Tips On Diet For Diabetes During Pregnancy
It is very important to maintain a healthy diet if you are pregnant and especially if you have developed gestational diabetes. Diabetes develops in our bodies when it is unable to produce sufficient insulin. This is a hormone that is made by the pancreas and it helps cells to covert sugar in the blood into useful fuels.
When there is a lot of glucose accumulation in the blood means that the specific cells are not getting the desired fuel that is vital in their functions. High sugar content in your blood is harmful to you and your unborn child. This is why it is recommended that you try to control it. There is a diet for diabetes during pregnancy that you can follow.
Before you adapt any of the dietary plans, you should consult a dietitian who will help you come up with a diet plan that is more suited to your needs. This will vary according to your height, body weight, the special needs of your unborn, activities that you are involved in and your body’s glucose intolerance. The dietitian should also consider your personal food preferences.
A professional dietitian starts of the process of determining the best diet for diabetes during pregnancy with calculating and determine the amount of calories you require every day. He or she should then teach you how to measure the right portions that will meet this calories needs. The amounts should have the right balance of carbohydrates, fat and proteins. They should also access your current eating habits and patterns. This will help them know if you are getting the essential minerals and minerals.
If you are pregnant you should take a variety of foods – Calorie and carbohydrate intake should be spread over the day. You should also make sure that the snacks and meals you take are balanced. There is a standard recommendation that advises that you should take 3-light meals a day and four snacks thought out the day. You should also include an after dinner snack.
You should change your usual meal plan to contain less carbohydrates – A good meal should have more complex carbs that contain a lot of fiber and should spread over the day. Every meal should have a carbohydrate and a lean protein. You may also choose to add a snack of your choice. Proteins help you by making you feel fuller and they help control the sugar levels.
Do not skip any meal – You should try maintaining a constant eating time and the amount should also be relatively same. Studies show that the blood levels will be maintained if you distribute your meals evenly thought the day. This should be the case every day.
Eat a good breakfast – It is in the morning that your blood levels are most whacked. You limit carbohydrate intake during breakfast this will keep the sugar level at healthy range. This means that you should avoid cereal, bread and milk in your breakfast. Instead you should take more of proteins and try avoid fruits and their juices too.
Limit your daily intake of beverages that contain simple sugars – For example, soda, flavored tea and some desserts. In fact if possible you should avoid them all together. If you take these foods they can easily elevate your sugar levels. If you must take them, you should seek advice on which food sweeteners are safe to use.
Milk is a very important part of our meals and it is high in lactose, this is a simple sugar. You should try and limit milk intake in your meals. Besides following this diet for diabetes during pregnancy, you should moderate increase your level of exercises. You should also consult with your doctor on the right exercise you can safely do.