Best Food For Gestational Diabetes, If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational (pregnancy) diabetes or are worried it might be a factor in your current pregnancy, you probably have lots of questions and are definitely no alone. Fortunately, gestational diabetes can usually be controlled with diet and exercise alone. It doesn’t mean you won’t be having a healthy pregnancy.
We’ll discuss gestational diabetes, how to treat it, and what you can eat and do to help tackle it. Maybe you will be interested in reading a The Best Fiber-Rich Foods For Diabetics – 7 Amazing Options for You! that will help you.
Best Food For Gestational Diabetes And What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is type 2 diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy. That means you can’t get gestational diabetes if you’re not pregnant.
Gestational diabetes is when blood glucose levels rise above normal during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the ways that your body uses insulin changes. Glucose is a type of sugar found naturally in foods. It’s used by our bodies to provide fuel for our muscles and organs.
When you’re pregnant, you’ll naturally become less resistant to insulin so that you can provide your baby with more energy.
Some people don’t respond well to insulin therapy, so they may not be able to use it. When that happens, your blood sugar levels will be high. That causes gestational diabetes.
What foods should you eat?
Basic healthy eating
- Eat protein with every meal.
- Include daily fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Limit or avoid processed foods.
- Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet may help you manage your gestational diabetes without needing medications.
Your diet should include protein plus a healthy balance of carbs and fats. High levels of carbohydrates can cause spikes in your blood sugar.
If you’re craving carbs, make sure they’re the good kinds — think legumes, quinoa, and starchy veggies such as sweet potatoes and butternuts.
If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, ask if your doctor would be willing to work with a registered dietitianspecializing in gestational diabetes or nutritional therapy during pregnancy.
A dietitian may be able to help you plan your meals so that they’re nutritious and keep you and your baby healthy.
Nutrients
Eat foods high in protein, healthy fats, fiber. Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of processed foods.
When cravings strike, it’s hard to resist french fries. So, keep some healthy options around the house to satisfy them. More importantly, eating satiating foods like protein-rich foods helps you stay full so you’re less likely to want to eat less nutritious items.
Recent research shows that a diet providing less than 40 percent of total calories from carbohydrates is usually best for promoting optimal blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
However, remember that your carb needs and tolerances are specific to you. They depend on factors including medication use, body weight control, and blood sugar control
Work with your healthcare provider, including your doctor and nutritionist, to come up with an effective plan for controlling your blood sugar levels during pregnancy that suits your unique needs.
Snacks and meals
Snacks are great because they keep blood sugar levels steady and satisfy an evening snack attack! If you’re pregnant and have gestational diabetes, here are some healthy snack and meal options:
- Fresh or frozen vegetables. Veggies can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or steamed. For a satisfying snack, pair raw veggies with a protein source like hummus or cheese.
- Veggie omelets made with whole eggs or egg whites. Whole eggs are an excellent source of many nutrients while egg whites provide mostly protein.
- Steel-cut oatmeal topped with pumpkin seeds, unsweetened coconut, and berries.
- Fresh fruit paired with a handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Turkey or chicken breasts. Don’t be afraid to eat the skin!
- Baked fish, especially fatty fish like salmon and trout.
- Sweet potato toast topped with mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Unsweetened Greek yogurt topped with sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and diced apple.
What foods should you avoid?
It isn’t fun to avoid some of our favorite foods, but there’s lots of delicious alternatives. You’ll want to avoid highly processed carbs, such as white bread and, in general, any food that has a lot of added sugar.
For example, you’ll want to be sure to avoid the following:
- fast food.
- alcoholic beverages.
- baked goods, such as muffins, donuts, or cakes.
- fried food.
- sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sweetened beverages.
- candy.
- very starchy foods, such as white pasta and white rice.
- sweetened cereals, sugary granola bars, and sweetened oatmeals.
If you’re unsure, ask your healthcare provider about foods you typically eat. They can help you identify what to avoid and give you alternatives that will keep you satisfied.
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