Pregnancy diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that affects some pregnant women. It occurs when your blood sugar levels become too high during pregnancy. But don't panic! A healthy eating plan can help control your blood sugar levels and ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
Understanding Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs because the hormones produced during pregnancy can make it hard for your body to use insulin properly- making it harder for insulin to do its job of controlling glucose (sugar) levels in the body. As a result, glucose remains in circulation raising the blood sugar levels of an individual- putting both mother and child at risk.
What Should I eat?
Eating well during pregnancy with gestational diabetes isn’t about deprivation but rather following simple guidelines that are suited specifically just you. Here is what to include:
Carbohydrates
Carbs play an essential role in providing energy throughout the day; however, making sure to choose complex carbohydrates will reduce spikes in your blood sugars throughout the day which will keep you feeling full much longer than sugary foods like cookies or candy bars.
Some excellent sources of complex carbs include:
- Whole wheat bread
- Rolled oats/steel-cut oats
- Brown rice
So go ahead; enjoy those carbs without any guilt!
Proteins
Protein intake helps build muscles while ensuring proper growth and development of both expecting mothers’ tissues and their babies' organs.
Great protein sources include fatty fish such as salmon rich source Omega-3 fatty acids[1], nuts seeds(like almonds), poultry & lean meats etc..
Good rule of thumb? At least two portions per week because every routine should have some amount variety even if salads get boring easily!
Fruits & Vegetables Fuels Your Body With Nutrients
Being pregnant means needing more vitamins than ever, so feel free to indulge in colorful fruits and veggies! Not only do they provide essential nutrients, but their natural sugars won't spike your blood sugar levels.
Packed with Potassium and Fiber sources- bananas help you get steady energy!
- Bananas
- Carrots (cooked)
- Berries (fresh or frozen)
Fat
While fat might get a bad rep when it comes to our health, it is still crucial for fetal development during pregnancy. Healthy fats like Avocado oil and Olive oil can positively impact the body - heart included!.
Food To Avoid When You Have Gestational Diabetes
Yes, what you cannot eat can be more important than what you should consume. Here are some options to avoid:
Sugary Foods
· Cakes · Biscuits · Chocolates etc..
Everybody likes sweet treats now & then but keeping Sugary snacks away limits glucose highs throughout the day which inturn reduces complications risk[2]
Fiberless Foods
Even if high fiber doesn’t sound inviting from diet perspectives- consider this; Eating refined carbohydrates/processed foods increases insulin resistance consequently affecting diabetes escalating issues . These Include:
· White bread · Bakery Products w/flour inputs
Hence aim for 25 - 30 grams of fiber per day by selecting whole-grain products over processed items each meal!!
Conclusion on Healthy Eating For Pregnancy Diabetes
Having gestational diabetes isn’t motivating , especially considering that there are hormones flowing every other way making most women feel tired almost all time. A healthy diet goes far beyond watching carbs intake— healthy eating principles include drinking plenty of water along planning times ahead where exercise becomes part future routine [3]. It's okay not to follow the rigorous plan precisely as suggested because guess what? We’re humans after-all!! And also make sure not ignore supplements/vitamins recommendations provided . By choosing a variety of food groups in your own personalized concoction, nourishing your baby with the nutrients needed won't be that hard after all.
Gestational diabetes won’t put you on a strict diet , instead it will definitely make room for even better options! So whether you are expecting or not, remember "Eating healthy should always be an option."