A Sample Diet For Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects 4% of all pregnant women and there are about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States per year which was reported by the American Diabetes Association. The numbers may seem low but still, if one has gestational diabetes, it must be treated. If left untreated, it can hurt the baby and also lead to future problems as the child grows up such as breathing problems and risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is when a woman’s blood sugar (glucose) is very high during pregnancy. As for why women get gestational diabetes, it is not truly known. But what is known is that it goes away after the baby is born. But there is a chance that the mother may have diabetes later.
The reason why a pregnant woman needs to make adjustments in their life if they have gestational diabetes is because if left untreated, it can hurt the baby. For a woman and her baby, what the mother is eating is what nutrients and proteins the baby will be fed as well.
Gestational diabetes can cause the baby’s pancreas to make more insulin to get rid of the glucose. And the baby is getting more energy to grow and develop and thus the extra energy is stored as fat or macrosomia.
Fortunately, there are diets that women can follow if they are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Before using these plans, it is advisable you contact your physician to discuss dietary plans if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Diet Plans
For women with gestational diabetes, carbohydrates plays a major part in their diet.
Carbohydrates are grains, fruits and vegetables. The body digests carbohydrates and converts them into simple sugars (glucose) and from there on, the body will convert the glucose into energy. So, it’s important to include carbohydrate counting in the diet.
The plans are similar to the Diabetic Diet Pyramid which it is important to have around 4-6 small meals.
Here is a sample menu:
Breakfast: (394 calories and 56g of carbs)
1 egg (hard boiled)
1 slice of whole wheat bread
1 teaspoon of trans-fat free margarine
1/3 pound of grapes (any type of grapes)
12 fluid oz. Of non-fat skim milk
Morning Snack (276 calories and 1.6g carbs)
1 slice of whole wheat bread
1 tbsp of smooth or chunky peanut butter
1 tbsp of reduced sugar jelly
8 fluid oz. of nonfat skim milk
Lunch (547 calories and 71g carbs)
1 whole wheat pita bread
1/2 cup of black beans
1/2 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes
1 oz. of low-fat sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 tablespoon of salsa
2 teaspoon of olive oil
Mid-Afternoon Snack (295 calories and 41g carbs)
1 medium apple peeled
1 tablespoon of peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
12 fluid oz. of nonfat skim milk
Dinner (523 calories and 60g carbs)
3 oz. of chicken breast (boneless/skinless)
4 oz of pineapple rings (canned in juice)
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of sesame oil/dark
2 tablespoon of soy sauce (low-sodium)
1/2 cup of green beans (cooked)
1/4 cup of instant rice (uncooked)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/4 pound of fresh strawberries
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