If you've ever had those times when you want a snack but are not sure what to eat, then you'll want to save this one for later!
Figuring out what to eat can be confusing, especially when you're throwing diabetes and blood sugar management into the mix.
When I'm working with clients on nutrition and meal-planning, I tell them to focus on The Big Three: Fat, Fiber, and Protein.
Carbohydrates are your main source of energy and influence blood sugars. Eating carbohydrates alone can cause a big spike in your blood sugar that subsequently leads to a crash.
But when you pair your carbohydrates with The Big Three, your blood sugar response is more likely to follow a steady curve. Think of a steep mountain versus a small hill.
It is normal for your blood sugar to rise after meals, but the goal is to have a steady curve versus a large spike.
How can we achieve this you might ask?
Let's use my Date Turtle snack as an example!
Eating dates (carbohydrates) alone will lead to a large blood sugar spike.
But when you add some almonds, nut butter & pumpkin seeds (fat + some protein), your blood sugar response is more likely to result in a smoother curve. You may also add a drizzle of dark chocolate to make it a treat. Look for a dark chocolate with less added sugar (I like Lily's brand - not an affiliate).
This may come as a huge relief for you! You don't need to remove your favorite foods from your diet, but rather it is possible to rearrange them to positively influence your blood sugars and bring them closer to your goal range.
If you'd like to learn more about nutrition and managing your blood sugars, then head to my Contact Me page and fill out the form to find out how we can work together!
Date Turtle Snack Recipe:
Medjool dates (I used @ndmedjooldates )
Almonds
Nut butter (I used @georgiagrinders pecan butter)
Chocolate (I used @hukitchen gems)
Coconut oil
Sea salt
Pumpkin seeds
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How-to:
1. Remove the pits from your dates by scoring one side of the date lengthwise. Then flatten the dates as seen above.
2. Press your almond (or pecan) pieces into the dates to make the turtle legs.
3. Add a small dollop of your nut butter in the center of the dates
4. Sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds on top.
5. Melt the chocolate with a tsp or so of coconut oil until melted and combined.
6. Drizzle the chickadee over the top of the date bite.
7. Dust the tops with sea salt.
8. Freeze for about 15 minutes or until hardened and enjoy!
9. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge. These bites won’t last long in your house 🥳
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Be sure to save this recipe for later!
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