Help on chewing low-carb snacks

[happy mama]

I posted this in the gestational diabetes thread. I think that I may benefit from a broader audience.

I am diagnosed with GD at week 15. My doctor tested me earlier coz I was PCOS and insulin resistant before pregnancy.

I am trying low-carb diet now. My key problem is that I am a constant snacker. I can survive without formal meals but not without snacks. So I need to chew something to focus. Otherwise, I always feel hungry (particularly, right after a meal) and difficult to work.

Any suggestions on low-carb snacks that I can chew on? SF candy is the only one I can think of right now to help my mouth "full" for a while. But I heard that it is processed as regular carb anyway and bad for me.

Thanks a lot!

[Bat Spit]

So I need to chew something to focus. Otherwise, I always feel hungry (particularly, right after a meal) and difficult to work.

The good news is, once you adapt to low carb, much of this need should go away. Its usually an insulin resistance related problem.

I'm not as clear on the early rules for South Beach but it seems that crisp veggies, maybe with a little dip, should be good snacks. Celery, bell pepper, jicama. Nuts if you can portion control them. Many people find they don't go as overboard if they get unsalted nuts. Or small spoons of nut butter you can suck on for a while. Olives if you can handle the salt. Cold meat cut into finger portions.

[MizKitty]

beef jerky is a real chewing challenge. But you gotta go slow on it, as it packs a salt wallop.

Ditto pork rinds.

SF chewing gum often gets me past a craving (better than SF candy).

SF jello helps me too. I buy the ready-made snack cups, just to make sure some is always on hand. In the midst of a craving is no time to find out yer 2 hours away from having SF jello! :lol:

But BatSpit's correct... once you adapt to LC, your cravings should subside substantially.

[Nancy LC]

Sugarless chewing gum, if chewing is your thing. I'd also try the veggies and olives.

[happy mama]

Somehow, chewing gum (even if sf) makes me feel more hungry. I think that I can try the beef jerkey thing or the jelly thing. Thanks a lot!

Sugarless chewing gum, if chewing is your thing. I'd also try the veggies and olives.

[anyway...]

If I remember correctly from my SB days (and SBers please correct me if I'm wrong :D ) one of the snacks that was recommended was celery filled with Light Laughing Cow cheese. That should satisfy the crunch need.

[PS Diva]

I like celery filled with peanut butter. I wouldn't go with sugar free candy. It won't fill you up, so you'll probably eat too much and end up with tummy distress. I'd go with almonds or a slice of cheese.

[ruthla]

The sugarless candy might be a good idea if you're constipated though. ;)

I also used to snack constantly- but since going LC, I can go a lot longer without eating.

[ardentluma]

Yeah, definately going LC and high protein/fat will get the after dinner munchies over with.

I have this problem sometimes...where I want to munch right after eating. This is where you have to learn your hunger signals and learn to manage them. For me, I learned just waiting 20 minutes after eating stopped the need to munch...that my stomach finally got the message to the brain to stop eating.

My munchie problem comes between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm. I just wanna graze!

[happy mama]

My munchie problem comes between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm. I just wanna graze!

Oh this is so true! Afternoon is my weakest time!

[pdxcutie]

Sunflower seeds

[Enomarb]

Make sure you are eating enough protein and veggies during lunch. Drink a big glass of water. Then have more protein and veggies. A cucumber, celery, a salad, a whole head of endive, radishes, cooked or raw brussel sprouts, raw green beans, a can of green beans, pepper strips, mushrooms, and I'm sure there are more you like.
Protein- a pack of tuna, sardines, cheese in individual packets for portions control )my current fav is chipotle cheddar), meatballs, little hotdogs, turkey roll-ups with a spread of your choice, cottage cheese, canned salmon, canned chicken, chicken wings,a turkey leg- you can use your imagination!

Congrats on your pregnancy!