Gestational Diabetes Menu

Gestational Diabetes Menu – If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the good news is that a healthy diet can help you manage it.

You will need to discuss food options and portions with your doctor and possibly a dietician. Here are some guidelines that can help you in your daily food choices.

Know Your Food Groups

We all remember the basics: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Fruits are a healthy carbohydrate, but a little goes a long way.

High-fiber fruits are best, such as apples, kiwis, pears, and peaches. Choose fresh fruits and eat small portions.

Stay away from juices and canned or dried fruits with added sugars. Stock up on vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, peas, and lots of leafy greens. Spinach, romaine, and kale are rich in nutrients for you and your baby.

Aim to eat lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey, pork tenderloin, and lean ground beef. Choose healthy fats like olive oil, nut butters, and avocado. Choose complex carbs like sweet potatoes and whole grains.

Eat Throughout the Day

Discuss with your doctor how often to eat throughout the day. You will need to eat more than 3 well-balanced meals a day.

Spreading out your food will help keep your blood sugar stable. Eating too much at once, or too much of the wrong foods, can cause a spike in your blood sugar.

Your doctor can also help you choose the best food pairings for optimal nutrition and blood sugar stability.

For example, eating an apple with peanut butter provides protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates.

What to Avoid

Unfortunately, you’ll have to say no to that big pasta bowl while you have gestational diabetes.

White breads and processed carbs, such as bagels, white potatoes, white rice, cookies, cakes and candies are temporarily off the menu too.

White sugar must be avoided as well. Several artificial sweeteners have been approved for gestational diabetes, however, such as sucralose and aspartame, but be sure to ask your doctor beforehand.

Not all artificial sweeteners are safe. And remember, just because something says “low sugar” or “sugar free” does not mean it’s safe to consume in large quantities.

Short Term Restrictions for Long-Term Gains

Your doctor may need to prescribe you diet supplements for the duration of your pregnancy.

Remember, gestational diabetes ends when you deliver, so you won’t always have to follow these restrictions.

Following a healthy, appropriate diet will help give you and your baby the best possible start for your new life together.

Note: this is intended to be a guide and is not intended to replace your health care professional’s advice in any way.

Always consult your doctor for advice on how to manage your gestational diabetes.