DIABETES

Diabetes: Snack Smarter

November is National Diabetes Month

Smart snacking is good for everyone! For people with diabetes, smart snacks also help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Focus on pairing carbohydrates with a protein and/or fat. As an added bonus, you will feel fuller.

Whether you’re making your own snacks or buying them at a convenience store, here are some helpful tips from Mankato Clinic and the American Diabetes Association to fuel your body to feel your best:

• Keep individual servings of nonperishable snacks such as nuts – walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews – on hand. These snacks are great sources of healthy fats and protein and keep you full.

• Choose snacks that are high in fiber. Examples may include: whole grain/rice/nut crackers with nut butter; hummus and raw veggies; cottage cheese and berries; guacamole and chips; apple slices, baby carrots or celery with nut butter. Boost the nutrients by sprinkling some chia seeds on top!

• Keep it simple with whole pieces of fruit and string cheese or hard-boiled eggs.

• Purchase snack packs such as tuna or chicken salad kits, nut/cheese/dried fruit, or deli meat/ cheese/crackers.

• Prepare your own snack packs. Snack pack ideas include: tuna pouches with whole grain crackers; individually portioned nut butter paired with an apple or banana; guacamole and whole grain crackers; hummus and pretzel crisps.

• Similar to snack packs, find protein bars that are high in protein, healthy fat, and fiber such as: Perfect Bars, Orgain, KIND protein, Lara Bar Protein, Nature Valley Protein, and RX Bars. Or consider making your own. Check out the Chocolate Covered Katie blog for fast and easy protein bar recipes that use only five ingredients. Visit chocolatecoveredkatie.com/ protein-bars-recipe/.

What’s for supper?

Check out Diabetes Food Hub at diabetesfoodhub. org from the nutrition experts at the American Diabetes Association.

Red Quinoa and Farro

Shake things up with this red quinoa and farro! The grains are flavored with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and oregano, plus a little heat from crushed red pepper flakes. If you can’t find red quinoa, regular white quinoa works just as well. A

dd a protein and vegetable, such as grilled shrimp and asparagus, and you have a dinner just bursting with flavor and enjoyment! ■

Mankato Clinic Diabetes Care Center

Main Street, 507-385-4114

mankatoclinic.com/diabetes-care-center