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Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan

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(August 5, 2011)

While following a gestational diabetes diet plan it is important to consume at least 4 servings of calcium rich foods such as milk, calcium fortified beverages, green vegetables, nuts and unsweetened cereals. Iron rich foods like poultry, lean meats, fish and green leafy vegetables should be eaten in at least 3 servings everyday. Furthermore one source of foods rich in vitamin C such as grapefruits, oranges, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and mustard greens should be eaten everyday. A gestational diabetes plan must also include one rich source of folic acid everyday such as dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, fruits and fortified grain products. In addition to these foods at least one rich source of vitamin A should be included in the daily diet which can be obtained from foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, pumpkins, cantaloupes and apricots.


Gestational diabetes patients should also avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages while on such a diet.
Submitted by N on August 5, 2011 at 12:55

 

Is orange juice good for gestational diabetes?


Expectant mothers who tend to experience a rise in blood sugar levels are said to have gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes poses a threat to the unborn child and could cause a great amount of devastation. One of the best recommended methods of bringing gestational diabetes under control is through the consumption of oranges. Orange juice for gestational diabetes has been recommended because the sugar content of the fruit occurs naturally and can be easily processed by the body.

Besides this, the pectin in the fruit breaks down the sugar in the body, lowering the level of blood sugar by a considerable amount. Although orange juice and gestational diabetes have been linked with each other, it is always advisable to check with your doctor before consuming anything that contains sugars. You must remember that all your actions will have an effect on your baby and diabetes could cause major damage to the fetus within your womb. Orange drinks during gestational diabetes must be completely natural and without any additives, to ensure that the product consumed contains no added sugars or color. Remember to consume orange juices at intervals so that the body is not put through the strain of processing large amounts of sugar at one time.

Submitted by N on July 31, 2011 at 06:09

 

What fruits to eat and avoid during gestational diabetes?


For pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes it is very important to keep a check on what foods they eat as this can directly impact their blood glucose levels. Eating fruits and vegetables is extremely important during pregnancy but there are certain fruits which are good for gestational diabetes while there are others that need to be avoided while suffering from this condition. Some of the good fruits to eat during gestational diabetes include apples, strawberries, raisins, pears, guava, pomegranates, blueberries, mangoes and papaya.

Although these fruits are considered to be good for patients of gestational diabetes, eating them in the right proportions is equally important to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. These fruits can be eaten raw or cooked and juices should be without added sugar. While following a fruit diet for gestational diabetes you must keep in mind that fruits contain natural sugars and excess of any fruits can actually raise blood glucose levels. On the other hand some of the fruits to avoid for gestational diabetes include bananas, oranges, dates, grapes, watermelons, dried fruits and canned fruits. These fruits are high in natural glucose and sugar content and should be limited or avoided completely while suffering from gestational diabetes.
Submitted by N on July 27, 2011 at 06:08

 

What are good snacks for gestational diabetes?


Gestational diabetes is said to occur when the levels of blood sugar increase during pregnancy. The best way to manage gestational diabetes is to follow a proper diet.

Some healthy snacks for gestational diabetes include fruit, light yogurt, granola bars and popcorn. These are good examples of daytime snacks. Some beneficial high protein snacks for gestational diabetes include hair boiled eggs, tofu, beans and sliced turkey. Women with gestational diabetes should also include a bedtime snack in their daily diet. Healthy bedtime snacks for gestational diabetes include crackers with cheese, crackers with peanut butter, sandwiches with whole grain bread and unsweetened cereal with low fat milk.

It is important not to skip your meals or snacks if you have gestational diabetes. Your daily eating schedule should incorporate three small meals and a couple of healthy snacks. Insulin resistance tends to be highest in the mornings and hence it is advisable to consume fewer carbohydrates at breakfast. Maintain a consistent consumption of carbohydrates in every meal or snack. Women who suffer from morning sickness may eat cereal or crackers before getting out of bed. It is also essential to drink adequate liquids throughout the day and to ensure a good intake of vitamins and minerals.

Submitted by N on July 20, 2011 at 06:07

 

What is recommended in breakfast for gestational diabetes patient?


Gestational diabetes is a term used to describe high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Therefore for pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes, it is very important to monitor their food intake so that blood glucose levels can be maintained within a normal range. It is important to keep in mind that the breakfast for gestational diabetes patients is low in carbohydrates because insulin resistance is highest during this time.

A good breakfast for gestational diabetes could include a hard boiled egg, a teaspoon of fat free canola based margarine, ½ pound of grapes (green or black), 12 ounces of low fat or skimmed milk. This sample breakfast would provide only 56 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of fat, 22 grams of protein and 394 calories in total. It is also a good option to include a slice of whole wheat bread instead of white bread in a breakfast for gestational diabetes. Another healthy breakfast option for gestational diabetes patients could be 2 slices of whole grain toast with 2 tablespoons peanut butter and ½ a cup of fresh fruit juice with no added sugar. In addition to a healthy breakfast for gestational diabetes tests for blood glucose should also be done regularly to monitor glucose levels.
Submitted by N on July 14, 2011 at 06:05

 

Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan 

Gestational diabetes mellitus is any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. This condition occurs in 4% of all pregnancies but disappears when the pregnancy is over. At this point insulin antagonist hormones increase and insulin resistance normally occurs. Fetal morbidity may be increased and hence it is important to identify this condition by screening tests between 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

During pregnancy extra calories needs to be consumed especially during the second and third trimesters. This will increase the amount of carbohydrates also. Hence it is important to understand the type of carbohydrates in the diet. Extra protein is also recommended during pregnancy to help the baby to grow.

Certain guidelines that are useful for planning diet plan during gestational diabetes are:

  • Increase the frequency of the diet in the whole day. Instead of consuming bulk diet for only 2 to 3 times a day increase the intake unto 5 to 6 times a day consisting of 3 main meals and 2 to 3 snacks.
  • Have a carbohydrate food before going to bed to avoid low sugar incidence in the night.
  • Consult your doctor immediately if you are suffering from weakness, giddiness or low sugar problems.
  • Have whole foods and natural foods instead of simple sugary foods.
  • Regular testing of blood sugar, cholesterol and lipid levels are necessary.
  • Consult the doctor for exercises that can be done during pregnancy.
  • Eat at the same time of the day everyday and do not skip a meal.
Submitted by A M on June 12, 2008 at 08:43

 

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