Gestational diabetes – meal plan

Gestational diabetes is the high blood sugar level which grows during pregnancy and generally disappears after giving birth. It happens if your body fails to produce sufficient insulin which keeps your blood sugar level in control and fulfill the extra need in pregnancy. When pregnant, it is important that you monitor your diabetes to keep yourself and the fetus protected. A proper gestational diabetes meal plan is the first and foremost thing you need to follow to keep yourself healthy and comfortable during pregnancy.

What to eat:

• You must eat and drink 12 carbohydrate choices a day to ensure the required weight gain of one and a half pound each week. If you are a vegan, you might need 15-16 carbohydrate choices to meet the nutrition need.

Breakfast:

• Add 30-45 grams of carbohydrate choices.
• Include protein like meat/fish/eggs/cheese/peanut butter
• Don’t forget to include vegetable and fat.

Lunch:

• Include 45-60 grams of carbohydrate choices
• Include protein such as fish/meat/cheese/peanut butter/eggs etc
• Make sure you’ve added fat and veggies.

Dinner:

• Follow the same pattern as lunch.
• Include 45-60 grams of carbohydrate choices
• Include protein such as fish/meat/cheese/peanut butter etc
• Your plate must contain fat and veggies. Fat will supply energy to your baby.

Always keep in mind that protein plays a great role to control blood sugar level. Try to have a proper protein intake with each of your meals. Don’t skip any meal. Have snacks at regular interval. It helps to feel you full always. Blood glucose level is very difficult to control in the morning. You can follow the tips to avoid uneasiness.

• Have a small breakfast
• Focus on whole grain bread
• Protein is essential
• Don’t add any fruit or cereal
• Strictly avoid alcohol & fruit juices, not only in breakfast but also other time of the day. These things increase the blood sugar level.
• Vegetables are an awesome choice and most of them are not harmful to blood sugar. Eat as many veggies as you can to supply proper nutrients to your baby.

Follow the above mentioned gestational diabetes meal plan, keep light exercising like walking etc and follow your midwife/physician’s suggestions.