Gestational Diabetes Diet
By: Tania IvanovichTotal Views: 409, Word Count: 561,
Gestational diabetes diet constitutes the amount of food consumption during the condition of pregnancy in which the glucose level in the body rises due to the production of anti-insulin hormones secreted by the recently developed placenta. The intake of food should be in proportion with the glucose level diagnosed in bloodstream. The diet in the case of gestational diabetes should not distort the sugar level as this may affect the growth of the fetus.
The diet plan of women suffering from gestational diabetes:
- Pregnant women are recommended not to skip meals. Three times in small measures should be taken, two or three small snacks in between the meals.
- Food containing carbohydrate during breakfast should be avoided as the insulin resistance is high during this period.
- Consistency should be maintained while consuming carbohydrates.
- If sufferers of gestational diabetes go through morning sickness, then cereals and crackers should be consumed before getting up from bed.
- Foods containing high fiber diet should be consumed.
- Intake of 7 to 8 glasses of liquid is suggested.
- Inclusion of foods that contain minimum 1200mg of calcium daily should be incorporated in diet plan. Calcium providing foods are: dairy products, nuts, green vegetables, beverages containing calcium and unsweetened ready to eat cereals.
- Consumption of minimum three servings (30mg) of iron rich products is a necessity to fight glucose rise in pregnancy. Sources of iron are: lean meat, poultry and fish, eggs and green vegetables.
- Intake of minimum one product rich in vitamin C like oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, honeydew, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes is must.
Complete diet chart for the sufferers of gestational diabetes:
Breakfast:
- Two to three slices of whole grain wheat along with one to two tablespoon of peanut butter which can be supplemented with one cup of citrus fruit juice.
Morning snacks:
- Two apples.
Lunch:
- A cup full of lentil soup, some amount of sugar free cheese, baby carrots and whole grain crackers.
Afternoon snacks:
- 15 to 20 raw almonds and 1 to 2 cup grapes.
Dinner:
- 6 ounces of fish, 1- cup steamed broccoli, I cup rice and low fat milk.
Foods to be avoided:
- Alcohol: This increases the sugar level in bloodstream, causing fatal effects to the heart and brain of the baby. It can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Caffeine: Not more than 300mg of caffeine should be consumed in a day to avoid the lethal effects on the glucose level. Coffee, tea and chocolates should be avoided.
- Avoid losing weight during pregnancy: Any step towards the loss of weight can severely affect the growth of the baby and cause hypoglycemia in the mother and the child. A woman of average stature is allowed to gain weight up to 25 to 30 pounds, if this limit is exceeded, a doctor should be consulted.
Information can be obtained from a health magazine or a guide. However, doctor’s prescription and recommendation is suggested.
About the Author
Tania Ivanovich is a physician in a health organization in America working for the free care of patients of diabetes for the past two decades. Her recent research on control of diabetes especially during pregnancy through diet control and balance has been accepted by numerous orHow Toganizations. Gestational diabetes diet should be strictly controlled under a doctor or specified health books which carry authentic information. One of such book is: How To Play The Diabetes Game To Win!
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