What To Eat With Gestational Diabetes

What Are Some General Carbohydrate Guidelines I Should Follow

Your healthcare provider may recommend the following:

• Choose complex carbohydrates as often as possible. Examples include beans, vegetables, and grains, such as brown rice. All carbohydrates break down into glucose, but complex carbohydrates break down slowly than simple carbohydrates. Your blood sugar level rises more slowly after complex carbohydrates. Limit simple carbohydrates. Examples include table sugar, honey, and milk sugar .
• Spread carbohydrates throughout the day. Try eating 3 small to medium meals and 2 to 4 snacks. You may need to eat a snack in the evening to prevent low blood sugar during the night. Eat the same amount of carbohydrate during meals and snacks each day.
• Eat fewer servings of carbohydrate at breakfast than at other meals. The blood sugar level tends to be higher in the morning. Eat fewer servings of carbohydrate to keep your blood sugar level from increasing even more.
• Do not skip meals or cut out carbohydrates to control your blood sugar level. Your blood sugar can fall to a level that is too low to be safe.

Which Foods Contain Carbohydrates

One serving of the foods below contains about 15 grams of carbohydrate.

• Breads, cereals, and crackers:
• 1 slice of bread, 1 6-inch tortilla, or ¼ large bagel
• ½ cup of oatmeal
• ½ hamburger, hot dog bun, or English muffin
• 2 taco shells
• 4 to 6 small crackers or ¾ ounce of pretzels or potato chips

What Ive Been Eating

It was a bummer to find out I had to start logging all my meals and snacks to share with my doctors and dietitian at every appointment, but its worked out well because now I can share some ideas with you!

NOTE: I am NOT a doctor nor dietitian so please discuss your meal plan with your care team, as I have, to identify what will work for you and your gestational diabetes care plan!

Breakfast:

• 1-2 slices peanut butter toast
• 1 slice buttered toast + 2 scrambled eggs + 2 slices bacon
• Grain-free granola + almond milk, 1 slice peanut butter toast
• Handful raw almonds or pecans, small square Maple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
• Greek yogurt + sliced almonds or grain-free granola
• 2 scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, 1 slice toast
• 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon or sausage, big handful sauteed spinach
• 1 slice avocado toast + goat cheese, fried egg
• Small bowl oatmeal 1/4 cup gluten-free oats cooked with 1/4 banana in 1/4 cup each almond milk and water. Add chia seeds, toasted unsweetened coconut chips, chopped nuts, tiiiiny drizzle maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Lunch:

#notatypo. ) Click here for all my low-carb recipes >

Also Check: Insulin Release Pathway

What Fast Food Can You Eat With Gestational Diabetes

Nutrition gestational diabetes happy family organics gestational diabetes food list what should i eat surviving gestational diabetes when you want to eat bad t chart for gestational diabetes patient lybrate

Nutrition Gestational Diabetes Happy Family Organics

Gestational Diabetes Food List What Should I Eat

Surviving Gestational Diabetes When You Want To Eat Bad

T Chart For Gestational Diabetes Patient Lybrate

Gestational Diabetes T Plan Indian Food Diabetestalk Net

What I Eat In A Day With Gestational Diabetes 32 Weeks Pregnant You

Fast Food And Diabetes Junk Nutritio Additives Obesity

The Gestational Diabetes Cookbook Meal Plan By Traci Houston Joanna Foley Paperback Target

7 Day Gestational Diabetes T Meal Plan Pdf Menu Medmunch

Gestational Diabetes T And Meal Plan

Type 2 Diabetes And Fast Food Center Everyday Health

Enjoy It By Elise Blaha Cripe What I Am Eating With Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes Foods To Eat And Avoid

Why Won T We Tell Diabetics The Truth

My Experience With Gestational Diabetes Jessica Gavin

True Life I Have Gestational Diabetes Iowa Girl Eats

I Failed My Prenatal Glucose Test Now What Ohiohealth

True Life I Have Gestational Diabetes Iowa Girl Eats

Gestational Diabetes T Food Management Of

Eating Mediterranean T During Pregnancy Could Cut Gestational Diabetes Risk Study

