It’s important to opt for nutrient-dense foods to lead a healthier, fitter life. But if you have diabetes, choosing healthful foods rich in fibre, protein and healthy fats becomes even more so as these nutrients can help with your blood sugar control. A healthy and balanced diet will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which will help you prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Perhaps, regular snacks are important for managing diabetes. And here are two healthy snack recipes that can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under check and promote overall health.
Diabetes-friendly snack recipes for blood sugar control
Almonds
Adding a handful of almonds to your diet can be extremely beneficial, especially if you have diabetes. Research has shown that almonds may help lower blood sugar in diabetics. For instance, a study showed that those who included almonds in their daily diet for 24 weeks had a 3 per cent reduction in long-term blood sugar levels. Additionally, almonds can help promote heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and contribute to weight management.
Almonds aren’t just nutritious but quite convenient to snack on. Just ensure that you limit your portion size to about a handful per day, as almonds are really high in calories.
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is another healthy snack option if you’re living with diabetes. Chia seeds are loaded with fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making them one of the nutritious foods on the planet despite their small size. Research has shown that these tiny seeds can help lower triglyceride levels, which can be beneficial for your heart health. The high fibre content in chia seeds can slow down the process of digestion and release of sugar into the blood, which may help control diabetes.
To make chia seed pudding, just soak chia seeds in milk until the mixture achieves a pudding-like consistency.
Whether or not you have diabetes, choosing healthier options by focusing on foods high in protein, fibre, healthy fats and other nutrients will help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.