Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan

Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan for women not taking Insulin

Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan

A woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes should not stress and fret over the condition, but should put her full attention and intelligence to use, by adhering to the most beneficial Gestational Diabetes diet for both her and baby.  No diet plan has ever had more importance.

Carbs:

•  Less than half of your daily food items should be from carbohydrates.
• Choose high-fiber, whole-grain carbs.
• Avoid sugary, starchy carbs.
• Eat carrots, broccoli, and spinach often.

Grains, Beans, Starchy Vegetables:

•  Using the following measurement of a serving: 1 slice of bread, 1 ounce cereal, ½ cup cooked rice, pasta and 1 English muffin.
• Eat at least 6 servings a day.
• Whole grain bread, crackers, tortillas, bran cereal, brown rice, and beans are good choices.

Vegetables:

• Using the following measurement of a serving: 1 cup cooked or leafy green, ¾ cup juice, ½ cup raw.
• Eat 3 to 5 servings a day vegetables that are raw or cooked, without added sauce, fat or salt.
• Dark green and deep yellow vegetables are good choices.

Fruits:

• Using the following measurement of a serving: 1 medium, ½ cup chopped, cooked or canned, ¾ cup juice.
• Eat 2 to 4 servings a day of fruits with fiber.  Eat whole fruits more than juice.
• Citrus, such as oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and canned fruit and juice without added sugar or syrup are best choices.

Milk and Dairy:

• Use the following measurement of a serving: 1 cup milk or yogurt, 1 ½ oz. natural cheese, 2 ounces processed cheese.
• Eat 4 servings a day, for a great source of protein, calcium and phosphorus.
• Low-fat or nonfat milk choices are best.

Protein:

• Use the following measurement of a serving: 2 to 3 ounces cooked meat, poultry or fish; ½ cup cooked beans; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
• Eat 2 to 3 servings daily for B vitamins, protein, iron and zinc.
• Fish and Poultry are the most important choices.  Remove skin from poultry, choose lean cuts of meat, trim fat, and do not fry.

Sweets and Fats:

In a Gestational Diabetes Diet, you do not have to entirely cut out sweets and fats, but eat them sparingly and with small portions, preferably sugar-free.   Limit intake of butter, margarine, salad dressing, cooking oil and desserts.