Finding healthy snacks can be a challenge, especially when you’re watching your blood sugar. It can therefore be helpful to have a short list of high-quality snacks that tend not to spike your blood glucose levels. In general, we would advise most people to stick to a minimum of snacks and instead focus on a small number of larger meals throughout the day. This way your body can spend some time in a “fasting state,” which much emerging nutritional science supports is part of a healthful feeding pattern. However, situations will inevitably arise in which you will need or want a snack, such as traveling, adjusting to a new routine, adapting to unexpected changes in plans, and so on. We feel it’s better to be prepared and have a set of quick and nutritious foods ready to go such that when you look for a snack – and inevitably, we all do – it’s one that has a minimal impact on your blood glucose levels.
When we look for a snack, most of us tend to look for something that picks up our energy levels immediately like a sports drink, chips, caffeinated soda or candy bar. Although this strategy will doubtlessly have an immediate and dramatic effect, that effect is often predicated on a spike in blood glucose, which can have harmful side effects if persistently elevated. Also, the spike in glucose will lead to a spike in insulin, the hormone the body uses to transport glucose into cells, and the result will be a sugar crash with the attendant lower energy levels. In the most practical terms, looking for a quick sugar rush will not only lead to a sugar crash, but can carry potentially serious consequences if done too often – one reason we discourage snacking.
However, there is an exception to every rule, and snacks low in sugar and with a low glycemic index (GI) can have a minimal impact on your blood sugar. Taking this idea to its logical conclusion, one sugar spike and crash would leave a person in the exact same situation as before, looking for an energy bridge to the next meal. So, we can have a situation in which someone quickly piles on the sugar and calories to stabilize his or her blood sugar for the required period. Furthermore, a sudden crash in blood glucose can cause a hunger response, so the person will be motivated to eat even more snacks, enlarging the spikes and worsening the problem, as well as leading to more food consumption than may have originally been intended.
This cycle of glucose spike and insulin spike, followed by glucose crash and hunger signals can have dramatic health consequences that can be difficult to reverse. It’s worth noting that in each of these cases, the act of snacking is done once, so it would take most people years of bad habits to result in severe negative health outcomes. All the same, the single best way to get rid of a bad habit is to replace it with a good one, and it’s never too early or too late to get into the healthful practice of consistently eating well. Among the most feared consequences of being overweight or obese is insulin resistance, in which the body loses some of its ability to respond to insulin, and thereby traps abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood.
Protein is generally considered the most filling macronutrient, or in other words the part of the food that will make you feel satisfied for the longest amount of time – an effective energy bridge to the next meal. Even better, it has the most even and least extreme effect on blood glucose levels. So, you may notice a theme among these snack options: most are high in protein, some in protein and fat, and a few just in fat, but the key idea is that all have manageable levels of carbohydrates, which ultimately become a quick source of glucose in the blood. Among carbohydrates, we would recommend in addition to low overall levels a bias towards complex carbs that take longer to digest, all to minimize the blood sugar spike as much as possible.
In general, you would also want to choose snacks that are nutrient-dense (put differently: as many nutrients per calorie as possible, and often this means choosing snacks in their whole food state. Processed food as a category tends to be calorie-dense and nutrient-poor. This is because processing typically involves discarding indigestible or simply unappealing parts of food from a pure taste perspective. Our digestive system, unfortunately, has yet to catch up with the highly processed food culture we find ourselves living in, so this can cause short-term derangements in blood glucose levels as well as deprive your body of the balance between nutrients and calories it has come to expect over tens of thousands of years.
Although some of these will require some basic meal preparation, the idea is that the finished snacks will be stable, storable and portable – so that at the exact moment a snack craving hits, it will be as convenient as a candy bar or can of soda. Wherever possible, they will also be made from raw or unprocessed ingredients for the reasons stated above. Here then is a short list of snacks that can be prepared in advance or eaten as they are purchased, with a focus on both nutrient density and the lowest possible impact on your blood glucose levels.
Your blood sugar levels can significantly impact how your body feels and functions. That’s why stable blood glucose levels can be an important factor in supporting overall wellbeing.
