I’m diabetic, and have this terrible issue snacking at night. I’ve tried different things like popcorn (sorry, it’s the microwave kind), trail mix, sunflower seeds (without the shells basically a busy snack), and pistachio nuts (found that they contain A LOT of carbs). Do you have any other suggestions?

First, let’s talk about your nighttime snacking. A case of the munchies could mean your blood sugar is low. To address that, try eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If you find you’re still hungry in the evenings, choose a snack that has a mix of protein, fat and carbohydrates to keep you satisfied. You should also watch portion sizes and eat your snack mindfully so you don’t spend the whole evening munching on empty calories.

Second, while you may be snacking too much, several of your choices are perfect evening snacks if you only choose one and make sure to limit yourself to a single serving. Some good choices are nuts and seeds (their carb content is perfectly acceptable), low-fat cheese with a few whole grain crackers, or vegetables with hummus dip. You should try to avoid snacks that are almost all carbohydrate (like your popcorn), though, and watch out for snacks that might seem like a good balance but are usually full of hidden sugar, like trail mix.

"Eat well. Live well. Be well."