7 best convenient foods that are safe for diabetics

  • comments
  • print
  • email
Oct 14, 2015 10:58 AM EDT

Whether you're hungry or your blood glucose levels are running a little low, here are a few healthy suggestions for snacks that you can quickly make at home or grab from any supermarket.

1. Nuts and fruits

This sweet and crunchy mix can help keep you full longer. For fruits, Today's Dietitian recommends fiber-rich berries such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

When it comes to nuts, try out almonds. According to Everyday Health, eating almonds controls your blood sugar from spiking.

2. Greek yogurt

Today's Dietitian says that plain Greek yogurt contains higher protein than other variants. Mix it with curry and use it as a dip for starch-free vegetables such as broccoli or carrots.

If you are looking to add a bit of sweetness to your Greek yogurt, Everyday Health recommends adding a tablespoon of raisins. A recent study on Nutrition revealed that raisins are rich in carbohydrates and antioxidants but does not raise your blood sugar or blood pressure.

Not sure of what to buy at your local store? Diabetic Living recommends The Greek Gods Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt, which is thick, creamy and full of flavor.

3. Whole grain crackers, cottage cheese

Health says that whole grains such as whole wheat, cracked wheat, quinoa and rye are rich in nutrients and can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Pair with cottage cheese or low-fat string cheese, according to Everyday Health.

Be careful when buying crackers, Health cautions buyers. "Whole wheat flour" is made from whole grain while "wheat flour" is not.

For plain crackers, Diabetic Living recommends Kashi TLC Original 7 Grain Crackers. If you are looking for more flavor, you can skip adding cheese and try out Triscuit Thin Crisps' Quattro Formaggio flavor.

4. Snack packs

Looking for healthy diabetes-friendly snacks that you can carry on the go? Diabetic Living suggests Harvest Cheddar 100 Calorie Mini Bites from Sun Chips or Cinnamon Roll Thin Crisps from Honey Maid.

Each mini pack is enough to control hunger pangs and keep your hands off more sugar-laden snacks, according to Diabetic Living.

5. Dark chocolate

Being diabetic does not mean avoiding chocolate for the rest of your life. Today's Dietitian's Lindsay Fortman says you can eat chocolate, as long as it's dark.

"The darker, the better because it's going to have more flavonols, which is an antioxidant that has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers," Fortman says.

6. Apples

Apples are low in sugar but rich in fiber, according to a report by Health. You can add flavor by eating a wedge with a quarter of a slice of protein-rich cheese.

An alternative to cheese is adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to your apple slice, says Everyday Health.

7. Popcorn

Fiber-rich plain popcorn is a great snack for movie nights and is devoid of artificial flavoring and additives, says Health. According to Diabetic Living, a more flavorful alternative is Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop, which comes with 94% fat free butter.

Join the Conversation
Real Time Analytics