Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan

Sometimes, pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes, that is characterized by high blood sugar. It is a special type of diabetes that occurs to the pregnant women only due to increased glucose levels. Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin but some pregnant women cannot produce insulin due to various hormonal changes, which results in gestational diabetes. Women with diabetes history are more prone to acquire gestational diabetes. Apart from this, overweight women and women who have used birth control pills tend to get this type of diabetes. Gestational diabetes generally occurs in the second half of the pregnancy. Most of the doctors suggest meal plan for pregnant women to maintain blood sugar levels.

Meal Plans

Gestational diabetes diet meal plan is supposed be the best and safe treatment for pregnant women. Medication and drugs are generally avoided, as it can have side effects on the baby as well as the mother. The goal of this meal planning is to lower and maintain the glucose level in the pregnant women's body. This can be achieved with healthy high protein diet and regular exercise program. It is quite tricky to design the meal plan, as it must control the blood sugar as well as provide the mother with all the essential minerals and nutrients. The meal plan must maintain the balance between carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, and fats, that are necessary for the well-being of the mother and the baby.

It is advisable for the pregnant women to consult the gynecologist, who will design the perfect gestational diabetes diet plan. Along with healthy diet, regular monitoring of glucose levels is also very important. It helps pregnant women cross check if the diabetes meal plan is working or not. According to the results the doctors can change the diet plan, which is more beneficial for the mother and the baby. Generally, the plan includes following foods that help pregnant women limit the glucose levels.

• High protein foods
• Low carbohydrate foods
• Non starchy vegetables
• High fiber foods
• Low fat foods
• Non concentrated sugar foods
• Three small meals with two small snacks

Sample Meal Plan

Breakfast

• One toast and 2 egg whites
• Half cup of tea or coffee without sugar or very less sugar
• 15 grams of fresh apple/ grapefruit/ peach/ blueberries/ kiwi/ orange/ sweet melon
• One cup of cow's milk

Morning Snacks

• Single low fat cheese cube or slice or cottage cheese
• Sugar free yogurt
• 15 grams of any of the fresh fruits

Lunch

• One boiled potato
• Whole wheat bread or multi grain bread
• Tuna fish or chicken or green peas or any other green vegetable
• Plain boiled rice
• Green salad of non starchy vegetables

Afternoon Snacks

• Celery stick or one toast with low fat peanut butter
• 3 almonds or small servings of other dry fruits

Dinner

• Mix vegetable soup or tomato soup
• Sprouted beans or chicken or tuna
• Whole wheat bread or boiled rice
• Carrot or cucumber salad with 15 grams of any of the fresh fruits

The above meal plan is for the reference purpose only. For the right serving sizes, you need to consult your doctor who will guide about the serving size as per your glucose level and medical history. The doctor can also guide you about how to cook a certain dish to retain the nutrients and will also help you schedule the eating timings.

With this information you know how easy it is to control the gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Follow the proper meal plan with adequate exercises and you will certainly be able to regulate blood glucose level and deliver a healthy baby. As they say, being pregnant is the most wonderful experience, so enjoy it thoroughly.