Diet SamplesMeal Planning for Diabetes in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of expectation, joy and lots of shopping! Books of baby names and wads of tissue for those out-of-control hormones are scattered throughout your house and car. Adding a condition such as gestational diabetes can be quite difficult, however, not impossible to deal with. According to the American Diabetes Association, “pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women – about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year”. Controlling your sugar during pregnancy is as important to the mother as it is to the baby both before and after birth. Knowing what and when to eat is a very important step in a healthy pregnancy and a healthy happy baby.
Gestational diabetes menu ideas can be found in cookbooks in your local library, the used book stores, garage sales, friends and neighbors, and even the internet. The American Diabetes Association website offers ideas and links to many different gestational diabetes recipes at no charge, as well as answers to commonly asked questions regarding living (or being pregnant) with diabetes. There are also many support groups to help individuals with questions and concerns, as well as food and meal ideas. Check with your OBGYN or family physician for more information regarding this condition.
A good breakfast idea for gestational diabetes is something as simple as one-hard boiled egg, about one-third pound of grapes, one slice of whole wheat toast, and 12 ounces of nonfat skim milk. If desired, a teaspoon of trans-free margarine can be added to the toast. Another breakfast idea for gestational diabetes is a one-egg-white only omelet, one slice of ham, and a single slice of multi-grain bread. This breakfast comes in at only about 13 carbohydrates, a little over three grams of fat and only 137 calories. It’s important to remember that it’s best to speak to your health care provider before following this or any other gestational diabetes menu ideas.
Gestational diabetes snack ideas are low-carb low-fat foods that help to keep your sugar under control while providing the necessary nutrients for you and your baby; ideas like peanut better, cucumbers with olive-oil and rice vinegar, cottage cheese, broccoli with melted cheese, tomato and mozzarella salad, pickles, nuts, and beef jerky. Other great gestational diabetes snack ideas include carrot sticks, cheddar cheese, vegetables dipped in humus, fresh strawberries and yogurt (plain, low-fat), fresh blueberries and yogurt (plain, low-fat), snap peas with Caesar dressing, sautéed spinach, rotisserie chicken, hard boiled eggs, and pepperoni and cheese.