nuts

Nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, and cashew nuts are very rich in monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats play a crucial role in controlling the levels of cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart attack. Monounsaturated fats present in these nuts not only minimize your risk of heart disease, but also help to keep blood sugar levels under control. However, you should avoid having nuts that are salty or honey coated. It is important to eat nuts in moderation as some of them can be high in calories.

Raw Vegetables

Tomatoes, cucumbers, red carrots, and hot green peppers are all healthy options for diabetics. Vegetables are not only packed with essential nutrients, but they are also low in calories. These vegetables can help a lot to lower your blood sugar levels. If you are not too fond of eating raw vegetables, you can always make them tasty by adding a light salad dressing.

Juicy Fruits

Fruits are the best foods for diabetics. In addition to being low in calories, fruits are high in fiber and packed with powerful antioxidants that are good for your heart. It is recommended to eat just about three to four small servings of fruits, as they are high in sugar.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a very rich source of protein and calcium. Eating foods that are rich in calcium helps to lose weight faster while at the same time keeping the blood glucose level in check. Including fat-free unsweetened yogurt in your daily diet can produce amazing results.

Popcorn

Homemade popcorn made from scratch without any artificial flavorings or additive is a delicious choice of snack for diabetics. You can eat popcorn without worrying about your diabetes as long as you don’t add salt or butter to it. For flavoring popcorn, you can always use a healthy butter powder. Sprinkling in a little bit of cinnamon can make it an even healthier snack.

Fish

Fish are the best food for stabilizing your blood glucose level. It is recommended to eat fish rather than fatty meats. This is because fish contain very high amounts of vitamins and are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in helping to keep your arteries clear. Most people who suffer from diabetes tend to have high level of triglycerides and low level of HDL (good cholesterol). The good cholesterol that fish like salmon contain can help to keep a check on triglycerides and HDL.