Super Bowl Snack Solutions

 

Pay attention, all you Super Bowl fans! Even though our Cowboys didn't make it to the big game, there will be plenty of sports fans tuned in to Sunday's game. People with diabetes can take heart that there are plenty of tasty options that won't send your blood sugar spiraling through the goal posts!

I recently ran across an article from dLife Foodstuff focusing on healthy, yet tasty foods that are suitable for a person with diabetes. These would make great Super Bowl snacks, so I wanted to share them with you!

• 1) Mozzarella cheese sticks - How do you eat yours? Do you peel it carefully with your fingers into strips, or do you chomp until it's gone? Either way, it's a nutritious snack full of calcium and protein! Less than 1 gram of carbs!
• 2) Popcorn is a great whole grain snack! It delivers a nice dose of fiber and makes a versatile snack. Just remember to go easy on the butter and salt! Each 3 cup serving of plain popcorn has 15 grams of carbohydrates.

 

 

• 3) Cottage cheese and berries provide all the benefits of protein and dairy, plus a good dose of antioxidants. What could be better? Hint: if cottage cheese seems icky to you, try sprinkling cinnamon and sugar substitute on top. 1/2 cup regular cottage cheese and 1/2 cup berries have 12 grams of carbohydrates. To reduce calories and fat, go with the 1% fat cottage cheese.
• 4) Natural peanut butter on whole grain crackers - perfect for a salty, crunchy fix. Plus you get your protein, fiber, and good-for-you fats, without all the additives that regular peanut butter has. 3 Triscuits® with 2 teaspoons of peanut butter have 15 grams of carbohydrates.
• 5) Hard-boiled egg - the nutrient list reads like the side of a multivitamin label. It's also oh-so-satisfying - less than 1 gram of carbs and more than 6 grams of protein!

 

 

 

 

• 6) Pear (with a handful of almonds) - this snack has the benefit of slowing you down a bit. After all, it's hard to inhale a fruit that you have to take bites of while navigating around the seeds. Eat the almonds slowly, one-at-a-time, and savor their flavor! One small Asian pear and 12 almonds have 15 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fiber.
• 7) Sugar-free gelatin is a zero carbohydrate sweet treat that satisfies the sweet tooth! Although it isn't a nutrient giant, it can at least do a good job making your nails stronger! Topped with 4 tablespoons of whipped topping, this snack has only 4 carbs in a one cup serving of sugar-free gelatin.
• 8) Hummus and veggies are a healthy replacement for chips and sour cream-based dips. Hummus is a pureed blend of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and garlic - high in protein and fiber, as well as other nutrients. Add some carrots and celery for dipping. Five tablespoons of hummus with 4 baby carrots and 4 small celery sticks have 15 grams of carbs.
• 9) Plain yogurt - to some a delight, to others it's as gross as curdled milk. If you're in the latter group, use plain yogurt to make salad dressings or in baked goods. Or add sugar substitutes and berries or crushed nuts. The calcium and healthy bacteria are both worth the effort! 12 grams of carbs are in 6 ounces of plain yogurt and 3 grams in 12 almonds.
• 10) Sugar-free pudding is one of the more decadent treats available and with a dollop of whipped cream, it can stand in for a beloved chocolate mousse dessert. Swirl a couple of flavors together for a little extra treat! Only 12 grams of carbs in a 1/2 cup serving.
• 11) Dark chocolate - really? Yes! Authentic dark chocolate (the higher the percentage of cocoa, the better) has been shown to possibly improve health. Three dark chocolate truffles have 15 grams of carbs. However, they also come with a whopping 220 calories and 13 grams of saturated fat - a little over the top, so use this snack on special occasions.

 

 

 

 

Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes Reminder

Registration is currently underway for the next Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series, to be held February 26, 28, March 5, 7, and 12, at the Extension Office. Cost of the series is $20, payable at the first session, which covers materials, refreshments, speakers, and door prizes. This research-based series provides excellent information to help individuals manage their blood sugar. Spouses, neighbors, siblings, etc. are also welcome to attend! Two times are being offered to accommodate schedules - 1:30 p.m., repeated at 6:00 p.m. Please contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to sign up. Be sure to tell us which session you plan to attend so adequate preparations can be made. Seating is limited to 30 per session.

Closing Thought

Kind words can be short and east to speak, but their echoes are truly endless - Mother Teresa

Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.

Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent

Hopkins County

1200-B W. Houston

P.O. Box 518

Sulphur Springs, TX 75483

903-885-3443 - phone

903-439-4909 - fax

jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

 

 

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