Snacks: A Healthy Necessity in a Diabetic Diet

Snacks play a very important role in the daily life of a person with diabetes, 
particularly those with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. 
For these people between-meal and bedtime snacks are essential to keep 
blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible and to help prevent low 
blood sugar(hypoglycemia).

Wherever you go you should always carry a supply of snacks to eat in case 
of low blood sugar -- we keep snacks in our purse or briefcase, in the glove 
compartment of our car, in our office desk drawer, and in the sports bag that 
we carry to the exercise gym.

Here's a list of snacks that can be purchased at most supermarkets calculated 
to supply 12 to 15 grams of carbohydrate.

           1     small apple
           8     animal crackers
           4     medium fresh apricots or 7 dried halves
           1/2   of a banana rolled with 2 tablespoons Grape Nuts cereal
           1     cup cubed cantaloupe
           12    Bing cherries
           2     chocolate mousse bars (Weight Watchers)
           1/2   cup chow mein noodles
           3     dried dates
           2     small dried figs
           2     sugar-free fudgesickles
           3     gingersnaps
           36    Goldfish (adds 1 fat exchange)
           3     graham crackers (2 1/2-inch square)
           1/2   low-fat granola bar
           15    grapes
           5     kumquats
           3     Lorna Doones (adds 1 fat exchange)
           12    loquats
           5     slices melba toast
           1     small nectarine
           1     cup skim milk
           3     thin sliced Norwegian Kavli flatbread (2 thick sliced)
           1     small orange
           1     small peach
           3     peanut butter sandwich crackers (adds 1 fat exchange)
           1     small pear
           16    Mr. Phipps Tater Crisps (adds 1 fat exchange)
           2     small plums
           24    oyster crackers
           3     cups popcorn (popped by hot air, or low-fat microwave)
           3     dried pitted prunes
           15    fat-free potato or tortilla chips
           3/4   ounce pretzels
           2     tablespoons raisins
           2     rice cakes (4" diameter)
           7     Ritz crackers (adds 1 fat exchange)
           6     saltine crackers
           2     Stella d'Oro Sesame Breadsticks (adds 1 fat exchange)
           1     tangerine
           15    Teddy Grahams (adds 1 fat exchange)
           5     reduced-fat Triscuits
           6     Vanilla Wafers (adds 1 fat exchange)
           6     Waverly Wafers (adds 1 fat exchange)
           12    Original Wheat Thins (adds 1 fat exchange)
           13    Reduced-fat Wheat Thins (adds 1/2 fat exchange)
           1     cup nonfat fruit-flavored yogurt (sweetened with sugar substitute)
           1/2   cup of Sugar-Free Ice Cream


                            Seasoned Popcorn

    We love popcorn and wish to share some interesting ways to season
    it without adding calories or fat. You'll need a hot-air popper
    to make the popcorn (or you can use a popper that calls for 1
    teaspoon (5 ml) of canola oil -- but that adds a fat exchange).

    Using 3 cups (31 g) unseasoned popped corn

    Italian Popcorn -- Preheat oven to 300°F(150°C, Gas Mark 2).
    Spread popcorn on a nonstick cookie sheet and lightly coat with
    refrigerated butter-flavored cooking spray. Mix together 1
    teaspoon (5 ml) crushed dried Italian herbs, 1/8 teaspoon (0.6
    ml) cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) grated Parmesan cheese.
    Sprinkle over popcorn and lightly coat again with cooking spray.
    Toss. Bake for 10 minutes, tossing once. Serve warm.

    Spicy and Sweet Popcorn -- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C, Gas Mark
    2). Spread popcorn on a nonstick cookie sheet and lightly coat
    with refrigerated butter-flavored cooking spray. Combine 2 1/2
    tablespoons (22.5 ml) spoonable sugar substitute, 1/4 teaspoon
    (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) ground nutmeg
    and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) dried orange peel. Sprinkle over the
    popcorn and toss. Lightly coat again with cooking spray and toss.
    Bake for 10 minutes, tossing once. Serve warm.