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Friday, July 5, 2013

What Foods to Eat With Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a serious disorder that can affect your health and the health of your baby. It is similar to other types of diabetes, except that it usually goes away once your pregnancy has ended. While you have it, it is important to eat the right foods to maintain your blood glucose at healthy levels.

Always consult your dietitian or physician before making dietary changes. Each pregnancy is unique, so get professional help in creating a diet specific to your nutritional needs. The considerations provided here are general guidelines and are not a substitute for professional advice.

Carbohydrates and Sugars

    Women with gestational diabetes should cut back on carbohydrates, but not eliminate them entirely. Consult your dietitian or physician about how many servings you need per day. Choose complex carbohydrates, like whole grain breads, pasta, oatmeal, and bran, over simple carbohydrates like white bread and the refined sugars found in sugars, cakes, soda and candy. Complex carbohydrates break down slower than simple carbohydrates, which are turned into sugar almost immediately and can significantly raise your blood sugar levels in a short amount of time. It is best to avoid these sugary foods altogether.

Eat Fiber

    Fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber that can help to regulate your blood sugar levels. These foods will help you to feel full longer, helping with cravings for sweets, and offer a lot of nutritional benefits. They can also assist in regulating your digestion, a common problem for pregnant women.

Limit Milk

    While you definitely need a lot of calcium, milk also has a lot of sugar in it. Limit yourself to one or two glasses a day and use alternative sources of calcium, like broccoli, okra, figs, almonds, walnuts and tofu.

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