String Cheese/Cheese Cubes
We’re 90% certain that most of us have, at some point or another, gone absolutely feral over a cheese platter. Indeed, sometimes it’s the simplest snacks that are the most filling. Cheese cubes and string cheese are both high in protein with virtually zero carbs.
Almonds and Dark Chocolate
Diabetes can be a difficult condition to work around, especially if you have a bit of a sweet tooth. Fortunately, there are still some safe sweet treats that you can enjoy, like a dish of almonds and dark chocolate. The almonds will give you a nice crunch and are full of healthy fats and proteins; dark chocolate, on the other hand, provides some much-needed sweetness while still being low in sugar.
Greek Yoghurt With Cinnamon
For those of you looking for something rich and creamy like a dessert, look no further than Greek yoghurt. Sure, it may be plain, but it’s also high in protein which can prevent glucose spikes. Plus, you can add some cinnamon for some extra sweetness and flavor without having to resort to sugar.
Apple Slices With (Natural) Peanut Butter
You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. For those living with diabetes, however, apples can actually be quite problematic due to the amount of carbs they contain. Fortunately, you can pair up your apple slices with some natural peanut butter to slow down the digestion of the carbs, making for a sweet, salty, and creamy snack.
Cottage Cheese With Berries
We’re told our whole lives that fruits and veggies are healthy and good for us, but for those with diabetes, extra caution must be given to which fruits and veggies you consume. Berries are a lower glycemic food, and they pair fantastically with cottage cheese which provides protein to create a light but filling snack.
Avocado on Whole-Grain Crackers
Avocado is another “safe” fruit for those living with diabetes, but it’s not exactly something you’re likely to eat by itself. While avo on toast is already a widely-known snack, avocado also goes great with whole-grain crackers to create a savory snack rich in healthy fats and fiber.
Hard-Boiled Eggs (with Bagel Seasoning)
Eggs are a staple of a healthy diet, but they’re not exactly the most exciting meal. There’s no need for them to be boring, though, especially if you can get your hands on some Everything Bagel seasoning. This makes your eggs taste just like a bagel but without any of the excess carbs.
Edamame With Sea Salt
If you haven’t tried edamame yet, now is the perfect time to sample this delicious East Asian dish. It’s made from immature soybeans still in their pods, which are then steamed or fried until crunchy. Throw on some sea salt and you’ve got a pretty good substitute for potato chips that not only tastes delicious, but is also high in protein and fiber.
Hummus With Raw Veggies
Hummus is a staple of the Mediterranean diet which should already tell you that it’s perfectly healthy. It’s made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, and serves as a delicious creamy dip that goes great with raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Chicken Roll-Ups With Cheese
Cooking the perfect roll-up will take some patience and practice, but the results will be more than worth it. You have the choice between chicken or turkey, both of which provide plenty of protein and fat but without the excess carbs. Add some cheese into the mix and you’ve got yourself a winning snack that’s perfect for savory cravings.
Chia Pudding With Stevia
Traditionally, chia pudding is prepared with milk and a sweetener (typically sugar), but you’ll likely want to avoid both of those ingredients. Fortunately, your choice of milk is flexible, and you can substitute the sugar for stevia, which is a totally natural, zero-calorie sweetener to create a creamy, delicious snack high in fiber.
Mixed Nuts
Those without diabetes have the privilege of being able to just pick any old snack from the store that they want. However, there are options for those with diabetes if you’re not up for preparing anything from scratch. A pack of mixed nuts, for example, is pretty low effort, relatively affordable, and is high in fat. Just make sure you opt for the unsalted variety.
Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas often make for a great accompaniment to many meals, but they’re also pretty great by themselves if you roast them. This gives you a chip-like crunch minus all the unhealthy carbs that normally come with it, and is packed with plenty of fiber and protein.
Celery Boats
We know what you’re thinking: celery isn’t exactly the most exciting snack. But when you add some peanut butter and unsweetened coconut, you end up with a crunchy-sweet snack that has plenty of healthy fats while still being relatively low on carbs.
Tuna Salad in Cucumber Cups
If you’re willing to shop around for a few extra ingredients and spend some time preparing them all, you’ll be surprised by how delicious the results will be. Tuna salad in cucumber cups is a fresh, savory, and crunchy snack that’s high in protein without any added sugars.
Olives
What if we told you that olives don’t always have to be enjoyed with a martini? Indeed, they’re perfectly fine just as they are, and can be enjoyed as a quick and easy snack that’s filled with healthy fats while also being pretty low in carbs.
Sugar-Free Jello
Jello is the perfect snack if your sweet-tooth ever starts to go feral. Just make sure you purchase the sugar-free variety. You can also pair this with some unsweetened whipped cream, whose fat will slow your digestion.
Protein Shakes
Protein shakes have long been the domain of the zealous gym bro, but they’re also a great stand-in for milkshakes for those with diabetes. Just make sure you go for the unsweetened, low-carb brands.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is unfortunately a no-go for many people living with diabetes. Fortunately, air-popped popcorn is fair game! It’s got a lower glycemic index than chips while still tasting delicious.
Berries and Almonds
Both berries and almonds have been featured elsewhere on this list already, but they go well together, too. Even a small handful can satisfy your cravings - the berries are sweet but low in sugar, and the nuts prevent rapid glucose absorption.
