Making Healthy Food Choices When You Have Gestational
Making Healthy Food Choices When You Have GestationalDiabetesWhen you have gestational diabetes, making healthy food choices is one of the best ways to manage yourblood glucose while getting enough nutrients for you and your growing baby.To do this, count carbohydrates, control portion sizes, and choose healthy foods. When you meet with yourdiabetes care team, you’ll learn how to count carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in many foods, such as:Breads, cereals, pastas, and whole grains; Fruits and vegetables; Beans; Dairy products; Candy, desserts, andsweetened beverages.Carbohydrates give your body the energy it needs, so don’t cut out healthy carbohydrates. When you havegestational diabetes, too many carbohydrates may cause your blood glucose to rise out of your target range.So, it’s important to know how many carbohydrates are in what you eat and drink.Talk to your diabetes care team about how many carbohydrates to aim for in each meal and snack.Choose healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. They are high in fiber and nutrients.And they tend to fill you up, while not raising your blood sugar too fast. That’s a plus when trying to manageyour diabetes.At the same time, limit carbohydrates that are high in refined sugar like desserts, soda, and sweetened tea.You also need to control your portion sizes. If you often choose foods high in sugar, or eat large portions, youmay find you're not satisfying your appetite, nutritional needs, or weight goals.Learn what portion sizes are best for you to help control your blood sugar. Use measuring cups to accuratelymeasure your portion sizes.Including protein, like skinless chicken breast, peanut butter, or cheese, in your meals and snacks can helpyou feel full and give your baby all the nutrients needed to grow.Work with a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that’s right for you. It’ll give you the confidence youneed to keep your blood glucose in a healthy range to help your baby grow and thrive.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
