Choosing Snacks for People with Diabetes
Smart snacking can be an important tool for blood sugar control. Choosing the right snacks can keep your blood sugar levels stable as opposed to big spikes and dips. How do you know which snacks to choose? A general rule is to pair 15 grams of carbohydrates with a protein and/or a fat. If you’re still hungry, you can add non-starchy vegetables. Here is a quick info sheet to help make snacking simple:
Pick One Carbohydrate:
- 1 slice of bread
- 1/3 cup of pasta or rice
- ¾ cup of dry cereal
- 1 small piece of fresh fruit
- 1 cup milk or a small yogurt
- 1 – 6-inch tortilla
Pick One Protein or Fat Source:
- Hard Boiled Egg
- Peanut Butter (with no sugar added)
- Nuts
- Egg, Tuna or Chicken Salad
- Low Sodium Deli Meat
- Avocado
- Still not full? Load up on…
Unlimited Non-Starchy Veggies:
- Brussell Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Green Beans
- Swiss Chard
- Zucchini
- Peppers
- and more!
Remember, everyone is different and reacts to foods in different ways. Some foods may affect your blood sugar differently than another person’s. A great way to see how a new snack affects your blood sugar is to test your sugar 2 hours after your first bite of that food. Also, a registered dietitian can help create an individualized meal plan that suits you.
For more information on Carbohydrate Counting, visit:
For more snack ideas, visit: