Planning meals is important for managing diabetes, but what about snacks?

When it comes to snacking, people often think of foods that are high in sugar or added fats but you have lots of other options.

Snacks can help curb hunger while adding a nutritious energy boost to your day. But that means choosing foods wisely.

It's a great opportunity to fit in another serving of  whole grains,fruits or vegetables These foods are healthier than salty snacks and sweets. They will also fill you up and give you the energy you need.

Regardless of how many snacks your meal plan includes, portion sizes are the key to controlling your blood glucoseand avoiding weight gain. So, resist those trips to the vending machine – plan ahead and pack a healthy snack!

Below are a few snack ideas listed by how much carbohydrate they contain.

• 1 ounce of nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, pecans, pistachios or walnuts
• 3 celery sticks + 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter
• 5 baby carrots
• 5 cherry tomatoes + 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing
• 1 hard-boiled egg
• 1 cup cucumber slices + 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries
• 1 cup of salad greens + 1/2 cup of diced cucumber + drizzle of vinegar and oil
• 1 frozen sugar-free popsicle
• 1 cup of light popcorn
• 2 saltine crackers
• 10 gold-fish crackers
• 1/2 cup sugar-free gelatin
• 1 piece of string cheese stick
• 8 green olives
• 2 Tablespoons pumpkin or sesame seeds
• 1/4 of a whole avocado (~4 g.)