Breakfast Tips For Gestational Diabetics

Similar to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes affects the way the body produces insulin and uses glucose in the blood stream. If not managed properly, excess blood glucose can be passed on to the baby, resulting in macrosomia, a condition that puts babies at risk for other diseases later in life.

Gestational diabetes is easy to manage with proper diet, physical activity, maintaining daily blood glucose and food records, and managing insulin.

Avoid Foods High in Fat, Sugar, and Calories

Eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to control blood glucose levels throughout the day. It is important for people with gestational diabetes to eat three small meals a day and snack regularly in between, eating a consistent amount of carbohydrates later in the day. Women with gestational diabetes should avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and calories, and opt instead for high fiber, grains, and vitamins.

Limit Carbs

Carbohydrates should especially be limited early in the day for gestational diabetics. The amount, type, and distribution of carbs throughout the day can affect blood glucose control. Due to increased hormonal activity in the mornings, carbohydrates are not tolerated well early in the day. Instead, protein should comprise the bulk of a healthy breakfast.

Eggs, Meat, and Grains are Healthy Options

Including eggs, meat, and grains in your breakfast are all smart choices. While bacon is probably a bad choice, you could whip up a healthy ham and cheese omelet with egg whites, or have a slice of Canadian bacon with whole wheat toast. Eggs, especially egg whites, are packed with protein and are a great choice for breakfast. Try to spice them up with a little salsa or low-fat cheese!

If you prefer a bit of sweets in the morning, try a whole wheat waffle with peanut butter and apples. Kellogg's Protein Plus cereal packs a whopping 9 grams of protein into every bowl, so it is a great choice for anyone with a cereal fix. Oatmeal is also a great breakfast option.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

It is important to monitor your carbohydrate intake throughout the day. In the morning, you should be consuming 15-30 grams of carbohydrates. Lunch should include about 45g, dinner between 45 and 60g, and a light mid-afternoon snack should include another 15-30 grams. Eating smaller, more frequent meals is the key to keeping glucose levels in check.

Try to maintain a regular breakfast schedule. Allow yourself to snack in between meals and before bed to prevent blood glucose levels from dropping too low while you sleep.

Get a Free Diabetes Meal Plan

Get a free 7-Day Diabetes Meal Plan from Constance Brown-Riggs who is a Registered Dietitian-Certified Diabetes Educator and who is also a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

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