Eating with Diabetes: Smart Snacking

I agree with the poster who wrote "these suggested foods contain absorbinate amounts of artificial sweetners, high fructose corn syrup, and highly processed meats and cheeses that are very high in sodium content, none of which are good for your health!" In fact, I find it shocking to see a photo of a large bowl of fruit at the top of this article. It reminds me of the Weight Watchers ads that show big pieces of frosted cake. Let's face reality. There are good snacks and a large bowl of fruit is not in that category. A small bowl of berries, yes. A small bowl of berries with sliced almonds atop, yes. - 4/14/2013 12:07:59 AM

If you are having that much trouble keeping your glucose at high enough levels througout the day and night it likely means you need an insulin adjustment! Consult your endo and eplain what is happening and that you are on this program. As a Nurse Practitioner I can assure you that they don't want you taking more insulin than you need and will be glad to work with you as you work toward healthy goals - 3/18/2013 2:54:22 PM

I'm finding it hard to keep my sugars stable enough during the day with the calories allowed me, but impossible to have my sugars high enough to go to bed Take tonight for example. I used up all my calories keeping my sugars stable during the day, but had a low of 77 right before I was due to go to bed - and required a sugar hit and a long-acting (low GI) snack to see me through the night - sending me way over my calories for the day - which happens at least three times a week. I have also noticed that many articles are aimed squarely at the Type 2 diabetics not on insulin, not at those of us who are on insulin for sugar control. I have reduced my insulin by 75%, but I require some every day. It is a balancing game that even after 13 years with diabetes I still cannot get right - and nor can my diabetic educator, my gp or my endocrinologist. I just want to lose weight, but my sugars won't let me :( - 3/18/2013 10:03:26 AM

Amy, based on personal experience, I strongly disagree with the carb amounts per meal or snack you recommend for diabetics. They seem way too high. Have you considered the findings in "The Diabetes Solution" by Richard K. Bernstein, MD?

Following Dr. Bernstein's recommendations of low-carb eating helped my husband control his Type 2 diabetes with diet alone, getting him off 20 years of high doses of medication. The moment he reverts back to the carb levels you recommend, he needs his meds again... - 2/25/2013 12:42:14 PM

I usually do 2 snacks a day. Between breakfast and lunch and between lunch and dinner. If my day is light and I have calories to spare I do something sweet for dessert after dinner that won't make me go over on my calories. - 2/10/2013 4:03:07 PM

I'm always looking for snacks that add variety to my program. The chart was helpful in doing this. Thanks, SparkPeople! - 10/5/2012 8:06:55 AM

My recent bloodwork showed a slightly raised fasting glucose level of 109. My husband is prediabetic and I want to know what some good choices of foods are. Chart containing amounts was helpful. - 9/9/2012 11:51:08 AM

Thanks for the article. It gave me some ideas. I don't plan for snacks. Like the person before me posted - I can't go for 5 hours so a snack is a great idea but I need to plan for it so I don't blow my hard work. I was tempted by donuts today ...instead I had pretzels and a slice of cheese. Progress not perfection. - 4/12/2012 4:15:39 PM

I notice that some of these suggested foods contain absorbinate amounts of artificial sweetners, high fructose corn syrup, and highly processed meats and cheeses that are very high in sodium content, none of which are good for your health! Some choices are good but there are better choices like fruits that give you natural sugars, snacks bars that have no hi-fructose corn syrups, and unprocessed meats or even a serving of pecans or almonds that are not high in the bad fats nor sodium content! - 4/12/2012 1:58:50 PM

This may not be the right place to post this, but why doesn't the menu give alternative foods to eat like the regular menu? At least give us options. we should be able to figure out the rest, but at least knowing what the healthy food choice are makes sense. I will probably switch back to the regular menu just so I can see those choices. - 3/25/2012 10:41:33 AM

I find it interesting to note that on the snack list and the link to the sample meal plan that there are very few vegetables, especially those that are low-energy high-nutrient (i.e. dark leafy greens) in the plans. How much better would be be if more of these were included in our meals plans in place of the "carbs" ones listed? - 12/2/2011 11:22:04 AM

I do well to make it 3 hours between eating much less 5, so I typically opt for the 2 snack option because I'm usually already in bed by the time the 3rd snack time becomes available. I also don't like to put anything in my tummy right before hitting the pillow.

Good article and very much in line with what my dietician told me. - 4/14/2011 3:04:45 PM