Diabetes is a condition that affects many people today. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin produced effectively.
When this happens, the glucose in the blood cannot enter the cells, which can cause many health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
One way to prevent or manage diabetes is through diet, especially by incorporating low glycemic index (GI) foods. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels.
In this article, we will share with you 30 low GI snacks that can help prevent diabetes. These snacks are delicious, healthy, and easy to make.
Fruit Snacks
Fruits contain natural sugars and are rich in essential nutrients that can help keep the body healthy. Here are some low GI fruit snacks that you can enjoy:.
1. Apple slices with almond butter
Apples have a low glycemic index (GI) of 39. When paired with almond butter, which is low in carbohydrates, this snack provides a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
2. Grapefruit salad with honey and pecans
Grapefruit has a low GI of 25 and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Combine it with honey and pecans, which provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, for a delicious and healthy snack.
3. Mango smoothie with chia seeds
Mangoes have a low GI of 51 and are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C. Blend it with chia seeds, which are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber and protein, for a sweet and healthy smoothie.
4. Peach and cottage cheese parfait
Peaches have a low GI of 42 and are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Combine it with cottage cheese, which is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, for a healthy snack that will keep you full and satisfied.
5. Strawberry and Greek yogurt smoothie
Strawberries have a low GI of 41 and are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Mix it with Greek yogurt, which is high in protein, for a sweet and creamy smoothie that will keep you energized.
Nut Snacks
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them an excellent snack option for people with diabetes. Here are some low GI nut snacks that you can enjoy:.
6. Almond and cheese bites
Almonds have a low GI of 15 and are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Pair it with a small piece of cheese, which is low in carbohydrates, for a delicious and healthy snack.
7. Cashew and dried apricot mix
Cashews have a low GI of 22 and are high in protein and magnesium. Combine it with dried apricots, which are low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, for a sweet and crunchy snack.
8. Pistachio and apple slices
Pistachios have a low GI of 37 and are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Pair it with apple slices, which have a low GI of 39, for a delicious and crunchy snack.
9. Walnut and banana slices
Walnuts have a low GI of 15 and are high in protein and healthy fats. Pair it with banana slices, which have a low GI of 51, for a delicious and nutritious snack that will keep you going.
10. Peanut butter and celery sticks
Peanut butter has a low GI of 14 and is high in protein and healthy fats. Pair it with celery sticks, which are low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, for a delicious and satisfying snack.
Veggie Snacks
Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them an excellent snack option for people with diabetes. Here are some low GI veggie snacks that you can enjoy:.
11. Carrot sticks with hummus
Carrots have a low GI of 47 and are rich in fiber and vitamin A. Pair it with hummus, which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, for a delicious and healthy snack.
12. Cucumber and avocado salad
Cucumbers have a low GI of 15 and are an excellent source of vitamin K. Combine it with avocado, which is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, for a refreshing and healthy snack.
13. Edamame and cherry tomato mix
Edamame has a low GI of 18 and is high in protein and fiber. Combine it with cherry tomatoes, which have a low GI of 15 and are rich in vitamin C, for a delicious and nutritious snack.
14. Roasted Brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese
Brussels sprouts have a low GI of 15 and are rich in fiber and vitamin C. Roast it with parmesan cheese, which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and calcium, for a delicious and healthy snack.
15. Zucchini and feta cheese bites
Zucchinis have a low GI of 15 and are rich in fiber and vitamin C. Combine it with feta cheese, which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and calcium, for a delicious and healthy snack.
Seed Snacks
Seeds are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them an excellent snack option for people with diabetes. Here are some low GI seed snacks that you can enjoy:.
16. Flaxseed crackers with cream cheese
Flaxseed has a low GI of 39 and is high in fiber and lignans, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Pair it with cream cheese, which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, for a delicious and healthy snack.
17. Pumpkin seeds and dried cranberry mix
Pumpkin seeds have a low GI of 10 and are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Combine it with dried cranberries, which are low in carbohydrates and rich in antioxidants, for a sweet and nutritious snack.
18. Sesame seed and cucumber bites
Sesame seeds have a low GI of 33 and are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Pair it with cucumber slices, which have a low GI of 15 and are rich in fiber and vitamin K, for a refreshing and healthy snack.
19. Sunflower seed and cherry tomato salad
Sunflower seeds have a low GI of 20 and are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Combine it with cherry tomatoes, which have a low GI of 15 and are an excellent source of vitamin C, for a delicious and nutritious snack.
20. Chia seed pudding with raspberries
Chia seeds have a low GI of 1 and are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Mix it with raspberries, which have a low GI of 32 and are rich in fiber and vitamin C, for a sweet and nutritious snack.
Grain Snacks
Whole grains are rich in fiber and are low in glycemic index, making them a perfect snack option for people with diabetes. Here are some low GI grain snacks that you can enjoy:.
21. Brown rice cake with cream cheese and cucumber
Brown rice cakes have a low GI of 55 and are rich in fiber. Pair it with cream cheese and cucumber, which are both low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber, for a delicious and healthy snack.
22. Quinoa and roasted sweet potato bites
Quinoa has a low GI of 53 and is packed with protein and fiber. Combine it with roasted sweet potatoes, which have a low GI of 44 and are rich in vitamin A, for a delicious and nutritious snack.
23. Oats and blueberry parfait
Oats have a low GI of 55 and are packed with protein and fiber. Mix it with blueberries, which have a low GI of 53 and are rich in fiber and antioxidants, for a sweet and healthy parfait.
24. Buckwheat and almond milk pudding
Buckwheat has a low GI of 51 and is high in protein and fiber. Mix it with almond milk, which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, for a delicious and healthy pudding snack.
25. Couscous and roasted vegetable salad
Couscous has a low GI of 65 and is packed with protein and fiber. Combine it with roasted vegetables, which are low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber and antioxidants, for a nutritious and delicious salad snack.
Dessert Snacks
Sometimes, you need something sweet to satisfy your cravings. Here are some low GI dessert snacks that you can enjoy:.
26. Dark chocolate and almonds
Dark chocolate has a low GI of 23 and is rich in antioxidants. Pair it with almonds, which have a low GI of 15, for a decadent and healthy dessert snack.
27. Popsicles with coconut milk and berries
Coconut milk has a low GI of 41 and is high in healthy fats. Mix it with berries, which have a low GI of 41 and are rich in fiber and antioxidants, for a refreshing and healthy popsicle.
28. Baked apples with cinnamon and walnuts
Apples have a low GI of 39 and are rich in fiber and vitamin C. Bake it with cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and walnuts, which are high in protein and healthy fats, for a delicious and healthy dessert snack.
29. Banana and chocolate smoothie
Bananas have a low GI of 51 and are packed with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Mix it with dark chocolate, which has a low GI of 23 and is rich in antioxidants, for a sweet and healthy smoothie.
30. Coconut and blueberry muffins
Coconut has a low GI of 41 and is high in healthy fats. Mix it with blueberries, which have a low GI of 53 and are rich in fiber and antioxidants, for a delicious and healthy muffin snack.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious condition that can have severe health consequences for people who suffer from it. Incorporating low GI snacks in your diet can help prevent or manage diabetes and keep your body healthy.
Incorporating fruits, nuts, veggies, seeds, grains, and dessert snacks into your day is an easy way to ensure that you are consuming healthy snacks that won’t cause spikes in your blood sugar levels.
Experiment with different combinations of the above recipes to create your own perfect snacks!.