Snack smart - Diabetes Canada

For many of us, snacks are an important part of our daily diet, especially when we make our own healthy faves.

When you plan them right, snacks can be a powerful way to fuel your body, stabilize your blood sugar and keep hunger at bay between meals.

If you’re looking for snacking inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few delicious recipes to get you started:

•   Chocolate nut crunch snack bars
•   Banana zucchini muffins
•   Chocolate chip energy balls
•   Party snack mix

Why are healthy snacks important?

Healthy snacks are a great tool to support your overall health and well-being. A balanced snack can:

•   Keep your energy up and hunger down between meals.
•   Provide your body with nutrients, such as protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
•   Help you manage your blood sugar.

The recipe for a balanced snack

A satisfying and balanced snack combines carbohydrates (about 15-30 g) and protein. Think whole-grain crackers and cheese, a small apple with nut butter, or hummus with raw veggies. This combo helps to fill you up and keep you full longer.

When’s the right time?

Not sure whether you need a snack? Here are some good times to reach for one:
• When there’s a big gap between your meals.
• When the snack will help you manage your blood sugar.
• When you plan to be physically active.

Snacking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and the right ingredients, snacks can be a welcome addition to your healthy eating pattern.

Visit Healthy Snacking for more tasty tips and ideas.

Author: Denise Barnard

Category Tags: Healthy Living;

Region: National

Sign up & stay connected

Want to know what's happening in our diabetes community? Sign up for our national newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news, resources, events, and more.