How Eating Junk Food During Pregnancy Affects Baby

Gestational Diabetes And Pregnancy Cdc

Gestational Diabetes T Eating For A Healthy Pregnancy

Eating Well With Gestational Diabetes

An important part of managing gestational diabetes relates to diet. Following a healthy eating plan will assist in:

• Managing blood glucose levels within the target range advised by your doctor
• Providing adequate nutrition for you and your growing baby
• Achieving appropriate weight changes during your pregnancy.

It is advisable to see an Accredited Practising Dietitian to work out a meal plan that is appropriate for mum and the growing baby.

Also Check: Pork Rinds And Diabetes

What Not To Eat With Gestational Diabetes

What to eat and what not to eat in gestational diabetes has become a huge concern for pregnant ladies and people who are suffering from gestational diabetes. People suffering from gestational diabetes have to keep a proper check on their diets and the amount of proportion they prefer to consume at one time.

Handling a pregnancy in itself is a big task. But when pregnancy comes with gestational diabetes, it becomes more difficult to handle. There is various food that you have to choose to eat and choose not to eat. A huge lifestyle change has to be brought along with changing eating habits.

To maintain a healthy pregnancy even with gestational diabetes, there are various dos and donts. Plenty of things that one must do and one must not do. Before listing the food items that one must take and not take, let us have a look at this.

It is not essential to exercise. By avoiding heavy exercises, many other exercises like yoga or stretching can be performed. These should be made an integral part of the daily routine. It is beneficial for those ladies who have been told not to over-exert their bodies. The movement of the body is important, may it be in any form.

Let us read in detail about the food items that can be consumed by a pregnant woman, suffering from gestational diabetes.

Foods To Avoid With Gestational Diabetes

Contrary to popular belief, you dont have to completely cut out a whole bunch of foods because you have gestational diabetes. Its all about balance and not going too crazy with the carbs, especially sugar.

But, in general, if you have gestational diabetes, try to avoid:

• Sugary drinks: Skip the soda and fruit juice. Even all natural, organic, no-sugar-added juice contains carbs and will raise your blood sugar. Try water with lemon or water flavoring packets like True Lemon, Tracy suggests. Sparkling water like LaCroix can also be refreshing and satisfying.
• Sweets: Got a sweet craving? Candy, cakes and a lot of fruit are no-gos when you have gestational diabetes because of their sugar and carbohydrates. But, says Auguste, you can have a little full-fat ice cream every now and then.
• Super-starchy foods: Were not saying pregnant women with gestational diabetes should skip carbs like potatoes, pasta, white rice and white bread completely, but you should definitely limit them, pair them with carbs and fats, and try to choose whole grain and/or fiber-rich versions instead.
• No-carb dieting: Do not try to cut carbs completely because you have gestational diabetes. Your body needs them, and youll feel too deprived without them.

Also Check: Average A1c Non Diabetic

Food Items That Should Be Avoided In Gestational Diabetes

There are plenty of food items that must be avoided as they are not healthy for a pregnant woman suffering from gestational diabetes.

• Food items like cakes, cookies, candies, sodas, canned drinks, ice creams, fruit juice, all must not be consumed by a woman suffering from gestational diabetes. These food items are full of sugar and processed items. Intake of these food items can raise blood sugar levels in the body.
• Sugar-free and homemade desserts and drinks can be enjoyed in moderation. For satisfying the sugar buds, fruits can be consumed as they contain natural sugar.
• White potatoes, white bread, pasta, and rice, all these food items should also be avoided or can be taken occasionally. These contain a high amount of starch which is again not good for health and disturbs the sugar levels.
• Wheat pasta and brown rice can be taken instead. These are high in carbohydrates but also high in nutritional value. These can be consumed in moderation.
• Highly processed food, sauces, dressings and ketchup, fast food and alcohol, all these food items should also be avoided. These contain hidden sugar that is not beneficial for the body. These food items are a source of carbohydrates and sugar and harm the body.

