The Art of Snack Packing

Happy Blood Sugars on the Go!  Also known as “The Art of Snack Packing”

I have always wanted to talk about my schedule.  It’s insane...no really it is.  I wake up early, cycle to my labs at UAB, study for a few hours after that, then hit several classes like Anatomy, Chemistry, Statistics or Swimming.  After that I cycle home as fast as possible to get a few workouts in to maintain my body for dance.  On top of it all I have ballet class and rehearsals during the week and on weekends.  I work 7 days a week.  I’m not complaining though, I absolutely love my classes, workouts and ballet.  I do happen to enjoy being busy but it can take a toll on my diabetes management.  

As an aside I told my Endocrinologist one day that my Apidra was going cloudy before its 28 day expiration date and he did a bit of a freak out and switched me to Novolog.  He wondered that if my Apidra was kicking the bucket so soon in the vial, perhaps it was dying even faster in my pump.  So, it’s been a rough week with the switch.  You would think it wouldn’t be a big deal but my timing is all off!  I had lots of lows into the 40’s and high’s into the 200’s.  Yuck!  Not my normal routine at all.  Which makes my blog this week even more relevant.  I needed to be prepared so I would have a fighting change of keeping happy blood sugars while I’m on the go with my crazy schedule.

I'm sure everyone has their "go to snacks" but maybe you haven't heard of mine.  I hope you enjoy these little snackies and if you have any cool suggestions for me, please let me know! 

I present to you...”The Art of Snack Packing”

I like to make sure I have a food representing a fat, a protein and a carbohydrate with me wherever I go...Yes, my backpack is HUGE.  

Fats help keep my blood sugar stable and are great for when I have just recovered from a low.  It’s a small snack that’ll stick to my ribs and hopefully even out the low I just experienced.  I use little peanut butter packs, cashews or almonds in plastic baggies and soynuts.  Soynuts do have some extra carbs and protein in them but they’re just so darn yummy.

I have an addiction to protein bars.  I’ll admit it.  I pick ones that are under 200 calories, around 15-20 grams of carbs and 15-20 grams of protein.  They also have a few grams of fat in them but I don’t mind.  After I’ve properly treated a low with glucose I’ll usually reach for a protein bar to give me a bit of a boost that will last.  They taste so good I have to make sure I don’t over treat my low!  They’re also useful for after my workouts or when I’m running to another class. These bars have the shelf life of uranium and pack well!

Finally it’s time to get your carb on!  I like glucose tabs because they’re pretty exact and I can dose effectively without emptying a whole box of cereal into my mouth.  I like Glucopouches for when I am severely low and am having problems chewing.  I use Sharkies for when I need to keep dancing and my Dexcom is buzzing like a bee on steroids.  Sharkie pouches contain A LOT of carbs...30g per teeny tiny pouch and I’ve been guilty of launching my blood sugar too high after downing a few pouches.  I also love GoGo Squeeze applesauce.  No spoon needed!  They contain 15 grams of carbs and in my world I can count them as a fruit exchange!  

Treats, where would I be without them?  Here are some of my favorite portable pouch cookies.  Two cookies contain 160 calories and 20 grams of carbs and look oh so cute.  

So fabulous people open up your purses and backpacks and stock up on some foodies for on the go!  You won’t regret it, I promise.

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