Five of the Best Blood Sugar Friendly Snacks

Today I am sharing five of the best blood sugar friendly snacks. These snacks are healthy, easy to prep ahead of time, and delicious.

Let's face it, who doesn't love a good snack? We all need that nourishment between meals, whether it's because of a grumbling belly, the need for a mid-afternoon energy boost, or just something to nosh on while you are watching tv. With so many easy to grab, not-so-great for-us options out there, it's more important than ever to have some healthy snacks at the ready.

These snacks are some of my favorites for when I want something quick, nourishing, yummy, and blood sugar friendly.

Why is blood sugar balance important?

First, a personal story. A few years ago, after getting my bloodwork results from my yearly physical, I found out that I had a slightly elevated A1C level. At that level I was considered 'prediabetic.' I was shocked to say the least. I have a sweet tooth, sure. However, I also exercised consistently and ate pretty healthy most of the time.

This news sent me down the Google rabbit hole, specifically to find out what this test measures and what I could do about it. Essentially, A1C is a test that measures your average blood glucose levels over the past three months. In the two years that followed, I learned more than I ever thought I would about blood sugar, and I lowered my A1C level back into the normal range through lifestyle changes. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 adults are considered prediabetic, and 80% do not know it. That is a scary statistic.

I learned what blood sugar levels (or glucose levels) mean, how they can be tracked, how diet and exercise play a role, and most importantly, how balancing your blood sugar is essential for health. It's important for EVERYONE, not just those with diabetes. This learning is part of what prompted me to start this blog, wanting to share what I was learning in hopes of helping others. You can read more about this topic here.

Now, onto the snacks. If you are looking for some healthy snack ideas that will help keep your blood sugar balanced, keep you satiated, and keep your cravings at bay, check out this list of five of the best blood sugar friendly snacks.

What are the best blood sugar friendly snacks?

The best blood sugar friendly snacks are snacks that contain a combination of protein, healthy fat and carbohydrates. They keep you full and they do not cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash.

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Five of the Best Blood Sugar Friendly Snacks

Apple with Nut Butter. My tried-and-true favorite morning or afternoon snack. This snack is full of fiber and nutrients from the apple and healthy fats and protein for the nut butter. Simply cut up an apple and dip into your favorite nut butter - it doesn't get much easier than that. I tend to reach for almond butter or peanut butter. Be sure that your nut butter only contains nuts and salt, no added sugar. For on-the-go, try these small packets of nut butter.

Mini Charcuterie. I bring this tasty combination to work as a snack and sometimes as a light lunch almost every week. My kids also love this for lunch. Create your own mini charcuterie with your favorite sliced cheese or string cheese, beef stick or other deli meat, fresh veggies such as carrots or red bell peppers, a small container of hummus, and some almond flour crackers or Flackers. Most of these items you can keep on hand in your fridge or pantry, and it couldn't be easier to throw together.

Veggies and Guacamole or Hummus. This is another super-easy snack that is full of fiber, nutrients and healthy fats. Grab some cut up veggies - think carrots, celery, snap peas, red peppers and cucumbers. Add some guacamole or hummus to dip. This snack is balanced and yummy, and you can never get enough veggies in your day.

Yogurt Bowl with Berries and Nuts. Plain whole milk yogurt (or your favorite non-dairy plain yogurt) with berries and nuts sprinkled on top is another favorite snack or breakfast in my house. I especially love the combo of blueberries, raspberries and pecans. Sometimes I'll sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top too. Berries are nutritional powerhouses full of fiber and phytonutrients and the nuts provide fiber, micronutrients, healthy fat and protein. The yogurt provides even more protein to keep you full. Experiment until you find your favorite combination - any type of berry, nut or seed works well.

TIP: No fresh berries - no problem. Frozen work great. They kind of melt into the yogurt and give it great flavor. Just let it sit for a bit before digging in. This is a great way to save some money on berries.

Homemade Trail Mix with Nuts and Seeds. Trail mix is the easiest on-the-go travel snack. Mix your favorite nuts with some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, some coconut chips, and some cacoa nibs or chocolate chips. You can add dried fruit as well, but keep it to a minimum if you are really working to keep blood sugar levels balanced. Add an apple on the side for a perfectly balanced snack. You can check out one of my favorite trail mix combinations here.

Those are five of the best blood sugar friendly snacks. Do you have a favorite? Let me know below!

Where can I learn more about balanced blood sugar?

Want to learn more about balancing your blood sugar and why it's so important for your health? Stick around here for more information as I share my tips, tricks, recipes and what I am learning along this journey. You can also check out two of my blood sugar gurus, Kelly LeVeque and Jessie Inchauspe. Jessie's book, Glucose Revolution was a game-changing read for me. She makes blood sugar easy to understand and gives you all the tips for how to keep your blood sugar stable and still enjoy all of your favorite foods.

For more healthy living inspiration, check out Five Things To Start Doing Today for Your Health and How Blood Sugar Balance Has Changed the Way I Eat.

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