5 Diabetes-Friendly Late Night Snacks
To help control blood sugar levels for type 1 and type 2 diabetics, it is important to pick low sugar snacks, especially before bedtime. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may recommend avoiding high starch foods such as those with gluten like baked goods, bread, white pasta and rice, oats, or vegetables like potatoes and corn.
Eating these types of foods can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try protein rich foods or foods high in fiber. The following foods are filling and will keep you satisfied late at night:
1. Deviled eggs
Hard boiled eggs are a great snack for diabetics. Eggs are loaded with protein, which is filling so you will be less likely to snack on undesirables. To make your egg intake a little less bland you can try cutting out the yokes after they are boiled and mixing it with light mayo, mustard powder, pepper and only a dash of salt. Pack it back into the boiled egg white for a tasty treat. These are great to keep on hand for those nights when a plain egg just won’t do.
2. Guacamole
The great thing about guacamole is that it’s delicious. The other great thing about it is that it’s healthy. If you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it. Some seasoning, lots of fresh vegetables, and avocados, the fruit of the gods. Now you have a great tasting dip with none of the fats or sugars you would have to worry about if it came from the store. Basic guacamole will include:
- 3 avocados, peeled and mashed
- 1 tomato
- ½ of an onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Pepper to taste and just a dash of salt
- For added kick throw in a chopped jalapeno pepper or a dash of hot sauce
3. Unsalted nuts
There is something earthy and satisfying about a handful of unsalted nuts. They are clean and harbor great flavors. Try different kinds, or make a mix out of your favorites. Be sure to include pistachios, almonds and walnuts, as these varieties are heart healthy.
4. Vegetables and hummus
Another great dipping snack. Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are a great source of protein. For optimum healthy snacking, dip your favorite vegetables in it. Both vegetables and hummus contain significant amounts of fiber, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Combined, vegetables and hummus can help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Crisp vegetables such as carrot sticks, sliced cucumber, or celery pair well with hummus. Hummus can be quick and simple to prepare yourself. You will need:
- 1 can 15oz chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 chopped tomato
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 green onions
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Combine ingredients in a blender and pulse until it’s a fine puree
5. Fruit smoothies
Fruit, though healthy and containing fiber, must be eaten with some caution by hungry diabetics. It does, after all, contain quite a bit of sugar, even if that sugar is natural. Be sure to keep track of all of the carbohydrates that you consume in a day. With that in mind, fruit smoothies are still an excellent late night snack. Mix fruit, greek yogurt, and unsweetened soy or almond milk into a blender to create a delicious concoction before bedtime.