LOW-CARB SNACKS
TO Keep your blood sugar stable
Looking for snack ideas to help manage gestational diabetes? Check out these tasty and nutritious options from Malama’s Registered Dietitians
SAVORY
1
Sliced avocado and tomato on whole-grain toast
2
Cottage cheese with sliced tomatoes
3
Baby carrots with hummus
4
Cottage cheese with sliced cucumber
Mixed nuts
5
6
Cheddar Cheese
7
Almonds
8
1 hard boiled egg
9
Small snack1 small pear + 1 oz almonds
10
Mixed nuts and dried fruit
11
Edamame & Greek Yogurt
12
Cucumber slices with tzatziki
13
Cottage cheese with sliced bell pepper
14
Carrot sticks with tzatziki
Mixed nuts and dried fruit
15
16
1 small orange + 1 oz walnuts
17
1 small bell pepper slices with hummus
18
1 small banana + 1 oz almonds
19
1 small apple + 1 oz pistachios 1
20
1 small apple + 1 oz cashews
SWEET
1
Sugar-free yogurt with fresh berries
2
Sugar-free jelly with fresh fruit
3
Sliced pear, almond butter spread
4
Peach
5
Cottage cheese with strawberries
6
Small Orange
7
Handful of Grapes
8
Apples with peanut butter
9
Half an Apple
10
1 cup low-fat milk + small whole-wheat cookie
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Snacks can be a great way to keep your blood sugars stable, but it's important to choose the right ones. We want snacks that are satisfying, enjoyable, energizing, and good for your blood sugar.
To build a gd snack:
Let's start with carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, and they're also delicious. But, we do have to be cautious with the portion size of carbohydrates in our snacks. Typically, I aim for 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per snack, and I look for carbs that have at least 3 grams of fiber. Fiber slows down digestion, which helps reduce how quickly your blood sugar rises after eating. And, I try to avoid carbs with more than 10 grams of sugar, as they can cause your blood sugar to spike.
2. Next, let's talk about protein. A snack that's filling and satiating is essential, and that's where protein (and/or fat) comes in. I aim for 6-10 grams of protein per snack, as it helps slow down digestion, which in turn slows the rise of blood sugar. It also helps you feel fuller for longer, so you won't become ravenous before your next meal.