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Have you been diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

This diabetes that develops during pregnancy and goes away after childbirth can cause complications in the pregnancy.

However, taking appropriate precautions, adopting a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, and medical care can significantly ease out the impact of the disease.

Eating healthy during your pregnancy is an essential part of tackling gestational diabetes. And for the same, you need a plan that allows you as much flexibility as you need to fit in your mood swings and untimely cravings.

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Women have been able to identify gestational diabetes even before getting tested. This is because of its peculiar symptoms, including increased thirst and urination, hazy vision, and excessive fatigue.

However, it is imperative to attend all your prenatal appointments to get a negative test and not jeopardize the health of either you or the baby.

Food and Dietary Options for Women with Gestational Diabetes

There's nothing you can't eat, but it's all about precautions. Some foods help in maintaining better blood sugar levels than others.

It's about having self-control and limiting your cravings to just one piece of the cookie or half a slice of the cake.

Following are dietary suggestions that will make your diet holistically healthier.

Chalk Out a Plan

Space out all your meals for the day equally- three meals plus mid-meal snacks. Avoid overeating in one go to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

But at the same time, DO NOT skip meals. To provide your baby with the requisite nutrition for his growth, follow a well-mapped diet plan.

Include Starch in Your Diet

Starch is a source of glucose and hence should not be consumed in excessive amounts. However, the same starch is vital to be included in every meal.

In terms of quantity, try including about a cup of starch in every meal.

Milk is Important

Milk is a meticulous source of calcium and is vital for the growth of your baby. Note that milk is also a source of carbohydrates, making it essential to keep a check on its quantity.

Breakfast is Indispensable

Fluctuation in hormones can cause difficulty in maintaining sugar levels. Thus, identify what works best for you.

For most people, the best option is to have a protein and starch-rich meal.

Skip Fruit Juice

Liquids raise blood sugar levels quickly, and you don't want to be in that position. Fruits are a source of carbohydrates and can mess up your sugar levels in minutes.

Healthy Choices

In a world so heavily dominated by technology, there are always healthier alternatives for unhealthy sources of sugar and carbs. The following is a list of things you must incorporate into your diet if you have gestational diabetes.

·      Whole grains

·      Non-starchy vegetables

·      Meat like chicken, turkey

·      Tofu

·      Lentils

·      Nuts and seeds like chia and flaxseeds

·      Olive oil

·      Avocado oil

Say No To

When it comes to a fatal disease like diabetes, any risk is a lot of risks. Therefore, you need to learn to say 'NO' to the following:

·      Desserts

·      Fruit juice

·      Aerated drinks

·      Heavily processed foods

·      Fried food

·      Bakery items

Summing Up

Gestational Diabetes can be found in any pregnant woman regardless of age, height, background or weight.

In addition to exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle, it is incredibly vital for you to attend all prenatal check-ups to be sure about your health.

This article discusses the few vital dietary tips that are crucial for women with gestational diabetes. They say prevention is better than cure, and rightly so, prevention is your weapon to fight gestational diabetes.