A healthy diet is a must for someone with diabetes. A poor diet can cause major swings in their blood sugar. These swings in blood sugar can cause problems for the heart, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, as well as put someone in a diabetic coma. Therefore, it is imperative that a diabetic manage their blood sugar. One way of doing this is by making good snack choices. Good snack choices would include ones that are high in fiber and protein, sugar free, low carb, and healthy fat rich.

Along with helping to control blood sugar, these types of snacks will also help to control weight gain:

• Fibrous snacks: Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and helps to control appetite.
• High protein snacks: Proteins take longer for the body to process, helping to keep blood sugar from spiking. They also help with weight loss by causing the body to burn fat as energy instead of sugar.
• Go low carb: The body turns carbohydrates directly into sugar. Consequently, sugar levels can spike when high carb snacks are eaten.
• Sugar free: Processed foods often contain added sugar. Check food ingredient labels for the amount of sugar the product contains. Whole, or unprocessed foods, are better for diabetic health.
• Healthy fats: Healthy fats identified by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With these nutritional tips in mind, here are some great snack recipes for diabetics:

1. Yogurt and cottage cheese
A half-cup of cottage cheese is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It has the natural effect of lowering blood sugar. For full benefit, choose regular cottage cheese over the fat reduced variety. Yogurt is also rich in protein. The probiotics in yogurt improves the body’s ability to metabolize food, helping to control sugar levels.

2. Whole fruits and berries
Fruits and berries contain fructose, a sugar that does not require insulin to metabolize. Being processed in the liver, fructose takes longer to reach the bloodstream than glucose. One cup of berries is a good serving amount for a snack. In addition to helping control diabetes, berries contain antioxidants. Adding berries to yogurt or cottage cheese makes a great combination. The ADA advises that all types of unprocessed fruits are okay to eat for diabetics. Fruit juices should be avoided though because they contain high concentrations of sugar. Processed fruits such as come in a can or jar are less desirable since they possibly contain fruit juice and added sugar.

3. Almonds
Almonds contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Almonds have been shown to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and help with weight management. All of these benefits help with diabetes. Being high in calories, only eat a small handful as a snack.

4. Breadless turkey wrap
Turkey is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Take a slice of turkey breast meat and wrap it around a piece of cheese and a slice of vegetables of your choice.

5. Tuna salad
Tuna is a good source of protein. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids and no carbs. Combine tuna with mayonnaise, celery, chopped onions, relish, and other healthy ingredients.

6. Celery sticks with peanut butter
Celery is high in fiber, low in calories, and contains antioxidants known for lowering blood sugar. Peanut butter is not only a good source of fiber, but also of magnesium which is known to help manage diabetes. Choose an all-natural peanut butter; no added sugar. Peanut butter is high in calories, so use in moderation.

7. Homemade protein bars and balls
Make your own snacks for diabetes. Look for recipes for energy and protein bars that contain healthy ingredients. These bars are made with nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Also look for “balls” and “bites” in addition to “bars”. Experiment and add ingredients you like.

Snacking when you have diabetes can be a challenge, but does not have to be difficult. There are plenty of options to choose from. Remember, high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats; low in carbohydrates and sugar. Remember too that there is not just one perfect food. Practice moderation and eat a variety of healthy choices.