Health Snacks for Diabetes

There is a way to snack healthily – and this is it! Our snacks are made with wholesome, minimally processed ingredients, and are low in added sugar and salt. They’re a healthy alternative to shop-bought, high-sugar snacks that can cause a spike in blood glucose levels, leaving you reaching for the biscuit tin a short time later. If you have one or two of these to hand, you won’t be tempted by unhealthy alternatives.

How to snack smart

For some people, the best way to avoid getting too hungry is to eat every three to four hours. Three small meals with a couple of healthy snacks in between can help manage your blood glucose levels and help you to feel fuller for longer. These snacks are the perfect pick-me-up, and some of them will help you to hit your 5-a-day veggie target too.

1 Crushed pea & mint dip with carrot sticks

Put 70g (1/2 cup) defrosted frozen peas, 1 Tbsp ricotta, juice of half a lemon, 1 Tbsp chopped mint and freshly ground black pepper in the bowl of a small food processor. Cover and process until almost smooth. Serve with 1 carrot, cut into sticks for dipping. Serves 1.

PER SERVE 554kJ, protein 8g, total fat 2g (sat. fat 1g), carbs 14g, fibre 11g, sodium 90mg • Carb exchanges 1 • GI estimate low • Gluten-free

2 Coconut-roasted edamame

Put 70g podded (170g in their pods) edamame, 1/2 tsp olive oil and 2 tsp desiccated coconut in a bowl. Toss to combine. Spread out over a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cook in an oven preheated to 180°C (fan-forced) for 10 minutes or until coconut is golden. Serves 1.

PER SERVE 491kJ, protein 6g, total fat 9g (sat. fat 3g), carbs 2g, fibre 4g, sodium 1mg • Carb exchanges 0 • GI estimate n/a • Gluten-free • Lower carb

3 Chocolate banana ice cream

Blend 1 frozen banana and 1 tsp cocoa powder in a small blender until smooth. Eat immediately! Serves 1.

PER SERVE 403kJ, protein 2g, total fat 1g (sat. fat 0g), carbs 20g, fibre 3g, sodium 5mg • Carb exchanges 1 1/2 • GI estimate low • Gluten-free

For more delicious, easy and healthy snacks, get a copy of our September/October issue today! On sale now.

Diabetic Living is a one-stop health information source for the 1.7 million Australians who have Type 1, pre-Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes. Backed by a team of medical experts, DL provides easy-to-understand health and exercise information along with delicious, dietician-approved recipes for everyone looking to lead a healthy life.