Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: type 2 diabetes diet plan

Question:
Hi, I've seen several posts where folks ask about a certain snack, or ask for snack suggestions. Is there a really good list anywhere, that concentrates on snacks only? My mom has type 2 diabetes. She lives in an assisted living community and gets three meals a day (6:30 am, 11:30 am, 5:30 pm). I've read that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another person. I'm open to book suggestions, as well as internet resources. I started to buy her, The Diabetes Snack, Munch, Nibble, Nosh Book, but the sample pages suggest that this is mainly a recipe book. She doesn't cook at all. All suggestions of type 2 diabetes diet plan are very much appreciated.

Answer:
The big question is why does she need the snacks? If she has a tendency towards hypos, she would need snacks that are high in carbs. If she needs the snacks simply because she is hungry between meals, then she should eat things that are low in carbs. Some people don't need snacks. I have the book that you mention. Some of the recipes look good, but I don't think there are any that would work as a snack for me. Why? Because they tend to contain too many carbs, fat and protein for me to eat between meals. I don't know what kind of diet your Mom is on. And I do hope she is following a type 2 diabetes diet plan and not just eating what is served to her. Some people do low carb. I do the Exchange Program. That is higher in carbs than what some people eat. But I MUST be careful that I do not eat too much in the way of protein and fat because I am trying to lose weight. If she is hungry between meals and does not need the carbs from a snack to bring her blood sugar back up, then here are some suggestions. Raw or cooked non-starchy vegetables. These can be served with a dip if it is not too high in carbs or for some people too high in fat. Sugar free gelatin. Be aware that sugar free pudding is not the same as gelatin because it does contain some carbs. Olives and dill pickles. But be aware that olives do contain fat and both contain sodium. This may or may not be a concern. Nuts, but they do contain protein, fat and some carbs. Fat free broth. And anything else that has no fat, 25 calories or less, and 4g of carb or less can be eaten between meals without affecting blood sugar. If the trouble is hypos, then she should eat snacks that contain carbs and a bit of protein like a 1/2 a sandwich or crackers with cheese or peanut butter.