With Nutrisense, you’ll be able to track your blood glucose levels over time using a CGM, so you can make lifestyle choices that support healthy living.
When you join the program, our team of credentialed dietitians and nutritionists are available for additional support and guidance to help you reach your goals.
Ready to take the first step? Start with our quiz to see how Nutrisense can support your health.
Bananas are delicious fruits packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But do they raise your blood sugar levels? Read on to find out how bananas affect glucose.
We’ll take you through the benefits of mindful eating and then conduct an experiment with the help of a CGM to see how eating speed can impact your blood sugar.
In this article, we’ll explore seven different dance styles and the health benefits they can provide, plus a few tips to help you dance to your target weight.
You may be wondering whether your CGM is safe to swim with. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when using your CGM around water.
We’ll take you through some of the best chest and shoulder exercises for beginners and share an upper body workout plan to try out during your next gym session.
Does consuming fructose cause blood sugar spikes? And where does this type of sugar come from? Read on to learn more about how fructose affects the body.
A PCOS belly is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms of PCOS. We'll explore what causes it and share some tips for PCOS-related weight gain.
In this post, we’ll dive into the eight ways that swimming can positively impact your metabolic health for the next time you hit the swimming pool.
Did you know your weight fluctuates during your period? Read on to find out why period weight gain is so common.
In this article, we share the major culprits of post-meal blood glucose spikes and some actionable tips to help you optimize your postprandial glucose response.
Glucose and glycogen are two types of carbohydrate molecules that your body relies on for many metabolic functions. Learn more about how they work together.
For the last several decades, diet sodas have been popularized as a “healthier option” to normal sodas. But are they actually healthier? Read on to find out.
Japanese eggplant is a nutrient-dense food that can be beneficial for your health. Looking to try it out? Here are some delicious, dietitian-approved recipes you can start with.
Russell Battles shares how using a CGM helped him revamp his diet, exercise, and lifestyle after suffering from a heart attack.
From vitamin C to fiber, apples are loaded with nutrients and filled with health benefits. But did you know they may also have some effects on insulin levels and your efforts to control blood sugar? Read our article to find out more
A set of reliable steps you can take to manage your blood glucose levels that should fit most lifestyles of persons with prediabetes.
You don't have to be a certain size or weight to be healthy! Learn more about what metabolic health is, and why your size doesn't dictate it.
Can't decide on the perfect gift for Mother's Day? Pick from a list of ideas to find a healthy, but still exciting gift this year.
Learn how your menstrual cycle can affect your blood sugar levels, and what you can do to maintain healthy blood sugar control.
The whirlwind of holiday celebrations can make you forget about your health goals. To help you out, we've compiled a list of tips along with our favorite recipes so you can balance indulgence, tradition, and good health this year.
Learn more about the beneficial effects of probiotics on your immune system and take a look at some probiotic foods you can add to your diet.
Drinking wine in moderation can have some health benefits, but it's important to know what those are and how they may impact you.
Review some of the top reasons you might be experiencing constant hunger and some useful tactics to help curb hunger cravings.
Laughing has some amazing health benefits, from boosting your immune system to fighting stress. Find out more about the science behind laughter and how you can start incorporating more of it into your life.
Dietary fiber can help maintain good gut health and promote blood sugar regulation. Read more about its health benefits and see what high-fiber foods you should consider including in your diet.
Many people experience symptoms akin to menstrual cramping even when they are not on their periods. It’s surprisingly common, and various factors can contribute to it. Read on to find out what some of these are.
Check out some of the common and not-so-common reasons you’re likely feeling tired after eating and read our tips to help prevent fatigue after meals.
If you're consuming fewer calories than your body needs to function properly, you may be undereating. Take a look at how this can affect your weight loss efforts and overall health.
One of the best ways to get all the mental and physical benefits of nature is by flexing your green thumb. Read on to learn more about how gardening can benefit your health.
CGMs are now an excellent tool for anyone who wants to optimize their metabolic health. Read on to find out more about the benefits CGMs can have for healthy people!
Learn the science behind hanger, why some people suffer from it, and helpful tips to avoid experiencing it.
