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Free Food Facts
Q: Where can I get a list of "free" foods that people with diabetes can eat, and what types of snacks are available? It would be nice to be able to eat something and feel confident about what it will do to my BGs.
A: Foods are classified as "free" for people with diabetes when they do not contribute a significant amount of carbohydrate to the diet. That is to say that they provide less than five grams of carbohydrate per serving, or less than 20 calories.
Foods in the following list that do not have serving sizes can be consumed freely (for best blood sugar control spread the intake over the day). Foods with serving sizes should be limited to no more than three portions per day.
In terms of snacking, extra salads usually fit nicely. Otherwise, you may want to consider high-fiber crackers with lowfat cheese (depending on any dietary restrictions), or low salt vegetable or tomato juice. Some people find that high-fiber dry cereals without milk, small amounts of popcorn, or unsalted pretzels do nicely as well.
When considering sugar-free candy and chocolates, one needs to be careful. Some of these foods are not low-calorie and may offset your dietary goals. Others, like sugar-free hard suckers in small amounts, may be useful. You may want to discuss this further with your dietitian.
Free Foods Include:
Drinks:
- Bouillon or broth (fat-free)
- Seltzer water
- Coffee or tea
- Diet soft drinks and teas
Sweet Substitutes:
- Sugar-free gelatin
- Jam or jelly (sugar-free, 2-tsp.)
- Whipped topping (2 tsp.)
Fruit:
- Cranberries or rhubarb, no sugar added (1/2 cup)
Vegetables:
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Peppers (hot, chile)
- Salad greens (all types)
- Cilantro
- Onions
- Radishes
- Sugar-free salsa
Condiments:
- Catsup (1 tbsp.)
- Dill pickles, unsweetened
- Horseradish
- Mustard
- Taco sauce (2 tbsp.)
- Calorie-free sugar substitutes
- Hot sauce
- Salad dressing (low calorie, 2 tbsp.)
- Vinegar
Categories: Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Diets, Food, Food News
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Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
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Topics
- Diabetic / Diabetes Health
- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
- Insulin- Pumps, Pens & Syringes
- Continuous Glucose Monitors, CGM, Infusion Sets
- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
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