Sometimes what we eat between meals can do more harm than the meals themselves. That’s why it’s important for low-carb dieters to always be mindful of the nutritional content of the snacks they choose. Diabetics should normally also go for snacks with lower carbs. However, diabetics should additionally keep some high sugar snacks around in case they have to deal with a bout of low blood sugar.
Snacking is often habitual rather than a response to hunger. We tend to settle into a daily rhythm and get used to eating snacks during work breaks or between school classes. This is not to say that snacks can’t be beneficial. In fact, if you are trying to lose weight, it is proven that breaking your daily calorie intake into more numerous meals is preferred over fewer meals. The act of eating itself can actually give a boost to your metabolism, so properly chosen snacks can actually do quite well.
Diabetics should evaluate the potential effect of snacks not only by considering carb content, but also looking at the glycemic index. Foods with higher glycemic indices raise blood sugar levels more quickly. Again, when your blood sugar is low, this is a good thing; otherwise, opt for low glycemic index snacks instead.
The snack battle can often be won with some simple preparation. Before you head off to work or school, fill your bag with an assortment of low-carb snacks that you have prepared at home. Not only will this help your budget, it will also keep you away from the vending machines that are filled with everything but the kind of snacks you really need. Good low-carb options include cheese, raw vegetables, boiled eggs and jerky. In the context of a low-carb diet, you can pretty much eat whatever you need of snacks like these to stave off hunger without a negative effect on your diet.
Just like your mealtime choices, any time that you can increase the protein and fiber content of your snacks, you can increase the time over which food energy will be released. Simply put, you won’t get hungry again as quickly. Peanut butter is an excellent addition to veggies and whole grain snacks that will add both protein, taste and beneficial fats.