Mid-meal snacks can play a crucial role in optimising diabetes and body composition for several reasons:
- Blood Sugar Regulation
- Eating small, balanced snacks between meals helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Large gaps between meals can lead to significant blood sugar swings, which can be tedious to manage.
- Prevention of Hypoglycemia
- For people living with diabetes, especially those on insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, snacks can help prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by providing a steady supply of glucose.
- Improved Glycemic Control
- Consuming snacks that are low in carbohydrates and high in fibre and protein can help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively than larger, carbohydrate-heavy meals.
- Stable Energy Levels
- Regular snacking helps avoid energy dips that can occur from prolonged fasting, which is important for managing diabetes and overall well-being.
- Appetite Management
- Healthy snacks can help control hunger between meals, reducing the likelihood of overeating during main meals. This can help maintain a balanced caloric intake throughout the day.
13 optimal snack choices
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Greek Yogurt (unsweetened)
- Celery Sticks with Hummus
- Avocado Slices
- Cheese Slices or Cubes
- Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- Olives
- Veggie sticks with Cottage Cheese
- Turkey or Chicken Roll-Ups (Wrap slices of turkey or chicken around a piece of cheese or veggies)
- Edamame
- Seaweed Snacks
- Chia Seed Pudding (made with unsweetened almond milk)
- Spinach or Kale Chips
If you would like tailored nutrition advice, please book an appointment online with our Diabetes Educator and Dietitian, Rebecca
