Low Glycemic Snacks for Toddlers

Our bodies process food into three sources of energy: protein, carbohydrate and fat. A low glycemic index (GI) food is one that releases glucose—a carbohydrate—slowly into the bloodstream. In general, a slow release of energy into the blood stream is beneficial over something quick. This is the reason why complex carbohydrates are recommended over simple sugars like whole grains over candy.

Low GI foods are frequently recommended for children with blood sugar issues, either high blood sugar or low blood sugar. But low GI diets are healthy for most people as they tend to be low in simple carbohydrates, including sugar, and high in fiber and other nutrients.

Foods with a low or moderate GI include: 

Most fruits and vegetables (bananas and most potato varieties are an exception)

Beans, legumes, soybeans

Lean meats, poultry and seafood

Whole grains

Nonfat yogurt and milk

When choosing snacks for your toddler, good low GI snacks include: 

Veggies and hummus

String cheese

Low fat yogurt with fruit

Olives

Fruit smoothie

Fruit salad

Whole wheat crackers with salsa

Edamame

Cottage cheese with fruit

Sources:

• The Mayo Clinic
• Glycemic index diet: What’s behind the claims.
  Harvard Medical School
• Glycemic index and glycemic load for 100+ foods.
  American Diabetes Association
• Glycemic Index and Diabetes.

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