Healthy foods and meal planning are critical components of regulating blood sugar and diabetes management. It’s essential to plan for regular, balanced meals that contain about the same amount of carbohydrates at each mealtime. The goal is not to eliminate carbohydrates in the diet, but to eat a consistent amount throughout the day to help regulate and keep your blood sugar level within a target range.
According to the American Heart Association, avoid empty calories such as chips, candy, and high-calorie baked goods and instead enjoy fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and whole-grain foods.
Most fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains contain good amounts of potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are important for heart health.
When you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, or savory, one type of snack may appeal to you more than another. So, let’s take a look at some tasty heart healthy snack options with easy assembly when you hit that mid-day slump.
Craving something
TRY…
- Fresh or frozen grapes
- Half an ounce of dark chocolate
- A creamy avocado smoothie
- Low-fat yogurt with sliced fruit
- A frozen avocado fruit popsicle
Looking for a snack or recipe makeover?
Think of avocados as your go-to ingredient to add nutrients and flavor when cooking and baking. One serving of avocado provides 250 milligrams of potassium, which is responsible for proper nerve, heart, and kidney function.
Looking for something
TRY…
- Veggie sticks or baked chips served with chunky avocado salsa
- A handful of mixed nuts
- Avocado rice crackers
- Crisp apple slices with peanut butter
Did you know fresh avocados are a heart-healthy fruit?
Craving something
TRY…
- Stuffed avocado half with black bean salsa
- Whole-grain toast topped with fresh guacamole
- Avocado rice crackers
- Cherry tomatoes with hummus
