Getting a gestational diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming.
Here’s what you better know for planning a gestational diabetes meal plan that will work for you.
During pregnancy, you’re already adjusting to multiple changes in your body.
Adding a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can add to the overwhelm.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, even if you didn’t have diabetes before pregnancy.
Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes impacts how your cells use glucose.
When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose in your bloodstream.
Uncontrolled blood sugar can also lead to high blood pressure in the mother.
Can You Reverse Gestational Diabetes?
Having gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean that you will have diabetes forever.
Having gestational diabetes may also increase your risk of bang out 2 diabetes down the road.
Some women seemingly do everything “right” and still end up with it.
The overall goal is toincorporate foods that support healthy blood sugarlevels.
Choosecomplex carbohydratesmost of the timethese have more fiber, which slows digestion and prevents blood sugar from spiking.
Beans, whole grains and vegetables are complex carbs.
It’s important to eat a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal.
Pair Carbohydrates with Protein and Healthy Fats
Pairing carbohydrates with protein andhealthy fatsprevents spikes in blood sugar.
It also keeps you full since protein and fat are digested more slowly than carbohydrates.
It deprives you and your baby of nutrients and could cause your blood sugar to drop too low.
What Can I Eat If I Have Gestational Diabetes?
Pictured:The Perfect Summer Picnic Menu for Diabetes
The answer: lots of delicious foods!
And choose whole pieces of fruit instead of juice.
These recipe ideas make eating with gestational diabetes simple and delicious.
Breakfast
After the long night, your blood sugar levels will be low.
Your body will need a healthy breakfast to fuel both you and the baby.
Aim for 30-45 g of carbs.
Recipes to try:
Snack
Aim for 15-30 g of carbs.
Aim for 30-45 g of carbs.
Aim for 30-45 g of carbs.
Use the guidelines outlined here to create your own gestational diabetes meal plan based on your tastes and preferences.
Gestational diabetes is no reason to steal the joy from this amazing season of your life.
