Gestational Diabetes Recipes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. It is said to be caused due to the various hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Exercise and diet can help to control gestational diabetes. The gestational diabetes diet menus should have an adequate amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The following recipes are planned keeping in mind the needs of the mother and the fetus.

Recipes for Gestational Diabetes

Mixed Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• Medium head cabbage, quartered and cored (preferably savoy) 1
• Fresh cauliflower florets. 20 oz
• Low sodium chicken broth, 6¼ cup
• Chopped parsley, 2 tbs
• Sliced carrots, 4 cup
• Fresh chopped celery, 3 cup
• Fresh sliced parsnip, diced (2 parsnips), 1 cup
• Olive oil, 2 tbs
• Chopped zucchini, 2 cup
• Red bell peppers, seeded and diced, 1 medium
• Fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced, 2
• Fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried), ½ tsp
• Salt, to taste (optional), 1 pinch
• Black pepper, to taste (optional), 1 pinch

Process

To make this recipe, slice cabbage quarters into thin strips using a sharp knife, set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet, over medium heat. Add carrots, parsnips, cabbage and celery to the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, frequently stirring, do not cover. Next add in broth and bring to a boil, discard the foam that will form on the surface. Add tomatoes, zucchini, herbs and cauliflower to it, season with pepper and salt and boil for about 1 minute. Now reduce the heat, cover and cook further for about 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve hot.

Healthy Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each 4 ounces, 2
• Uncooked rotelle pasta, 12 ounces
• White beans, cooked, 1 cup
• Sliced mushrooms, 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup
• Olive oil, 1 tbs
• Chopped white onion, ½ cup
• Chopped garlic, 2 tbs
• Chopped fresh basil, ¼ cup
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Process

Heat a gas grill or broiler. Coat a broiler skillet or grill rack with cooking spray and then position it about 4-6 inches away from the heat source. Grill or broil the chicken for about 5 minutes or until browned on each sides. Let rest for 5 minutes then add in cabbage strips, set aside. Take a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil in it, add mushrooms and onions and saute for about 5 minutes or until tender. Add in garlic, white beans, grilled chicken and basil, set aside. Fill a large pot with only ¾ of water, bring it to a boil. Add pasta to it and cook until al dente, for about 10-12 minutes. Drain after cooked. Add the pasta to the pot again, and add in the chicken mixture. Toss slowly to coat evenly. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and black pepper, serve immediately.

Turkey Sandwich

Ingredients

• Cooked natural turkey breast, sliced, 4 ounces
• Tomato, 4 slices
• Fat-free mayonnaise, 2 tbs
• Chopped fresh basil, 2 tbs
• Sourdough bread, toasted, 6 slices
• Swiss cheese, 2 ounces
• Low-sodium bacon, 3 slices
• Bibb lettuce leaves, 2

Process

Take a small bowl, add basil and mayonnaise to it. Stir well and then spread only 1 tsp of it on each slice of bread. Place the coated slice of bread on a plate, top it with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 ounce turkey and 1½ slice bacon. Now add another slice of bread, top it with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 ounce turkey, 1 ounce cheese and 2 slices of tomatoes. Place a toothpick in each half, then cut the sandwich slowly, in the center. Repeat the same procedure for making the rest of the sandwiches.

Apple Muffins

Ingredients

• Unsweetened applesauce, ¾ cup
• Oat bran cereal; uncooked, 1-¼ cup
• Whole wheat flour, 1 cup
• Ground cinnamon, 2 tsp
• Baking powder, 1 tsp
• Baking soda, ¾ tsp
• Apple, peeled, cored, diced, 1 cup
• Honey, ½ cup
• Vegetable oil, ½ cup
• Egg, 1
• Pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp
• Salt, ½ tsp

Process

To make apple muffins, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, also coat 12 muffin­ cups with vegetable oil. Mix oat bran cereal, baking powder, cinnamon, flour, soda and salt in a medium bowl, set aside. Take a large bowl and combine honey, egg, applesauce, oil and vanilla in it. Add in the flour mixture and stir well. Add in the cut apple. Spoon the batter in the muffin cup and bake for about 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven.

All the above recipes are especially designed for gestational diabetes, so avoid adding or replacing ingredients as the ingredients you might exclude may actually be very helpful for your condition.