Gestational Diabetes Diet
If you are a pregnant woman or a woman who is trying to get pregnant while having diabetes, you need to be aware of the hardships to maintain your and your little one’s health. While pregnant, the glucose level and general health should always be monitored and tracked. Therefore, a gestational diabetes diet is advised. Read more about Diabetes Symptoms)
According to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a 9.2 prevalence of gestational diabetes. That means more need for a proper gestational diabetes diet.
What is a healthy gestational diabetes diet?
If you have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, your practitioner might have already told you to watch your diet and monitor what you eat. A proper gestational diabetes diet is necessary.
Best to talk to a dietitian who already has experience in handling gestational diabetic clients to help you create your gestational diabetes meal plan.
Tips and Notes on Picking for Diabetic Food List:
Choosing the right foods for your gestational diabetes diet is hard; however, these little reminders might help you in completing your diabetic food list.
- Choose brown rice which has whole grains rather than the usual white rice and bread.
- Prefer leaner meats and fish (proteins) than fatty ones.
- Consume lots of green leafy veggies and fruits
- Go for fat-free or low-fat dairy products rather than those that use extra sugars
- Eat little by little meals throughout the day in order to maintain your blood sugar level.
- Avoid anything that has processed sugar.
A Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan
Here are some examples of what a gestational diabetes diet looks like:
- Breakfast
Hard-Boiled Egg
2 Large Eggs
One serving is equal to 155 Calories
Protein is found in half of the serving
Eggs are a lean source of protein which can help you have your blood sugar maintained.
English Muffin with Peanut Butter Spread
1/2 Muffin
1 Tablespoon of peanut butter
One serving is equal to 161 Calories
Whole grain is used and fats are in half servings.
Whole-grain muffin, when paired with carbs, proteins, and healthy fats found in peanut butter, helps the body slow the rising of your blood sugar level. These are great for the gestational diabetes diet.
Milk
One cup of low-fat or fat-free milk goes best with the hard-boiled eggs.
One serving is equal to 102 Calories
Milk is a good source of calcium; it provides almost all of the 30% that the body needs daily.
- Morning Snack
Berries, Nuts, and Low-Fat Yogurt
1/2 Cup of berries
2 Tablespoons of walnuts
1 cup low-fat or fat-free yogurt
One serving is equal to 287 Calories
Protein, vitamin C, and calcium are present in this recipe.
Berries are a very good source of vitamins and nutrients; 17% of the total vitamin C you need each day in your pregnancy is provided.
- Lunch
Californian Caprese Chicken Sandwich
One serving is equal to 240 Calories
Whole grains are used
Proteins, vitamin C, and fats are present in the servings
Whole grains break down more slowly than the usual white bread and therefore only has a gradual effect on increasing blood sugar levels.
Warm Kale and Farro Salad
One serving is equal to 377 Calories
Whole grains are used
Protein, vitamin C, and fats are found in yellow and green leafy veggies
Farro is a vegetable that provides iron; an important nutrient needed when pregnant
- Afternoon Snack
Hummus with Veggie Sticks
1/3 Cup of Hummus
A celery stalk and one carrot made into sticks, half red bell pepper, and a half cup of snow peas
One serving is equal to 201 Calories
Legumes are used
Vitamin C is present in yellow vegetables
Hummus is made from legumes and healthy fats. These are complex carbs which is why they are harder to break down and result in a more gradual rise in blood sugar.
- Dinner
Salmon, Grilled Peaches, and Goat Cheese over Arugula
Savory, sweet, and bitter all at the same time
One serving is equal to 397 Calories
Whole grains, fruits, and veggies are used
Incurs protein, calcium, and fat
Salmon is a healthy fish because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids
- Night Snack
Crispbread Cracker, Cottage Cheese, and Tomatoes
One serving is equal to 169 Calories
Whole grains and yellow veggies are in the recipe
Protein and vitamin C are on the serving