I used to be a BIG snacker.  I’d happily skip all traditional meal times and just stuff my face on snacks all day.  It’s one of the things I’m having trouble with.  Sitting down with a movie at night and not having salty /sweet/calorie laden snacks to enjoy while I watch…… I know, there are lots of GOOD thing I CAN eat but dammit... I miss the stuff I shouldn't have.  


That said, I got this list from diabetes.org.  Some things must be modified because they won’t fit into my sodium restrictions and I try to keep more than one option available.

Below is a list of snack ideas that have about 10 grams of carbohydrate:

·        4 celery stalks + 2 tablespoons of *peanut butter

·        10 baby carrots + 1 Tablespoon **ranch dressing

·        1/2 cup of fresh blueberries

·        2/3 cup of fresh raspberries

·        3 Triscuit crackers (or another whole wheat cracker) + 1 piece of string cheese

·        2 cups of light popcorn

·        ¼ cup of mixed nuts - Choose unsalted & raw nuts.  Roasting them removes all the really great nutrients.

·        Mini bag of pre-sliced apples (found in the produce section near other pre-cut produce) + 1 tablespoon of peanut butter

*Make your own.  It’s so easy to make your own peanut butter you wouldn’t believe it.  Dump some unsalted peanuts into the food processor and flip it on.  If it seems dry and like the blades are just spinning without cutting anything then add a ½ tbsp of peanut oil and stir up the mix a bit and process some more.   I’ve never had to add more than 1.5 tbsp total of oil and those were dry roasted nuts.  They will get grainy and chopped looking and stay that way for a bit while the machine runes.  Then suddenly they will come together like cookie dough and form a moist looking mass.  I scoop mine into an old Adams peanut butter jar and store for up to a week in the fridge. 

**Make your own.  It’s just as easy to make homemade ranch.  1 C of mayonnaise, ½ C of buttermilk(or sour cream if you want a thicker vegetable dip), ¼ tsp each of dill, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, and parsley, a generous dash of pepper.  Buzz in the food processor until combined and smooth.  Pour into a small mason jar and store in the fridge for up to 10 days (that’s the longest I’ve dared).

If you just can’t go without something sweet and decadent, I’ve found the Lindt chocolate balls (found at store registers usually) fit right into what I’m allowed to have carb/sodium wise for less than .50 and hit the spot.   Just don’t make a habit of it ;)  they are empty calories and for VERY occasional hits.

For a nightly treat I have a good old fashioned stand by.  Sugar free jello-o pudding.  After all,  I DID grow up watching Bill Cosby.   I'm quite in love with their Dulce de Leche flavor.