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Snacking For Diabetes..The Healthy Eating Plan To Manage Your Condition



snacking for diabetes, blood sugar levels

Snacking For Diabetes

Whether you have diabetes or not, it is possible to eat a healthy balanced diet. There really is no need to go out and buy special foods or prepare separate meals and snacks, so relax and enjoy healthy snacking. In this article I am going to set out a simple guide for the best diabetic snacks and eating for diabetes.

First, let's sort out a big question that I am asked many times. Do I need to cut out sugar?

Living with diabetes does not mean you need to cut out all sugar from your diet. But what you must be aware of is that sugary drinks will increase your blood glucose levels very quickly, in fact too quickly..so try to replace these with lower sugar and sugar-free alternatives.

Another important point worth mentioning is 'diabetic food', that is food specially prepared, packaged and sold as food for diabetics, can be expensive and most are often just as high in calories and fats as regular foods, so bear that in mind when shopping.

I am going to mention 5 food groups, so to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs, you will need to eat some food from each of the food groups each day. Foods from the first three groups should be eaten most often. As this is predominately a snack informational site then the emphasis is incorporating the foods listed into your daily snacking plan.

If you want to learn the secrets of managing a diabetic diet along with a good lifestyle, then visit diabetes and lifestyle.

Bread, Rice, Potatoes, Pasta and Other Starchy Foods...

Including these foods at each meal will ensure a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients. Whenever possible, opt for high-fiber and wholegrains choices if you are snacking for diabetes.

Tip..To up your fiber and nutrient intake, try granary or rye breads, basmati rice, porridge oats, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, chapatti and yarn.

Fruit and Vegetables...

These are a rich source of minerals, vitamins and fiber. Go for variety. Canned, fresh and frozen fruit and veg, 100 per cent juice and dried fruit will all count towards your 5-a-day.

Tip..Spread your fruit intake throughout the day.

healthy diabetes snacking

Meat, Fish and Alternatives (Lentils, Pulses, Eggs, Nuts)

All these are a very rich source of protein, iron and other minerals, but must be eaten in moderation. To manage your blood glucose levels and blood fats include plenty of beans and pulses in your snacks and meals, such as..

  • Kidney Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Dahl
  • Lentils

Add them to casseroles, soups, salads or curries.

Head for 2 portions of oily fish each week. Fresh, frozen or canned is fine. Go for mackerel, sardines or salmon or fresh tuna.

best diabetic snacks, eating for diabetis

Milk and Dairy Foods...

A great source of calcium and one of the easiest ways to get your daily calcium dose is to eat 3 portions.

Lower fat versions, i.e skimmed-milk and low fat yogurt, are what you want to be consuming.

A typical portion would be 200ml glass of milk. 150g pot of low fat yogurt. 30g hard cheese, 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese.

Foods and Drinks That Are High in Fat and/or Sugar...

Weight gain and poor blood glucose control will result from too much fat and sugar in your eating plan. So, choose lower-fat and lower-sugar foods. Also use products with smaller amounts of monounsaturated fats, like rapeseed oil and olive oil spreads..these are much more heart-friendly.

So there you have a simple eating plan to help with snacking for diabetes. Armed with this advice you can now plan your shopping list around the essential foods that will deliver the best in nutrients, protein and calcium to help control your condition.

Related Pages to Snacking For Diabetes at This Website


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Healthy Snack Facts

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Healthy Kids Snacks

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