7 Foods That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar (2024)

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7 Foods That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar (1)

May 03, 2023

Managing diabetes can feel like fitting puzzle pieces together – choosing foods with the best mix of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to keep your sugar level stable.

“There’s really no ideal mix of these nutrients – carbohydrates, fat, and protein – for people with diabetes. It’s very individualized,” notes Melissa Keeney, RDN, a dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with Hartford HealthCare in Bridgeport.

But understanding how foods do or do not impact your sugar levels can make solving that puzzle easier, she says.

Here’s a quick list of foods that raise your blood sugar and others that don’t, according to Keeney.

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Carbs raise sugar

Humans – even those with diabetes – need carbs to function and those foods will inevitably raise blood sugar levels. These include:

  • Grains (pasta, rice, cereal)
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Fruits & fruit juices
  • Starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn)
  • Beans
  • Many snack foods
  • Desserts

> Related: These 3 Drinks Help Keep Your Blood Sugar Balanced

Foods with little impact

Anyone with diabetes might be surprised to learn certain foods minimally impact sugar levels, including:

  • Carrots. These are considered non-starchy (as are string beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower) and good in a diabetes diet.
  • High-fiber grains. Farro, quinoa and barley keep sugars more stable than white rice or pasta.
  • Bran cereal. While cereals are high in carbohydrates, bran is also high in fiber. Eat with 1% milk, which contains protein. When choosing a cereal, looking for at least 3g of fiber.
  • Potatoes. Eat with the skin on to support healthy blood sugar levels. Fiber, Keeney says, slows digestion, absorption of nutrients and blood sugar changes.
  • Cottage cheese. Many dairy products are high in carbohydrates, but the protein in cottage cheese can keep blood sugars more stable.
  • Lentils. Beans do contain carbs, but they are high in fiber as well, making them a “superfood,” Keeney says. Mix them into soups or make meatless sloppy joes.
  • Strawberries and raspberries. As sweet as they taste, strawberries contain the lowest amount of sugar per serving. Research shows they help the body better use insulin, lowering the amount needed to manage your blood sugar after a meal. Raspberries are also loaded with fiber and low in sugar.

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Creating winning combinations

Registered dietitian-nutritionists teach people with diabetes how to combine food containing carbs with proteins, fats and/or fibers to boost nutritional value and keep blood sugar stable.

“Most of your meals and snacks should include a carbohydrate, protein, fat and fiber,” Keeney says.

Another tip is eating carbs after veggies and protein.

“A study of people eating the same amount of vegetables, chicken and rice concluded blood sugar levels in those who ate veggies and chicken first were lower. It’s more about timing foods, less about decreasing carbs,” she explains.

7 Foods That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar (2024)

FAQs

7 Foods That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar? ›

In general, a diet high in nutritious, whole foods—such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, and protein sources like seafood—is the best choice for blood sugar control, regardless of whether you have diabetes. Plus, including fiber and protein-rich foods at every meal and snack can help you feel full.

What food can I eat that will not raise my blood sugar? ›

In general, a diet high in nutritious, whole foods—such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, and protein sources like seafood—is the best choice for blood sugar control, regardless of whether you have diabetes. Plus, including fiber and protein-rich foods at every meal and snack can help you feel full.

What is the number one snack to lower blood sugar? ›

But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.

What can I eat in the morning to not spike my blood sugar? ›

However, certain foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, and nuts, will not raise it as much as others and can help lower long-term fasting glucose levels. This means these foods will not raise a person's blood sugar, also known as blood glucose. These foods may also help them avoid a blood sugar spike.

What is the only carb that doesn't spike insulin? ›

Whole Grains

Some common whole-grain foods are brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, oats, and whole-grain bread. Oats are whole grains that have been shown to improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, which, in turn, help keep blood sugar levels low.

What is the one food that lowers blood sugar? ›

1. Legumes. Studies have shown that protein-rich legumes can help reduce your blood sugar response to meals you eat later in the day. There's also evidence that following a low-GI diet rich in legumes may reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar control.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

What is the one fruit that lowers blood sugar? ›

A study in Obesity found that as the number of raspberries eaten increased, insulin resistance decreased. Other studies suggest combining berries with or following starch-heavy meals can also lower blood sugar.

What lowers blood sugar very fast? ›

The fastest way to lower blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin medication. Exercise can also help to bring down blood sugar levels quickly. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage overall blood sugar levels, but for immediate action, prescription medication or medical assistance may be necessary.

What chips can a diabetic eat? ›

Chips
  • Siete Sea Salt Grain Free Tortilla Chips.
  • Lays Baked Original Potato Chips.
  • Southern Snacks Baked Sweet Potato Chips.
Mar 1, 2023

How many eggs can a diabetic eat in a day? ›

How Many Eggs Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Eat? Both research and health experts indicate that individuals living with type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, can include between 6 - 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet. So you can enjoy up to 2 eggs, 6 times a week.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

Why should diabetics avoid eggs? ›

Having diabetes can put a person at an increased risk of heart disease. Some people are concerned that eating eggs may raise cholesterol levels, and that this could increase the risk of heart disease. The ADA recommend that people eat less than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per day.

What nuts lower blood sugar quickly? ›

Almonds help diabetics manage their glucose levels. They lower oxidative stress, which is a major cause of diabetes and heart disease. Almonds are high in fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, and vitamin 12. Consuming walnuts makes you feel full and reduces your desire for other foods.

What should I eat if my sugar is high? ›

These 10 picks can help you manage blood sugar levels and keep your numbers in check.
  • Unsweetened or Plain Yogurt. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Dates. ...
  • Glucerna® Shakes and Bars. ...
  • Steel-cut Oats. ...
  • Mushrooms.
Nov 6, 2023

What can I snack on that won't raise my blood sugar? ›

8 Simple Snacks That Won't Spike Your Blood Sugar
  • Nuts. 1/8. A small handful of them -- about 1.5 ounces -- can pack a big nutritional punch with a low carb count. ...
  • Cheese. 2/8. ...
  • Hummus. 3/8. ...
  • Eggs. 4/8. ...
  • Yogurt. 5/8. ...
  • Popcorn. 6/8. ...
  • Avocado. 7/8. ...
  • Tuna. 8/8.
Aug 28, 2023

What foods keep your blood sugar from dropping? ›

Fruits that provide the appropriate amount of carbohydrates include half a banana, 15 grapes, two tablespoons of raisins or a small apple or orange. Fruit juice can also boost blood sugar levels. Norton suggests half a cup (4 ounces ) of your favorite fruit juice, such as apple, orange, pineapple or cranberry juice.

What can I eat to avoid high blood sugar? ›

Balance blood sugar with these foods.
  • Leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables. Leafy greens such as romaine, kale, and spinach, along with non-starchy vegetables (for example, peppers, tomatoes, and onions) are high in fiber, low in calories, and nutrient-rich. ...
  • Nuts, nut butters, and seeds. ...
  • Berries.
Nov 29, 2023

What sweet foods don't spike blood sugar? ›

Examples of some diabetes-friendly desserts include:
  • granola (with no sugar added) and fresh fruit.
  • trail mix with nuts, seeds, roasted pepitas, and dried cranberries.
  • graham crackers with nut butter.
  • angel food cake.
  • chia seed pudding.
  • low sugar avocado mousse.
  • frozen yogurt bites made with plain Greek yogurt and berries.

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