How Is Gestational Diabetes Treated

Part of managing gestational diabetes is keeping all of your prenatal appointments and following your treatment plan, which can include:

• Checking your blood sugar to make sure that your levels stay in a healthy range.
• Eating healthy foods in the right amounts at the right times.
• Being physically active to help keep your blood sugar from going too high.
• If needed, taking diabetes medicine, which might include metformin or even insulin.

Don’t Miss: What Are Side Effects Of Metformin 500 Mg

Gestational Diabetes Treatment Plan

Many women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies because they follow the treatment plan that their health care providers set up for them.

One of the most important things you can do to help ensure a healthy pregnancy is to make regular health care appointments and keep them.

A general treatment plan to control gestational diabetes may include these items:

• Knowing your blood sugar level and keeping it under control
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Getting regular, moderate physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight gain
• Keeping daily records of your diet, physical activity, and glucose levels
• Taking medications as prescribed, you may need a medication if:
• Your blood sugar level is too high.
• Your blood sugar level is high too many times.
• Your blood sugar level remains high, but you are not gaining much weight or are not eating poorly.
• You cannot safely add physical activity to your treatment plan.

Which Meal Plan Is Right For Me

Carbohydrate counting and diabetes exchanges are meal planning methods that can help you control your blood sugar. Your dietitian or healthcare provider will tell you the amount of calories, carbohydrate, and other nutrients you need each day. He or she will tell you how many servings of each you can have during meals and snacks. He or she can also help you find the meal plan that meets your nutrient needs and that works best for you.

Recommended Reading: Is Pasta Okay For Diabetics

Aftercare: What Should You Do Post

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases recommend the following :

• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding provides your baby the nutrients required for proper development and preventing metabolic disorders later in life. It also helps the mother shed weight.
• Change Lifestyle: Eating healthy and staying active has to become your new lifestyle. Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Work out at least 3-4 hours per week. Make diet and exercise an enjoyable family activity.
• Monitor Glucose: Monitor your and your kids blood glucose levels intermittently to keep a check and prevent developing diabetes.
• Medication: Talk to your doctor to treat PCOS and diabetes with medication.

You May Like: What Is A Normal A1c For A Non Diabetic

Life After The Meal Plan

Find more recipes on our site

Your journey doesnt end after 7 days of Mediterranean recipes for gestational diabetes. Its about finding recipes that can become staples in your household and creating eating habits that actually last.

Weve got plenty of recipes online already. Just use the search function on our home page if youre looking for a specific ingredient or check out our recipe page.

Disclosure

We would like to take a moment to note that this post is for information purposes only. It does not claim to provide medical advice or to be able to treat any medical condition. If you have any concerns regarding your health please contact your medical practitioner before making changes.

Recommended Reading: Diabetes Medication With Least Side Effects

Gestational Diabetes Diet Benefits

There are many health benefits of following a healthy diet when you have gestational diabetes, for both you and your baby.

• It helps prevent the need for medication.Research suggests that about 80% of women with gestational diabetes can manage the condition with diet alone, without requiring the use of medication, Trout says. While the data don’t support one specific diet over another, the most common recommendation is moderate carbohydrate restriction with lean protein and healthy fats.
• It keeps your blood sugar at a healthy level. Women who follow this type of dietary regimen generally experience a drop in their blood sugar levels and, ultimately, healthy deliveries. Managing gestational diabetes with a healthy diet that controls your blood sugar level helps prevent health complications for the mother and baby.
• It lowers your risk for type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy diet, keeping your weight within a healthy range, and getting regular physical activity after your baby is born can help lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.

However, it’s important for those with gestational diabetes to not overly restrict their diet, says Trout. For example, if you consume too few calories or carbohydrates and are losing weight, you may not be receiving adequate nutrition for you and your growing fetus.