Macro and micronutrients impact everything weight loss to blood sugar levels. Read on to learn more about these nutrients and why you need them.
Although bariatric surgery can be an effective way to lose weight and improve health for people who are obese, it’s a major decision. Find out what lifestyle changes you need to make before going under the knife.
Review the reasons that continuous glucose monitoring continues to grow in popularity amongst the world’s top athletes.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have come to form a crucial part of the next generation of holistic wellness management. Come and see how you can "level up" your health optimization game with the latest wearables.
Cryotherapy is gaining popularity among biohackers, fitness enthusiasts and those who want to optimize their health. Learn more about how it works and the risks and benefits associated with it.
Learn more about what visceral fat is, how it affects your body, and what you can do about it.
Do you have trouble losing weight, no matter how hard you try to shed those unwanted pounds? Find out more about the weight loss plateau and what you can do about it.
Learn more about the research on, as well as the benefits and risks of acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting needles into your body for pain and stress relief.
In this second part of our series on resistant starch, explore the different types and learn more about the impact they have on the foods you consume.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause pain, discomfort, and interfere with daily tasks. Explore effective ways to prevent and manage it.
It's Christmas this weekend! Read on to learn more about traditions, classic Christmas foods, and how to have a healthier celebration this year.
This Halloween, find out what candy you can treat yourself to without ruining your long-term health goals.
Resistant starch can help you lose weight and improve your health. Learn about commercially made resistant starch, how it works, and why it's different from the kind you're used to seeing in supplements and foods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that involves endocrine and metabolic imbalances. Here are some PCOS friendly foods to include in your diet for better health.
What do you know about resistant starch? Learn more about what this type of starch is, how it can benefit your health, whether it has side effects, and more.
Recent research has shown that sleep and blood glucose are intricately connected. Read on to learn more about what this means for your blood sugar levels and overall health.
The best way to combat low blood sugar at home is to take a glucose tablet or glucose gel. Here’s what to do with low blood sugar at home.
An emerging treatment, red light therapy promises to prevent and treat the signs of aging and other skin issues. Read on to find out more.
Nordic walking is a full-body workout in which special lightweight poles are held in each hand to activate the entire body while walking. Learn the benefits of Nordic walking and how you can get started with this activity.
Review some of the reasons that you might be experiencing persistent, excessive thirst and how you can better stay hydrated.
Learn what high-intensity resistance training is, how it can benefit your metabolism, and nine tips to get started with HIRT.
Learn what is glucose intolerance, how it affects your body, and why blood glucose monitoring is vital to blood glucose management.
Find out what exactly a holiday health hangover is, the symptoms you may experience, tips on how to avoid one, and what you can do if it's too late.
A blood ketone level of .5 to 3.0 millimoles per liter is the ideal range for ketosis. Find out more here.
Review our helpful article where we discuss the best times to eat if you are trying to lose weight.
Explore the ways in which you can actively begin reversing prediabetes through diet and lifestyle changes.
Learn about how weight loss can impact blood glucose levels, and find tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Do you spend all your free time scrolling through social media? If you can’t remember the last time you went offline, you may need a digital detox.
Read on to find out what impact, if any, vinegar really has on our body’s ability to balance blood sugar.
Review our glycemic index charts for the most common fruits and vegetables to better understand the impact on your glucose levels.
Did you know that menopause can affect your metabolic health, and vice versa? Read on to understand the relationship between metabolic health and menopause, and how to manage metabolic health during your menopausal journey.
What really happens to your brain when you consume sugar? Review how interesting the relationship between the brain and sugar is, and why it’s important to control your blood sugar.
Endometriosis is a common yet often ignored condition. Learn more about the symptoms to watch out for, how you can seek treatment, and read first-hand accounts from two women who have dealt with endometriosis.
Quickly understand the differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, how to recognize the signs, and key prevention tips.
Learn everything you need to know about the relationship between triglycerides levels and blood glucose.
If you're gearing up to travel or spend more time outdoors this summer, here are a few tips to help you stay safe and hydrated in the sun.
Purim, a joyous occasion celebrated around March or April every year, is just around the corner! Read on to learn more about the holiday and the delicious foods that accompany it.
