Dear Lesley: TYPE 2 DIABETES & SNACKS

I would suggest eating more wholesome, homemade snacks instead of prepackaged snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth. By doing so, you can control the amount of sugar you consume. You want to avoid added sugar as much as possible. Below I listed some nutritious ingredients and easy recipes you can use to make desserts and snacks.

Avocado

• The versatility of avocado can be useful in your quest to eating healthier overall. You can have it with as a dip or on salads, sandwiches, and tacos. You can also add it to your smoothies and smoothie bowls or make a chocolate pudding with it using cocoa powder.

Chocolate options – carob powder, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and unsweetened baking chocolate

• You can add the chocolate of your choice to smoothies, smoothie bowls, and milks. There are some recipes using unsweetened baking chocolate for brownies and other baked goods.
• Here’s a link to a recipe with 4 healthy ingredients for homemade fudgesicles using yogurt. Not only is the recipe quick and simple to make, but it also yields a good number of pops (12 total). https://bakerbynature.com/healthy-greek-yogurt-chocolate-fudge-pops/

Cottage cheese

• Cottage cheese gives you an alternative to yogurt. Options is what it is all about, right? You can use cottage cheese for baking, making fluffy pancakes (top with berries 😋) and parfaits.

Homemade trail mix

• Unsalted peanuts, unsalted pecans, unsalted walnuts, unsweetened coconut flakes, and pieces of dark chocolate. Trail mix is a snack that you can conveniently carry out with you. When you want to liven up the flavor a bit, mix in some fresh fruit such as raspberries.

Lastly, this would not be complete without providing details on some cookies for the cookie lover. Follow this link to a simple 5 ingredient cookie recipe https://diabetesstrong.com/low-carb-peanut-butter-cookies-sugar-free/

The thought of making your own snacks may seem overwhelming initially. With some planning, I’m sure you will find recipes that are healthy, convenient, and deliciously sweet.  Visit the Nutrition Topics section of my blog to find helpful information for making healthier food choices. Also, there is the possibility for remission and to have glucose levels return to non-diabetes range with T2D. Don’t give up. Be encouraged.