When a nondiabetic woman suddenly becomes diabetic during pregnancy, it is regarded as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
While the sudden rise in sugar levels can be normalized after childbirth, it’s important to lower the risks of diabetes during pregnancy.
One of the ways to manage gestational diabetes is to control your sugar levels by adjusting your diet menu to include foods that are high in fiber, protein, and vitamins, and low in sugar or carbs.
What Meals are Good for Gestational Diabetes?
The following are healthy food choices to eat in the morning, afternoon, and night if you’re suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus.
For your Breakfast
Take a whole grain toast with avocado and scrambled eggs.
Prepare a homemade yogurt with mixed berries and a handful of almonds, and also take plenty of water periodically.
The best breakfast foods for gestational diabetes are shredded wheat, oats, and all bran, and take with skimmed milk to lower morning blood sugar.
For your Lunch Meal
You should take protein-rich foods to have energy and less carbohydrates. Therefore, you can eat roasted yams, potatoes with steamed vegetables, and grilled chicken turkey breast.
You can also take lentil soup with whole grain crackers, Apple slices with almond butter, or Baby carrots with hummus if you love snacks.
Healthy pregnancy snacks for afternoon meal also includes veggie omelets made with egg white, popcorn, cheese sticks, cucumber with hummus, carrots, avocado, etc.
You can also take snacks after your breakfast and before your dinner, at least 3 to 4 times daily.
Dinner Meal
The list of healthy foods for gestational diabetic moms to eat the night are Baked salmon with quinoa and roasted broccoli, Grilled vegetables with brown rice, white beans-based pasta, salad, lean grilled steak, etc.
Healthy snacks for GDM to integrate into your dinner meal plan are Greek yogurt with mixed berries, Cucumber slices with hummus.
This meal plan is high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and low in simple carbohydrates.
It is important to note that every pregnancy is unique and it is best to consult with a registered dietitian for an individualized meal plan that meets your specific needs.
Healthy Fast Foods for Gestational Diabetes
If you can not afford to prepare your meal most times, here are some healthy fast food options for you when you’ve gestational diabetes.
Order for grilled chicken or fish sandwich with a whole grain bun and plenty of vegetables in your favorite restaurant.
You can also take salad with grilled chicken, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Veggie-packed wrap with hummus, avocado, and mixed greens is another healthy choice for GDM.
Baked sweet potato with a small serving of grilled chicken or tofu can be taken as your dinner.
For breakfast and lunch, you can order grilled chicken or veggie stir-fry with small brown rice.
Another healthy fast food for GDM is Broth-based soup with plenty of vegetables and legumes or a veggie burger with a whole grain bun and plenty of vegetables.
You can also order grilled chicken or veggie burrito with black beans, brown rice, and plenty of vegetables.
Foods to Avoid with Gestational Diabetes
Women with gestational diabetes should limit their intake of the following foods:
Foods that are high in sugar, such as candy, soda, and baked goods.
You should also stop eating foods that are high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta.
Minimize the consumption of foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, fatty meats, and butter.
Also, foods that are high in simple carbohydrates, such as fruit juices and honey.
Instead, you should opt for more whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables.
Additionally, it’s important to eat regularly spaced meals and snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
For pregnant women with gestational diabetes, it’s nothing much to worry about once you follow your doctor’s advice.
Also, follow your dietician’s recommendations and only choose menu items that are high in fiber, lean protein, healthy fats, and low in added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Avoid fast food if you can, and if you must take it, it’s also important to limit portion sizes and opt for water or unsweetened beverages with it.
It’s always recommended to consult with your doctor and dietician for personalized dietary recommendations for gestational diabetes.
