The Best Snack at Costco for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is not just one disease, but a whole group. A person with metabolic syndrome (also known as insulin resistance syndrome) has three or more of the following symptoms: a larger waist circumference, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, or low “good” HDL cholesterol. About one in three adults in the United States has metabolic syndrome, which puts them at higher risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle choices can be an effective treatment.

The most important of these changes: adjusting your diet. “What you eat is important for managing metabolic syndrome because food and diet directly affect the risk factors for metabolic syndrome,” says Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, owner of Indianapolis-based One Pot Wellness. A healthy diet combined with regular exercise can help control—and potentially reverse—the effects of metabolic syndrome, she explains.

If what you eat matters, what are the best foods to eat? There are a number of vegetables that nutritionists recommend you eat, and following an anti-inflammatory diet plan can also help with treatment. But even smaller choices, like snacking, can make a difference. So if you’re at a big store like Costco, how can you choose healthy snacks that will help you manage metabolic syndrome? And which one is the best?

What to look for in a snack for metabolic syndrome

Blood sugar balancing nutrients

Opt for snacks that are high in fiber and healthy fats, advises Chun. “High-fiber foods help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while healthy fats, like those found in nuts and seeds, can improve heart health and provide sustained energy,” she explains.

Little added sugar

Unfortunately, a diet high in added sugar and refined carbohydrates can worsen the conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, says Chun. Research suggests that people with metabolic syndrome would benefit from evidence-based diets such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. Both diets include lean proteins and high-fiber foods and limit added sugar, refined carbohydrates and sodium.

Fresh food

When looking for a snack for metabolic syndrome, Chun says it’s generally best to “choose fresh, whole foods instead of processed options to best relieve symptoms.” Some of the best snacks are probably the simplest you can imagine: fruit, nuts, whole-grain toast with nut butter, or veggies with simple dips like guacamole, salsa, or hummus.

The Best Snack at Costco for Metabolic Syndrome

What is Chun’s favorite snack at Costco for metabolic syndrome? Grab it Avocado puree from Good Foods. “(It’s) a great snack for managing metabolic syndrome because of its fiber content and healthy fats,” she explains.

Good Foods Avocado Mash is made with avocados, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. It comes in individual 2-ounce containers, perfect for packing into your lunch or for quick avocado toasting. Here’s more about why it’s such a great choice if you have metabolic syndrome.

It is rich in fiber and makes you full

Good Foods Avocado Mashed contains 4 grams of fiber per 2-ounce container, making it a good source of nutrients. “The fiber in avocados helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness,” says Chun. The snack also contains no added sugar, which has a positive effect on blood sugar regulation.

It is versatile for a variety of snacks

No need to grab an avocado and wait for it to ripen. With this avocado puree, you can enjoy all your favorite snacks without having to wait. “I like to spread it on whole-grain toast, as a topping for a salad, or as a dip for whole-grain crackers,” says Chun. “For an extra protein boost, I often mix in some Greek yogurt, which also contains probiotics for gut health,” she says.

Good Foods Avocado Puree also works well as a substitute for other condiments. Spread this avocado puree on your sandwich instead of mayonnaise. You can even use it as a substitute for mayonnaise in a tuna salad or as a dip for vegetables or sweet potato chips from the air fryer.

The conclusion

Metabolic syndrome – also known as insulin resistance syndrome – is a group of conditions that can put a person at high risk for developing chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, there are ways to combat these symptoms through some of your daily lifestyle choices.

When it comes to snacking, your best bet is to look for whole foods that contain few ingredients. Next time you’re shopping at Costco, grab a pack of Good Foods Avocado Mash, which is full of fiber, has few ingredients, and pairs well with a variety of tasty snacks.