Introduction

During the holidays, especially Christmas, New Year and Easter, we are overstimulated with offers of cakes, sweets and snacks in all media, and not least when we are in stores and shopping. When you have diabetes, it is a demanding time. I have learned that there are many good alternatives to healthier and more diabetes-friendly snacks that I use to stimulate my need for snacks. Especially during these holidays.

And we often sit more still and eat more during the holidays, which increases the temptation to eat snacks, making it extra important to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels and be aware of what it takes to keep them stable.

And not all snacks are created equal. The best snacks for lowering blood sugar tend to be low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with protein or healthy fats.

From salty to crunchy to creamy, there are tons of options to make snacks delicious and exciting. Here are some snacks that not only taste amazing, but also keep your blood sugar in check.

These are my healthy snacks

1. Avocado:
   Avocados are a great food choice for blood sugar management because of their natural combo of low carbohydrates, fiber, and good fats. One serving of avocado (1/3 of an avocado) contains just 4 grams of carbohydrate. Plus, 79% of that carbohydrate is fiber, meaning it won’t cause rapid rises in blood sugar. A delicious way to enjoy avocado as a snack is to eat half an avocado sprinkled with Knorr Aromat or all-in-one seasoning and a squeeze of lime or lemon.
2. Cheese: 
   Cheese may help support healthy blood sugar because it provides protein and fat. It also only has 1 gram of carbs per serving, Cheese is perfect to pair with other foods like fruit, veggies, or whole grain crackers—and the protein and fat from the cheese slows down how quickly the carbs are absorbed as glucose in the body.
3. Roasted Chickpeas:
   Chickpeas have a low glycemic index and a higher protein availability than many other legumes. This may help “buffer” the carbohydrate impact on blood sugar levels. Roasted chickpeas are a portable, crunchy snack that can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil and your favorite savory seasonings.
   Roasted chickpeas are an ideal balance of fiber, protein, and fat per serving
4. Soy roasted almonds:In a randomized controlled trial, eating 15 almonds before meals significantly lowered post-meal blood sugar and helped reverse prediabetes to normoglycemia (normal blood sugar level). Almonds contain protein, fiber, healthy fats, and magnesium, all key for glucose control.
5. Greek Yogurt with Berries:
   Greek yogurt paired with a handful of fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, is a nutrient-dense treat.
   The protein in yogurt slows digestion, while the berries provide antioxidants and just a hint of natural sweetness to satisfy your snack cravings.
6. Hard-boiled eggs:
   Hard-boiled eggs are a classic snack for good reason. They’re high in protein and contain almost no carbs, making them perfect for keeping blood sugar levels stable. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, or paprika for extra flavor.
   "Data shows that eating one large egg daily may reduce your risk of diabetes."
7. Veggies and Hummus:
   Crisp, colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber paired with hummus are a refreshing and blood sugar-friendly choice.
   Hummus is made from chickpeas and is a good source of fiber and healthy fats, making it both filling and nutritious.
   Compared to other commonly consumed foods, hummus has been shown to improve post-meal blood sugar control, fasting lipids, appetite control, and daily food intake. 
8. Pumpkin Seeds:
   Pumpkin seeds are small but mighty when it comes to lowering blood sugar. They are a natural source of magnesium, protein and healthy fats, and they are a crunchy and filling snack that supports blood sugar stability.
   Use them as an ingredient in diabetes-friendly muesli mixes.
9. Cottage Cheese:
   Cottage cheese is another protein-packed option that’s naturally low in carbs. You can enjoy it on its own or mix it with a few chopped cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
   Its high protein content helps slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes.
10. Dark Chocolate (70% or Higher):
    Yes, chocolate can be blood sugar-friendly! A square or two of quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is low in sugar and high in antioxidants, making it a diabetes-friendly treat to satisfy a craving.
    Bonus? It also serves as an excellent source of magnesium, which plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation. 
11. Bounty balls:
    Bounty balls, using high quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% cocoa or higher) and a good honey, together with coconut pulp, reduce the "bad" sugar content.
12. Walnuts:
    Walnuts are another nutty option that can help lower blood sugar, thanks to their healthy fats and minimal carbs. They are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.
    Additionally, walnuts are low in carbohydrates, which means they have minimal impact on blood glucose. Their high fiber content also supports better digestion and stabilizes blood sugar by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates.
13. Turkey Roll-Ups:
    Take a slice of turkey or chicken breast, spread on a bit of cream cheese, and roll it up with a slice of cucumber or avocado for a snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats but low in carbs.
    You can pair this with a piece of fruit for some healthy carbs if your snack time needs a boost of this important macro too.
14. Tuna Salad Stuffed Celery Sticks:
    Mix some canned tuna with mayo and seasonings, then stuff it into crunchy celery sticks. This combo provides protein, healthy fats, and fiber while being low in carbs.
    Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help improve overall cardiovascular health. 
15. Olives:
    Olives are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent option for managing blood sugar levels. The healthy monounsaturated fats found in olives provide sustained energy and help improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for blood sugar control. 10
    Additionally, olives have a low glycemic index, meaning they have minimal impact on blood glucose levels.

What Else Can You Do to Help Lower Blood Sugar?

Healthy snacking is just part of the equation. You can also take these steps to improve your blood sugar management:

• Eat consistent meals: Aim to eat at regular intervals to maintain steady blood sugar levels and prevent spikes or drops.
• Practice stress management: Engage in techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to lower stress levels, which can impact blood sugar.
• Monitor your blood sugar: Regularly checking your levels can help you make informed decisions about what you should eat and your lifestyle.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively.

A Quick Review

Choosing the right snacks can play a big role in managing your blood sugar. Look for options that are low in carbs, high in fiber, and provide protein or healthy fats to avoid spikes and keep you satisfied.
From creamy avocado to crunchy roasted chickpeas and even a square of dark chocolate, there are plenty of delicious foods to enjoy.

Thanks for reading

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