If you have gestational diabetes, what foods to avoid?

It is not the end of the world and you are not alone if you have gestational diabetes. The right food coupled with the right amount and right type of exercise can help you deal with the medical condition and enable you to keep your pregnancy healthy. 

Here we have put together a culinary guide on what gestational diabetes is, what causes gestational diabetes, what to eat and what foods to avoid if you have gestational diabetes.   

What is Gestational Diabetes? 

Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that pregnant individuals can only have. It is defined as a medical condition in which you have high blood sugar while pregnant. 

What Causes Gestational Diabetes (Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes)? 

Gestational diabetes happens when your body does not respond to insulin or produces adequate insulin to provide you with the necessary amount of glucose. 

Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan (Gestational Diabetes Diet) 

What to eat  

Carbohydrates 

According to The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, if you have gestational diabetes, you are advised to have a minimum of three small to medium meals along with two and four snacks on a daily basis. You should have a diet with high protein, high fiber and healthy fats and should avoid taking excessive carbohydrates at a time. 

Glycemic index (GI) foods 

To cope with your high blood sugar levels, you need to consume Glycemic index (GI) foods. GI is a rating system that shows how fast each food impacts your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is consumed. 

Protein 

With gestational diabetes, you are recommended to have a protein-rich, nutritious diet including the following: fish, chicken, tofu, eggs, quinoa, beans and nuts. 

Unsaturated fats 

Foods with unsaturated fats are as follows: olive oil, peanut oil, chia seeds, sardines and salmon. 

What not to eat 

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the foods that you must avoid include: 

Foods with high levels of sugar: cakes, cookies, candy, desserts, fruit juice with added sugar, ice cream, sweet pastries and soda 

Foods with high amount of starch: white bread, white rice, white pasta and white potatoes 

Foods with hidden carbohydrates and sugar: alcohol, highly processed foods, dressings and ketchup and fast foods. 

Takeaway 

Being mindful of what to consume and what foods to avoid if you have gestational diabetes can help make your maternal life happy and healthy. 

Do consult your doctor or dietician about the right diet and listen to their treatment tips to enable great health and wellness of yourself and your baby.