Still haven't settled on the perfect gift for your Valentine this year? Take a look at our Nutrition Team's favorites for some thoughtful ideas.
Because nerve damage can have many silent symptoms, it often goes undiagnosed in the early stages. Read on to learn more about what causes nerve damage and some warning signs to watch out for.
Ready to learn all about fiber beyond just the basics? In this post, we dive deep into the different kinds of fiber and health benefits of each. From functional fiber to fermentation, we break down all the jargon into a layman's language.
Did you know that cardio can help you lose weight as well as optimize your health and blood glucose? Here's everything you need to know about cardio and its relationship with blood sugar.
Find out what unhealthy weight loss is and learn more about its side effects and what you can do to prevent them.
Learn about the warning signs of low blood sugar and the relationship it has on blood pressure.
Here is everything you need to know about the relationship between weight lifting and blood sugar.
Cholesterol plays a very important role in the human body, contributing to the structure of the cells, helping with vitamin D synthesis, and also promoting the production of steroid and sex hormones, like cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and estrogen. But how exactly is cholesterol connected to blood glucose levels?
NutriSense dietitian Katrina Larsen, MS, RD,N, LD, CDCES discusses the risk factors for sleep apnea and how this disorder is linked to other health conditions.
The premise of the paleo diet is that the body can handle a mix of meats, fruits and vegetables, eggs, fish, and complex carbohydrates better than processed meats, refined fats, grains and simple carbohydrates because it evolved to eat the first category as hunter-gatherers.
A common ingredient in cozy winter recipes, winter squash is one of our favorite foods this time of year. Read on to learn more about how it can benefit your health.
Haven't finished your holiday shopping yet? Pick from this list of NutriSense-approved holiday gifts to find some great last-minute stocking stuffers for everyone on your list!
Still haven't bought all your holiday gifts this year? Don't worry—there's still time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Read our guide for some great ideas!
Learn more about inflammation, how it affects blood glucose levels and what you can do to prevent and manage it.
Fermented foods have a range of health benefits. Read on to learn more about what they are and why you should be adding them to your diet.
Potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes are similar in usage, but pretty distinct in taste, texture, appearance, and even nutritional content! Read on to find out more about each one.
Did you know that living with a pet can do more than just put a smile on your face? Read on to learn all the ways living with pets improves your wellbeing.
Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor to dishes, and also have a range of health benefits. Learn more about a few of our favorites.
Learn about the health benefits of beans and how they can help you live a healthier, longer life.
Review our guide to metabolic diets to help get a better understanding of what they are and whether they might be right for you.
Learn about the traditions and nutrient-dense food commonly enjoyed during Kwanzaa.
Have you ever wondered how your glucose levels might be connected to joint pain? We'll take a deep dive into this connection and share tips for reducing pain.
This article explores hypoglycemia in non-diabetics, how to manage symptoms through diet, and the advantages of glucose monitoring.
Take a look at how aging can affect your blood glucose levels.
Read on to learn more about vitamin D-rich foods and what you should include in your diet to make the most of this vitamin’s health benefits.
When it comes to your menstrual cycle, what you eat can significantly impact how you feel. Read on to learn more about the best foods to add to your diet to help during that time of the month.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic healing system that dates back over 5,000 years. In the second installment of our series on the practice, review the benefits and risks associated with popular Ayurvedic herbs and spices.
In this article, we break down what a low FODMAP diet looks like for beginners, and its potential benefits and drawbacks for gastrointestinal health.
When it comes to bone health, good nutrition is absolutely critical. Read on to learn what osteoporosis is and why some foods may increase your risk of or worsen the condition.
Mental health has a significant impact on your overall health; here are tips, tools, and apps to improve your mental wellbeing.
Different types of tea have different benefits for your health. Learn more about a few popular types, and see how tea can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
To help you make the most of the warmer weather, we asked Carlee Hayes, RDN, CD, and Nutrition Manager here at NutriSense, to share a few of her favorite summer soup recipes.
.jpg)
We'll send you helpful articles & tips, recipes, and more.
.png){kind=link}