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At some point along the way, snacking got a bad reputation as something you shouldn’t do. But choosing healthy snacks is actually smart for your overall health—especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Those with the condition don’t make enough insulin or don’t use insulin well. Insulin is something our bodies need to move glucose (sugar) into cells so it can be used for energy. When this process goes awry, it can cause high blood sugar levels.
But what you put into your body may help. “For some people, snacking between meals may help with blood sugar management,” says Liz Weiss, M.S., R.D.N., host of the Liz’s Healthy Table podcast and blog. The goal is to pick nutrient-rich foods and small snacks that help support your healthy eating goals and keep your blood sugar in check.
“Focus on gut-healthy fiber, good-for-you fats, and nutrient-rich foods that provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” Weiss says. She recommends reaching for snacks that contain lean protein, whole grains, and non-starchy fruits and vegetables. And try to steer clear of processed foods, refined carbs, sweetened drinks, and high-sodium chips.
Not sure where to start? Try out some of these nutritious, delicious DIY snack ideas from Weiss.
1. Tuna-Stuffed Avocado Half
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This dish is simple to make, and it’s packed with good-for-you nutrients. “Tuna is a source of high-quality protein,” Weiss says. “And avocados promote satiety and are low in sodium, sugar, and cholesterol.” Together, these ingredients can help fill you up and keep your blood sugar steady.
To make, mix a can of tuna with a few tablespoons of chopped red onion and dollop of light mayo or plain Greek yogurt. Then, halve an avocado and scoop the mixture inside a half. (You can wrap the other half and save it for tomorrow.)
2. Chocolate Chia Pudding
Prefer something on the sweeter side? This delicious snack uses BOOST Nutritional Drinks to help you get plenty of protein along with important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Choose between chocolate-flavored BOOST Glucose Control Nutritional Drink or BOOST Glucose Control Max 30g Protein Drink—both drinks are clinically shown to produce a lower blood sugar response compared to a standard nutritional drink in people with type 2 diabetes —but the latter may be a better bet if you want even more protein in your diet to support your active lifestyle.
To make this recipe, pour just eight ounces of either drink into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add three to four tablespoons of chia seeds, secure the lid, and shake vigorously. Refrigerate until thick, anywhere from three hours to overnight. Divide between two bowls and top with berries and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. The nutritional drinks combined with chia seeds give you a protein-packed snack that can help you feel full for hours, Weiss says.
3. Cottage Cheese Snack Parfait
“Half a cup of small curd cottage cheese has over 12 grams of satisfying protein, and some research shows that it may help manage blood sugar,” Weiss says. And berries are packed with fiber to help slow digestion and keep your blood sugar even. Opt for reduced-fat cottage cheese to keep saturated fat in check.
All you need to make this dish is a bit of cottage cheese, some berries, and pantry staples. Layer cottage cheese in a small bowl with a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries, along with a few tablespoons of whole grain breakfast cereal and chopped nuts.
4. Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
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A nice perk of this snack is you can mix it in bulk and split it into handful-sized portions to eat throughout the week. The sweetness in the mix comes from the raisins and dried apricots, which don’t contain added sugar, Weiss points out. “A handful of this trail mix delivers healthy fats, fiber, and protein,” she says, and can help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
To make it, simply combine lightly toasted walnuts and almonds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Then mix in raisins or chopped dried apricots. Be sure to keep the serving of fruit to 1 or 2 tablespoons to avoid blood sugar spikes.
5. Peanut Butter Apple Rings
Got peanut butter and an apple at home? You’re ready for this snack. Core a red or green apple and cut it into thick rings. Then spread one to two tablespoons of peanut butter over the rings. Top them with a few tablespoons of chopped nuts and raisins, and a sprinkling of whole-grain oats.
“One medium apple has over four grams of fiber,” Weiss says. “Add some nut butter, chopped walnuts, oats and raisins to the mix and you’ve got a snack that’s filling and satisfying with over seven grams of fiber.” Fiber, she points out, can help manage blood sugar as well.
6. Egg and Veggie Muffins
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Traditional store-bought muffins are packed with white flour and added sugar, Weiss says. And that can lead to blood sugar spikes and drops, leaving you feeling lousy. Instead, use protein-rich eggs to create snack muffins.
To make, whisk together six eggs with two tablespoons of shredded reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Add a cup of finely chopped non-starchy vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, or onion, or a blend of each. Spray six muffin tins with nonstick spray, fill them with the egg mixture, and bake at 350°F for about 18 minutes. Snack on one today and refrigerate the others in a sealed container to eat later in the week.
7. Mini Snack Board
Make your own charcuterie board at home! Weiss likes this snack because it’s packed with protein and fiber. “Hummus is often enjoyed as a dip, which encourages more vegetable consumption,” she points out.
Start with a mini serving board and set a small bowl of hummus alongside carrots, broccoli florets, radishes, celery or any other combo of non-starchy vegetables. Apple slices and almonds round out the mix.
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