Let’s be honest, Diabetes could easily be called pre-cancer or pre-heart problems.
It’s a common condition affecting approximately 25% of the adult population, and many don’t even know they have it.
If you:
- Are over 45
- Have excess belly fat
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Experience frequent sugar cravings
…there is a good chance that you may already have diabetes or at least pre-diabetes. (Surprisingly, women seem to be particularly vulnerable to diabetes, with 9.3 million new diabetes diagnoses in the past year.)
The good news is that there’s no need to wait for a miracle drug to help you lower your blood sugar.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is possible to keep your blood sugar under control through diet and lifestyle changes alone.
Even better, many of the best snacks for preventing diabetes are also great for weight loss, which is itself a great way to protect against type 2 diabetes.
Choose one or two of these snacks during the day. They are packed with special fat-fighting nutrients that burn fat, curb hunger, and keep blood sugar levels steady.
# Part-Skim String Cheese
Packed with both protein and calcium, string cheese is perfect for snacking on the run. String cheese contains almost no carbohydrates so any effects on your blood sugar will be minimal.
# Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Fill a fresh leaf of lettuce with a couple ounces of grilled turkey for a delicious and crispy combo that will give you the energy you need to make it through the afternoon.
# Celery Sticks and Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is high in appetite quenching protein and is a great source of healthy fat. Celery is high in both fiber and water to help fill you up until your next meal. Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on a celery stick for a crunchy satisfying snack.
# Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
Swap the celery stick for apple slices for a sweet high protein, high fiber snack.
# Whole Nuts
Nuts are naturally filled with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They are also high in calories, so be careful not to go overboard with them.
About a handful of almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, peanuts, or macadamia nuts should be enough to help keep you going.
# Hard-boiled Egg Whites
Egg whites are high in protein and keep hunger at bay between meals. Boiling the eggs is quick and easy, and you can boil several and store them in the fridge to grab when you want them.
# Cinnamon and Yogurt for Losing Weight
Cinnamon is known to help lower blood sugar levels. As little as a quarter-teaspoon can drop levels by nearly 30%. Cinnamon contains a compound called MHCP that can lower insulin resistance and improve the ability of fat cells to metabolize glucose.
Sprinkle a container of yogurt with a quarter to half a teaspoon of cinnamon and add a few nuts or apple slices if desired.
