Living with diabetes can be extremely challenging. And if you've got a sweet tooth, well, that can multiply the challenges. Snacking options are limited and even those that are available tend to be less-than-appetizing.
Nunbelievable's new keto-friendly cookies offer a tasty option for those seeking to manage their carbohydrate and sugar intake. Even for those not following a strict keto diet,our chocolate chip and pecan sandy keto cookies are a delicious low-carb, gluten-free snacking option. People with diabetes will appreciate that each serving contains just 4 grams of carbohydrates, zero added sugars and only 50 calories. (They're also gluten free, for those who have celiac disease.)
Diabetes is a condition where the body either doesn't produce insulin (type 1) or, more commonly, doesn't properly use insulin (type 2). Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose (sugar) in the blood, and when it's absent or not functioning properly, it can lead to serious health issues. According to the American Diabetes Association,34 million people in this country have diabetes — that's more than 10 percent of the U.S. population!
Those with diabetes must constantly be vigilant about what — and when — they eat. "With diabetes in general, carbohydrate intake is pretty important. You just want to be able to monitor how much you are consuming throughout the day," says Kristen Carli, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner ofCamelback Nutrition and Wellness in Phoenix, Arizona. "But probably more importantly you want to monitor how much you're consuming in terms of energy stability throughout the day."
Carli is eager to dispel the notion that diabetes means a life of extremes, however. "A lot of people with diabetes often hear that you have to cut carbs or go low-carb," she says. "It's less important about cutting carbs altogether or eating fewer carbs, it’s more important to eat the same amount of carbs throughout the day."
She suggests a day of evenly distributed carbohydrate intake, roughly 45 grams per meal (higher for larger men). And yes, you are allowed to indulge in some snacking! (As always, it's best to consult with your doctor or nutritionist when formulating an eating plan, especially for those with diabetes.)
"I always recommend that if you feel the need to have a snack, definitely do, but try to keep it around 15 grams and ideally pair it with something else," Carli says. "A 15-gram example would be maybe a handful of whole grain crackers. Ideally you'd want to pair that with some cheese or some hummus, something like that. Or maybe you grab an apple and you pair it with peanut butter. Those pairings are really helpful because you're not just getting the carbs themselves, you're getting carbs plus fat or protein that keeps you steady."
Moderation is, of course, the key. Even with that in mind, it's possible to satisfy your sweet tooth. "The first step, I would say, is allow yourself to have those sweets," Carli notes. "And step two is finding ways to incorporate that into your daily life where it's not an over-consumption."
Nunbelievable's keto cookies are a great option for a low-carb snack. And remember, every time you shop with us,we donate meals to those in need, through our various impact partners working on the front lines of the hunger crisis.
Shop for our low-carb cookieshere!
