My mom and I are the primary caregivers to my grandparents (my mother’s parents). My grandparents are both diabetic, both 81 and thankfully both are generally healthy! In all honesty, being a caregiver to the elderly is tough….taking care of a diabetic family member is tougher! My grandparents do not comply with the recommended diabetic diet and a lot of the time I have to watch them make bad food choices while we are out running errands or after appointments. The main reason I carry diabetic friendly snacks is to be able to offer healthy choices while we are out.
Diabetic Friendly Snacks
Here’s a list of a few items that are easy to prep and pack!
- Almonds
- Cubed cheese
- Hard boiled eggs
- Pork rinds
- Yogurt cup
- Strawberries
- Cucumbers & 2tbsp hummus
- Beef sticks
- Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes
You don’t have to be diabetic to enjoy these snacks! I eat them all the time too! 🙂
Make Your Own Snack Pack
You need:
- Lunch Bag
- Ice packs
- Containers or plastic sandwich baggies (depending on what you pack)
- Several snacks (depending on how long you will be out and about)
- Choose your snacks. I like to pack my grandpa a Glucerna ® Hunger Smart ™ Shake and a side of strawberries. The shake is specially designed for people with diabetes and because of CARBSTEADY® the carbs released are slowly digested which means a spike in blood sugar is minimized. My grandpa gets 25 vitamins and minerals and a good source of fiber with each shake!
- Pack the snacks in your lunch bag–don’t forget to pack snacks for yourself! Aim to pack enough snacks for the time you will be out. If we leave after breakfast and I know we won’t be back for lunch, I’ll pack us 2 snacks each. Those 2 snacks should hold us over until we grab lunch.
- Don’t forget the ice pack!
I really like that the Glucerna Hunger Smart Shakes have 15 grams of protein which help my grandpa manage his hunger. Instead of feeling really hungry and asking me to get him a taco, he’s more likely to wait until we get home for a healthier lunch.
This makes me feel better because I know he’s making a good choice today and it’s the little things that count. I know I can’t control what he eats all the time, I know he still eats donuts and drinks soda-pop. (I’m from Michigan if I say “pop” my fellow Texans don’t know what I mean…I figure soda-pop will work.)
I grabbed the shakes from Walmart, there’s a deal if you buy 2 large packs of Glucerna, you can get up to $3 off.
If you know someone who is diabetic please share this post with them! I’m sure you know that being hungry can = crankiness. Packing diabetic friendly snacks can = happy people! Be sure to use under medical supervision!
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I am sharing this with my aunt, Crystal. Have never heard of this product.
Sahana recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #85
Thanks for sharing this important post. I have friends who are diabetic and having something healthy around to manage their blood sugar is important. #HomeMattersParty
Jeanne Grunert recently posted…The Five Best Asparagus Recipes for Spring
Really great ideas for snacks not only for diabetic but also snacks on the go! I love hummus and my daughter is now obsessed with it! Good to know it is also fairly healthy. #HomeMattersParty
Michelle James recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #85
This is valuable information for someone who is a diabetic or taking care of one. It’s nice to see your grandparents are still doing well at their age. She looks good too!
Crystal Green recently posted…Very Last Minute Gifts to Give Mother
Awesome ideas for yummy, healthy snacks! I’m definitely going to start incorporating some of these into our regular snack rotation. We usually go right to the crackers or granola bars. 🙂 Pinning to my “healthy lifestyle” board! #HomeMattersParty
Marisa recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #85
What a helpful post for those with diabetes. Thanks for sharing and being a wonderful co-host of the #HomeMattersParty – we love having you on the team! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #85
I like that you post information about what diabetics can eat!! This is a very good post. I give my Dad almonds, I knew they were good for diabetics. I also make him oatmeal, seafood, berries and yogurt. Since my Dad is diabetic, it makes me eat healthier because I make his meals. I eat a lot healthy food.
Kim recently posted…Diabetic Testing Supplies On The Net
Thanks Kim! My grandparents are both diabetic and just moved in with me this week. So I’ll be on the look out for the best recipes for their diabetic diet!
Very good article, thanks for Sharing!
Hi Crystal Mendez ….
I read your blog and i am very impressed after read it. Thank you Crystal Mendez to share this great post. It is very helpful for diabetic patient to easy prepare diabetic friendly snacks. I all recommend to those all my friends that are suffering from this diabetic disease.