The #1 Snack to Buy at Costco for Better Blood Sugar, According to a Dietitian
Wonderful Pistachios No Shell Variety Packs are the top Costco snack for healthy blood sugar.
They're low in carbs and added sugars and contain protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Plus, they're preportioned and come in three tasty varieties.When it comes to managing blood sugar, choosing the right snack can make a huge difference. Fortunately, Costco makes it easy with a dietitian-approved favorite that's balanced and convenient. And that snack is Wonderful Pistachios No Shell Variety Packs.
What makes these crunchy nuts such a winning pick? 'Nuts are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, fiber and unsaturated fats, making them a great snack for blood sugar control,' says diabetes expert Crystal Orozco, RDN, CDCES, CPT. These individually portioned nut packs are filled with nutrients for steady energy and blood sugar management. Plus, they come in three delicious flavors to help give your snack routine some variety.
Read on to learn why they're a great snack, whether you're managing diabetes or simply aiming to avoid an afternoon energy crash.
Why Wonderful Pistachios Variety Packs Are Our Top Pick for Healthy Blood Sugar
Provide Protein
Research has found that eating nuts may help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. One reason may be their protein, which helps manage blood sugar in several ways. First, protein is slowly digested, so it keeps you full. And when you're satisfied, you're less likely to reach for less-healthy snacks. In addition, protein requires more calories to digest than carbs or fat. As a result, it helps maintain a healthy body weight, which may promote more stable blood glucose levels. Finally, protein helps your body maintain muscle, which gobbles up glucose from your bloodstream. So, by adding protein to your snack, you may improve blood sugar over the short and long term.
These convenient snack packs provide 5 grams of protein in one neat little serving.
Contain Healthy Fats
Like protein, fat also slows digestion, making your snack more satiating. However, the type of fat in your snack matters. Many snack foods are high in cholesterol-raising saturated fat, which can lead to heart disease if you eat them on the regular. Enter pistachios. A whopping 90% of their fat is heart-healthy unsaturated fat.
Each pistachio pack contains 10 grams of total fat, yet just 1 gram of saturated fat.
Low in Carbs
When you're watching your blood sugar, the last thing you want is a high-carb snack that will send your numbers through the roof. No need to worry about that here. Each single-serve pack of these tasty nuts contains just 5 to 6 grams of carbohydrates. In addition, you'll also score 2 grams of fiber, a nutrient that helps slow carbohydrate absorption.
Almost No Added Sugars
Research has found that regularly eating lots of added sugar may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Trouble is, packaged snacks can be loaded with added sugars. Not these nuts. The Roasted & Salted variety has zero added sugars, and the Roasted Chili and Sea Salt & Vinegar flavors each have less than 1 gram of added sugars.
Craving something sweet? Reach for the Roasted Chili flavor. Or, turn the Roasted & Salted variety into a DIY trail mix by adding some unsweetened dried fruit and dark chocolate. 'Including a small amount of dried fruit or dark chocolate is perfectly fine,' says Orozco. 'Fruit adds fiber and natural sweetness, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants.'
Individually Portioned
It's easy to go overboard with almost any snack. If that's a regular event, it can lead to weight gain, which can spell bad news for blood sugar. These handy preportioned nuts provide automatic portion management. They're low in energy, too, with just 120 to 130 calories per packet.
Tips to Select a Blood Sugar–Friendly Snack
Shopping for a healthy, blood sugar-balancing snack but not sure what to look for? Here are a few strategies to keep in mind.
Look for Fiber. Fiber helps slow digestion and blunts those sugar spikes. Aim for snacks with at least 2 to 3 grams of fiber per serving. The more, the better!
Include Some Protein. Whether it's in foods like nuts, seeds, Greek yogurt or roasted chickpeas, protein helps improve satiety and manage post-snack blood glucose levels. As a rule of thumb, look for a snack with 5 to 10 grams of protein.
Be Mindful of Carbs. To keep blood sugar in check, choose a snack with 30 grams of carbs or less. And don't forget to check the Nutrition Facts label for added sugars. Orozco recommends no more than 5 grams of added sugars per serving.
Aim for Balance. If your snack contains carbs, pairing it with some healthy fat or protein can slow glucose absorption. Think nuts and fruit, whole-grain crackers and hummus, or tortilla chips and guac.
Don't Forget Portions. The bigger your snack, the more blood sugar–raising carbs you're likely to consume. Of course, single-serve packs are a great way to eliminate the hassle of portioning things out. When that's not possible, check the Nutrition Facts label on the package, so you'll know what a reasonable serving size should be.
Our Expert Take
Snacks can be a healthy part of a blood sugar management plan, and Costco can help. While Costco stocks several blood sugar–friendly snacks, the best one is Wonderful Pistachios No Shell Variety Packs. These tasty, single-serve nut packs are filled with a blood sugar–balancing blend of protein, fiber and healthy fats, yet they're low in carbs and added sugars. And they come in three delicious flavors. So, next time you're at Costco, toss a box (or two!) in your cart. Whether you're managing diabetes or simply aiming for more steady energy throughout the day, this snack checks all the right boxes.
Read the original article on EATINGWELL
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