Snack Ideas For Gestational Diabetes:

Eating small portions of food after every two to three hours is one of the advised ways to keep sugar levels under control.

While choosing snacks you should try to keep carb number as low as possible. You should opt for the snacks that are rich in proteins i.e. meat, poultry, fish, egg, peanut butter, and cheese.

List of the foods that you can eat as snacks if you have gestational diabetes include:

• Raspberries, blueberries, and walnuts with yogurt
• Warm kale and faro salad
• Hummus with vegetables

Read Also: Can Diabetics Drink Milk At Night

How To Manage Gestational Diabetes With A Healthy Diet

Consider a gestational diabetes diet plan your secret weapon to help prevent pregnancy and delivery complications. Even if you need diabetes medication, Asterino-McGeean says its still vital to follow a gestational diabetes diet.

Help keep blood sugar levels in check with a well-balanced diet. It should include lean sources of protein, plenty of non-starchy vegetables and correctly portioned complex carbohydrates, she says.

Bissell notes that working with a dietitian can take the guesswork out of eating with gestational diabetes. Your dietitian can help you set up balanced meals with the right amount of carbs to keep your blood sugars within the range your doctor recommends.

Feeding And Caring For Your Baby After Delivery

If youre planning to breastfeed, baby should nurse as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 30 minutes, and then every two to three hours to prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Be sure to ask the hospital staff not to test your babys blood glucose levels until just before the second feed so that a diagnosis of hypoglycemia isnt made prematurely.

Check, too, that your baby isnt given formula or glucose water and is brought to you regularly and early for continued feedings.

Don’t Miss: Lisinopril Hypoglycemia

Gestational Diabetes Tests And Diagnosis

Gestational diabetes usually happens in the second half of pregnancy. Your doctor will check for it between weeks 24 and 28, or sooner if you’re at high risk.

Your doctor will give you a glucose tolerance test: Youâll drink 50 grams of glucose in a sweet drink, which will raise your blood sugar. An hour later, youâll take a blood glucose test to see how your body handled all that sugar. If the results show that your blood sugar is higher than a certain level, youâll need a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test, meaning youâll get a blood glucose test 3 hours after you drink a 100-gram glucose drink. Your doctor can also test you by having you fast for 12 hours, then giving you a 75-gram glucose drink and a 2-hour blood glucose test.

If youâre at high risk but your test results are normal, your doctor might test you again later in your pregnancy to make sure you still donât have it.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes means that your body isnt making enough insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. During pregnancy, your body makes more hormones, and you also gain weight. These changes affect how your body uses insulin, called insulin resistance.

All pregnant women have some insulin resistance during late pregnancy, but some women have insulin resistance before they get pregnant they then start pregnancy with a higher need for insulin, and this puts them at risk for gestational diabetes.

Read Also: Insulin Is To The Pancreas As Ghrelin Is To

Rethinking Pasta And Other Starchy Stuff

While we’re talking about cauliflower, let me say this: I never thought I would be the person making low carb ‘pasta’ dishes. But if what you’re craving is mac and cheese , then mac and cheese made with cauliflower will absolutely satisfy. The truth is, pasta doesn’t add a ton to this dish in the first place, and roasting cauliflower florets before napping them in a creamy cheese sauce and baking until the top is crispy may actually end up with a more flavorful dish.

It doesn’t end there: roasted cauliflower is terrific in any ‘pasta bake’ type dinner. Try stirring roasted cauliflower into a mix of cooked spicy sausage and tomato sauce, layer in dollops of ricotta or shredded mozzarella, top with a grating of parmesan, and bake until crispy.

I love pancake-wrapped dishes like mu shu pork, but it turns out the wrapper isn’t that crucial. Make your favorite stir-fry and wrap in crisp lettuce leaves. If you’re trying to avoid tortillas, put those taco fillings in a lettuce wrap, too!