Post Contributor: Corrie Pikul
For balanced blood sugar, try the 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein! Many people with diabetes find that snacks with a ratio of 3g of carbs to 1g of protein work well – but play with the ratio (2:1 carbs to protein, for example) and see what works best for you. Snacks with that ratio will not only make you feel a little more full and satisfied than a carb-or sugar-heavy snack, but they’ll provide more sustained energy. Try hummus with crackers, or avocado on whole-wheat toast drizzled with olive oil, or peanut butter on celery sticks with raisins. For an on-the-go treat, try a pack of Joydays cookies, which are formulated to provide this golden ratio of carbs to protein [Source: WebMD].
One of the worst snacks for blood sugar balance: Cereal + milk. Even if you choose healthy, whole-grain cereal, one RD told us, the carbs will still quickly break down in the milk and in your body, causing blood sugar levels to spike—and then crash.
Refueling every 4 - 5 hours is a smart way to maintain blood sugar balance. Yet life often gets in the way. If you have lunch at noon but can’t break for dinner until 6 p.m., you will likely find yourself in a very vulnerable and dangerous position – definitely not in the mood to soak some fiber-rich lentils or roast some nutritious broccoli. So you’ll need a plan for snack time. Joydays cookies can be a no-brainer for a convenient, balanced treat!