What are the worst snacks for people with diabetes to avoid?
Managing diabetes involves making smart dietary choices, and snacking is no exception. While snacking can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, certain snacks should be avoided to prevent spikes in blood sugar and other complications. Here are some of the top snacks to avoid if you have diabetes: 1. **Doughnuts**: These are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Opt for fruits, nonstarchy vegetables, or whole grains instead. 2. **Full-fat cheese**: High in saturated fats, which can make diabetes harder to control. Choose nonfat plain Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries for a healthier option. 3. **Fried snacks**: Breaded and fried items like chicken fingers or fish sticks are high in fat and salt. Unsalted nuts are a better alternative. 4. **Chips and crackers**: These snacks can raise LDL cholesterol and add empty calories. Baked whole-grain crackers with salsa are a healthier choice. 5. **Packaged cookies**: High in sugar, fat, and calories, which can spike blood sugar. Air-popped popcorn or fresh fruit are better options. 6. **Sugary cereals**: Many are highly processed and loaded with sugar. Choose whole grain cereals with little to no added sugars and pair them with skim milk. Making these healthier snack choices can help you better manage your diabetes and maintain stable blood sugar levels.