Blood Sugar Levels Effects Iodine

This week I got an email from a new reader asking for ideas for low-glycemic index snacks for kids.

Never heard of the glycemic index? It has to do with how fast your body releases insulin when you eat a food. Kids (and adults) with diabetes need a low GI diet, but these foods are good for everyone. Here’s a good definition:

High glycemic index (GI) foods release sugar into the bloodstream quickly, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar. Low GI foods release sugar into the bloodstream slowly and do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. High GI foods tend to lead to weight gain and are low in fiber. These foods are easy to overeat and encourage a rapid return of hunger.

(Need some help sorting out what’s low-GI and what’s not?  Here’s .)

So I thought I would help our reader friend out!  I rattled off a few ideas in an email to her, but here are some more I came up with when I put my thinking cap on. Deb, these are for you!

veggies and hummus nuts and seeds string cheese—or cheese of any kind celery sticks with sugar-free nut butter cottage cheese with salsa carrots or jicama with bean dip or salsa  (vary the spices to your tastes) plain yogurt with a little fresh fruit or fruit puree air-popped popcorn radishes with butter and sea salt olives smoked salmon on lettuce leaves peaches or pears mashed into cottage cheese crushed cocoa nibs over sliced pears turkey pepperoni or prosciutto wrapped around string cheese pepedew peppers (from the supermarket olive bar) stuffed with goat cheese or feta baba ghanoush with veggies for dipping or whole wheat pita instant miso soup — or any soup, really halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella (try boccocini) tossed with pesto slices of roast beef smeared with horseradish and blue cheese and rolled up sliced turkey wrapped around sour pickles edemame hard boiled eggs—or deviled eggs, or egg salad veggie chips—the make at home kind (kale chips, carrot chips, zucchinichips, etc.) chicken salad or tuna salad in lettuce leaves vegetable sushi made with brown rice (or no rice) roasted cauliflower roasted beets with goat cheese

And, actually most fruits and vegetables—with the notable exceptions of bananas and potatoes—have a low GI, so that’s where I’d always start! My toddler and I had a play date this morning and the kiddos ate diced mango, raw broccoli and carrot sticks for a snack—and were asking for more! Never underestimate the power of a dip; find one your kid likes and make fruits and veggies the star of their snack plates whenever possible.

I’m sure there are a ZILLION more.  Can you think of some good ones?  Let us know in the comments below.