SAFE SNACKING

In search of some general guidelines on healthy snacking for diabetics, we sought the expert advice of Christine-Rubi-Cruz, Cold Storage’s Wellness & Lifestyle Manager.

"Raw or baked nuts, fruits and vegetable sticks are, by default, all suitable for sugar-smart diets and therefore should be the first option for snacks,” said Christne. “For packaged foods, you need to look into the label. Generally, those that enlist sugar (or its other name) as the first or second in the ingredient list are high on sugar."

Christine also underlined the importance of fibre. Ideally, healthy snacks should contain a 10:1 Total Carbohydrates to Fibre ratio – or in other words, for every 10g of total carbohydrates, there should be 1g of fibre.

Here are some examples of healthy packaged snacks on the shelves at Cold Storage:

• Sugar-free biscuits from Casino Diet food range
• Crunchmaster Crackers, which are made from wholegrains
• Pure coconut juices without added sugar, such as Oqua Organic Coconut Juice

FRESH IS FAILSAFE

When you have the luxury of time to shop ahead, fresh food snacks are a great option. For example:

• Be nutty – raw and baked nuts, or a tasty trail mix, is a healthy fix
• Go crackers – look for wholegrain varieties and smear them with hummus
• Gnaw on raw – dip vegetable sticks into Greek yogurt flavoured with fresh herbs
• Berry nice – add fresh berries to oatmeal that’s been soaked overnight for an all-day snack

SUPER EFFORTS FROM SUPERMARKETS

Cold Storage recently launched a 'Sugar Smart' campaign, in line with the Government's concerted efforts to fight diabetes and obesity.

Working closely with the Health Promotion Board, the supermarket chain developed key messages in support of healthier choices. It then created a mini event hall in its Compass One store to showcase a wide range of Sugar Smart products. The successful event culminated in a free supermarket tour for shoppers with members of the Diabetes Society Singapore.

The key message here is – when hunger suddenly strikes, be prepared. Plan ahead, and have sugar-smart snacks on hand to stop your stomach rumbling without sending your insulin levels skyrocketing.

With thanks to:

Christine Rubi-Cruz
Wellness & Lifestyle Manager
Cold Storage Singapore