Munching with Diabetes

This week I received following question from Foodpicker.org 

I have diabetes and have grown tired of munching on carrots when the crazy hungry munchies hit.  I'm replacing chocolate bars with almonds in an attempt to lower my weight.  What exactly can I snack on when these munchies hit?
  
Yes when that hungry munchies hit you need something to snack on. With diabetes you need something that curbs your hunger without blowing your blood sugar. So snacks have to be healthy and balanced like your meals. Remember right portion size and snacking times between meals. Avoid skipping meals as it will make you more hungry. Establish a eating pattern that is healthy for you - 3 meals and 1-2 snacks a day. Aim for snacks with 12-15 g carbohydrate and 100-150 calories. Here are some healthy snacks ideas:

• 2-3 whole grain crackers with 1-2 Tbsp low-fat / non-fat cheese or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup high fiber cereal with 1/2 cup low or non fat milk
• 1 cup air-popped or homemade popcorn. For homemade use canola oil (give mild flavor). Sprinkle popcorn with either 1/4 tsp of salt, all-spice or 1 Tbsp of  parmesan cheese
• low or non- fat yogurt with fruit 
• 1 slice melon with 2 Tbsp of cottage cheese  OR small apple with low fat cheese stick
• Small apple or pear with skin OR fruit of your choice (Remember portion control with fruits as they are high in natural sugars).
• Vegetables - it does not have to be only carrots, try broccoli, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, red and green peppers, cauliflower crowns and even sweet potatoes.  (Portion them in 1/2 cup serving size in advance to avoid over-eating).  Enjoy it raw or dip them in non-fat yogurt, fat free cream cheese, light salad dressing, hummus (stick to 1-2 Tbsp)
• Spread some black bean salsa (1/4 cup) over eggplant slices OR enjoy with baked chips (8-10 chips)
• Handful of nuts or trail mix, 1 serving size box of raisins
•  1/2 cup fat free pudding
• 1/2 cup fruit flavor gelatin topped with 2 Tbsp fat free whipped cream. Try different flavors of gelatin.
• 1 frozen pop or frozen juice bars
• 1/2 cup frozen yogurt - try different flavors or top it with few berries or nuts

To eat is necessity but to eat intelligently is an art ~ La Rouchefoucauld