1. Avoid Some Fruits, but Embrace Others
Most fruits are high in sugar, so as healthful as fruit can be, it's not your best choice when looking for a low-sugar snack. There are some exceptions, such as olives, tomatoes and avocados, which are in fact fruits that we think of as vegetables. Guacamole with carrots or celery is a low-sugar snack. A handful of olives contains a negligible amount of sugar. Tomatoes are an especially good fruit to eat when looking for a low-sugar snack. They have just enough natural sugar to satisfy a craving for something sweet, especially if you choose cherry tomatoes and yellow varieties.
2. Power Up With Protein
Choosing a snack high in protein will not only help you manage your sugar intake, but will also help keep hunger at bay for a longer time. Have a hard-boiled egg, a chunk of low-fat cheese or a piece of leftover grilled chicken for a satisfying snack that is virtually free of sugar. Avoid cold cuts, hot dogs and other processed meats, however, since they can have a high sugar content.
3. Buy Low- or No-Sugar Snack Food Alternatives
If you absolutely must have something sweet, there are enough sugar alternatives on the market today that it's possible to find just about anything with a low- to no-sugar version. Cookies, candy, gum, cakes and yogurt, for example, all have recipes that can be made with artificial sugars. Always read the labels to find out the ingredients and pay close attention to the nutrition facts section to see what recommended daily allowance (RDA) is present in your choice. Be aware that traditionally high-sugar foods that use sugar alternatives typically don't taste quite the same, but with time you can retrain your palate to get accustomed to the change.
