Sometimes, it’s difficult to resist the urge to snack in-between meals. Snacks are a great way to satisfy our cravings and increase productivity while going about our daily routine. They can help boost one’s mood and offer us the extra energy we need to get things done.
However, most snack products tend to focus on taste over dietary benefits, and in recent times, have been almost synonymous with increased sugar intake. Combined with the complications caused by some health conditions like diabetes, it’s generally recommended that some individuals, older adults especially, keep away from snacking when possible.
Even without any health problems, health specialists advise against excess sugar intake through snacking, since they can lead to the development of certain diseases other than diabetes, such as liver disease, weight gain, inflammation, and more.
However, there are plenty of snack ideas that you can find on the market or prepare yourself that are healthy and relatively safe, even for diabetics. You can check this site to learn some meal plan tips to help improve your older loved one’s health.
That being said, let’s take a look at some healthy snack ideas for diabetics that you can add to your loved one’s diet without taking away the pleasure of snacking from them.
Healthy Snack Ideas For Your Loved One
People living with diabetes are usually encouraged to stay away from sugar, but this doesn’t mean your loved one living with diabetes cannot enjoy the right kind of snack. Here is a list of diabetic snack ideas that serve as excellent snacking options for diabetic persons.
1. Popcorn
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Popcorn, as the name implies, is made from corn which is a whole grain. It contains fiber and probiotics, which aid digestion and reduce the risk of stooling and constipation. Fibre also provides nutrients to the good bacteria in the gut, helping them fight the excess bad bacteria that cause diseases.
Corn is microwaved or air-popped to produce popcorn; while doing this, you may want to add some flavors to make it more sumptuous. Make sure to run your choices by your loved one’s dietician to avoid any complications to their health.
2. Avocados
To prepare an Avocado, you need to slice it in two, remove the seed, and scoop out its buttery flesh with a spoon. Despite their buttery taste, avocados are actually quite healthy as a food.
Avocados contain fat which ordinarily isn’t healthy for diabetics, but this is the good kind of fat. A large portion of the fat in avocado is a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps increase good cholesterol levels (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL). It also reduces the risks of heart disease and stroke.
Interestingly, avocados can serve as a spread for whole-grain bread, slices of tomatoes, and vegetables to make a healthy sandwich.
3. Boiled Egg
This poultry product contains a high protein level which aids in weight loss and decreases blood sugar levels. The cholesterol levels in the egg yolk can be discouraging, but not to worry, the presence of protein in the egg white brings some balance.
You can even opt to boil two eggs and eat just one egg yolk. A boiled egg is one of the simplest snack options for diabetics to whip up.
4. Oatmeal
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This is one of the perfect diabetic snack ideas you can think of. As a whole grain, it contains a high level of fiber, which aids digestion. It lowers blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss.
A loss of about 10% of body weight can increase the chances of a full recovery from diabetes. Oatmeal porridge also gives a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, which helps your loved one avoid unnecessary weight gain and even pursue weight loss to get in shape.
5. Yogurt
Filled with protein, probiotics, calcium, and vitamins, yogurt is a better snack option for diabetics than any cold soda drink any day. Greek yogurt contains high protein levels, which contributes significantly to managing blood sugar levels. It also aids in bowel movements and can serve as a key ingredient in a weight-loss diet. Moreover, incorporating probiotics into your diet can offer additional benefits, including the potential role of probiotics to burn belly fat.
You can make your snack a little more special by adding toppings to contrast the sourness of the yogurt. Drop berries of your choice in your bowl of yogurt, or layer them in the form of fruit parfait alongside nuts and enjoy your treat.
6. Beef
Because beef is high in protein and very low in carbs, it helps to raise blood glucose in the body. It is preferable to stick with grass-fed beef as they contain omega-3 fatty acids known for managing blood sugar levels. This is one of the most comfortable diabetic snack ideas for older adults.
That being said, beef is also high in sodium, so you should ensure your loved one’s beef consumption is in moderate proportions. This is to avoid spiking their blood pressure which may lead to cardiovascular diseases.
When considering diabetic snack ideas for your loved one, including beef aligns with the principles of the carnivore diet, prompting the question: Does the carnivore diet help with diabetes?
7. Apples
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What’s that saying about an apple a day? It keeps the doctor away. Apples contain fiber, vitamins, water, and minerals, including natural sugars. Fiber naturally aids digestion and also helps to reduce insulin levels. This makes apples one of the healthy snack ideas for diabetics.
To be on the safer side, you can opt for green apples, which contain less sugar, more fiber, and more antioxidants. You can also combine slices of Apple in whole grain meals to make them more filling and satisfying.
8. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains little to no sugar. It goes through very little processing, resulting in its lack of sugar and almost bitter taste.
It contains polyphenols that occur naturally and possess antioxidant properties. Dark chocolate helps to control blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. It also decreases blood pressure and maintains a fasting blood sugar level. This is one of the best diabetic snack ideas you can go with.
Conclusion
Your older loved ones with diabetes should also be able to snack in-between meals. With the aforementioned healthy food items, they can snack without worrying about any complications to their health. Although these are all very nutritious options, older adults should still consult their dietician to give them the go-ahead before consuming the foods.
