If you have diabetes, then you know how big of a role diet plays in managing the disease. Prepping your meals can be especially helpful, but what do you when those hunger pains start to creep up midday? Not to worry, here are five snacks that will keep you full and satisfied and help lower your blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
1. Apple slices with peanut butter. Many diabetics worry that fruit will interfere with their health. Fortunately, the sugars in apples and most other fruits are acceptable for people living with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. High in fiber, antioxidants and flavonoids, apples (with the peel) help maintain your blood sugar levels under control. Pairing them with peanut butter is a smart choice because it’s low in carbohydrates and it prevents your blood sugar from spiking.
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2. Packed with fiber, oatmeal is great for diabetics because it slows down the absorption of glucose from food during the digestion process and helps keep your blood sugar levels under control. Add chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc.) to further stabilize your blood sugar.
3. Bean salad. These babies are packed with protein, fiber and high-quality carbohydrates (whole grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes), which help improve your blood sugar levels. According to a study conducted by the Archives of Internal Medicine, people with type 2 diabetes who consumed legumes regularly not only had more stable blood sugar levels, they also lowered their risk of heart disease.
4. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, oysters and other types of fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to reduce inflammation – a common problem – in the bodies of people with type 2 diabetes.
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5. Hard-boiled eggs. High in protein, hard-boiled eggs are a great choice because they keep your blood sugar levels steady. Worried about high cholesterol? Simply remove the yolk and eat the egg white. One large egg contains 187 mg of cholesterol and the full 187 mg is all in the yolk. The recommended daily intake is 200 mg or less.
