LoveToKnow Diet:AllComments

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Comments

Hi Preeti,

It depends on what you mean by "pure" vegetarian. It is easier if you are ovo-lacto (eat eggs and drink milk), however it is possible. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietician who is well-versed in vegetarian and/or vegan nutrition. The biggest issue is getting enough protein.

Donna

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Hi, thanks for the information. But I would like to know a pure-vegetarian diet for gestational diabetes.

-- Contributed by: preeti

Hi Anita,

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insights. This is a great place to share.

Donna

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Apples are actually a FANTASTIC snack (esp. with some low fat peanut butter) for diabetics (all types). They have so much fiber and are broken down at a slower more even pace that does not cause the same blood sugar spike as say a banana.

-- Contributed by: Anita

Hi Megan,

Not all starches are created equal. Whole grains offer special benefits in promoting healthy blood sugar control and daily consumption of low-fat dairy foods is also helpful, lowering risk of type 2 diabetes by 13%.

Donna

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

I would not follow these recommendations to control gestational diabetes. These sample diets are still very starchy! And why the focus on low fat? Low-fat granola= CRAZY STARCH; 2 Slices of Bread? That's 30 grams of carbs right there! Maybe change the recommendation to LIGHT bread that contains half that amount of net carbs. Why the brown rice and lentil soup? More starchy carbs, exactly what causes the same sugar in your blood as plain ol' sugar. For fruits instead of an apple, try berries! A great antioxidant punch and very low in carbs per serving, unlike the starchy apple (which in a diabetic person should only eat half at one meal.) Don't forget enough protein, especially in the last trimester. The baby's body is growing rapidly at this point and needs his main source of building blocks...protein.

-- Contributed by: Megan

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for the yummy tip. It sounds like you understand what needs to be done and are taking steps to eat for your health as well as your baby's. If you find any more tasty treats to pass on, we'd love to hear them.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

A really good "good carb" snack is celery with some kind of nut butter on it. Regular peanut butter is high in fat AND in sugar so check out some alternatives. You might also check out foods listed in "Phase 2" of the South Beach Diet. It focuses on good carbs, good fats, and VERY low refined sugars. Best of luck to you. I was just diagnosed yesterday and will be starting down the same road.

-- Contributed by: Stacey M

Hi Lisa,

It's important that you follow the advice of your healthy care professional to manage your gestational diabetes. As for carbohydrates--they become glucose in your body. It serves as a major energy source for your body. Carbohydrates come from starchy foods like:

breads
pasta
potatoes
rice
grains
fruits
dairy foods
vegetables
sugar
sweets

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

I was recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. While its been pretty much controlled by diet (I've been following a diet plan, set up by a nutrionist affiliated with my OB/GYN, that spreads out the carbohydrates in a more effective pattern throughout the day) but when I "slip up", my sugars skyrocket. My endocrinologist has suggested putting me on insulin to combat the times that, like everyone, we all "slip up". My question is this though - I had Gastric Bypass surgery many years ago and still cannot tolerate a lot of sugars like the ones in fruit juice, etc. Do you have any other suggestions for good carbs other than fruit juices, etc.?

-- Contributed by: Lisa H

Diabetes is a serious condition that can be controlled with diet. Your body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin it does produce doesn't work right. The result is that blood sugar levels rise and may be too high which can harm you and your baby. The diet is designed to control blood sugar. While pregnant, the key is to eat the right amount of:

carbohydrates
protein
fat

Be sure to eat whole grain breads. They will help you stay satisfied longer and high fiber foods help control blood sugar. High fiber foods include things like:

fresh fruits and vegetables
whole grain breads
cooked dried beans
and bran cereals.

I suggest you talk with your doctor regarding your concerns and see what he suggests.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Your sample diet reduced me to tears. For example, There's no way that I could just have two pieces of toast with peanut butter for breakfast and not fall over from hunger. I couldn't have just eaten that when I was not pregnant. And it just seems like this is like everything else I have read -- I have always tried to eat ultra healthy and not take in toxins with my food, but now that I have to worry about diabetes, I'm supposed to throw all those food regimes out the window and just focus on the diabetes issue. I mean, come on, lunch meat??? I have already lost one baby to listeria, and I don't intend to lose this one because I now have diabetes. I just felt so frustrated I had to give my feedback. I don't care if you post this or not, I just wanted you to know.

-- Contributed by: Cate

Could you please tell me which are good and bad fruits for gestational diabetes?

Thank you.

-- Contributed by: asmita

Hi Kristina,

Glad you found the information helpful. Thanks for visiting LoveToKnow Diet.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Kristina - good information here for you

-- Contributed by: Kristina

Hi Olga,

You might want to pick up the book A "Diet for All Reasons:: Nutrition Guide and Recipe Collection" by Paulette Eisen. It offers practical info about meat, eggs, and a dairy-free diet and includes both the social and nutritional concerns.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

It would be nice to have a sample diet that does not include dairy products. For those of us who are lactose intolerant (I heard it's some 15% of the population or more) it is very frustrating to see every single diet out there so heavy on dairy.

-- Contributed by: Olga

Hi Jolan,

If you or the father have a family history of nut allergies or multiple food allergies it's wise to check with your doctor about avoiding nuts. If there is no family history, then nuts are usually recommended because they are an excellent source of nutrients. Dietary recommendations are intended to increase awareness in pregnant women, not to provoke fear. These risks are small and the recommendations are made as precautions.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

It is also recommended that women who have a family history of allergies (of any kind--food, environmental, etc) avoid nuts of all kinds during the third trimester to reduce risk of peanut allergies.

-- Contributed by: Jolan

Thanks for bringing that to my attention, Jeannie. I removed "deli" from the description. Pregnant women are among those considered at risk to listeriosis, which is brought about by Listeria, a bacteria found just about everywhere including the soil, ground water and on plants. To avoid risk of contracting the bacteria, it is recommended pregnant women do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot.

Animals and people unknowingly can be carriers of this bacteria without being sick, but most infections in people come from eating contaminated foods.

Along with pregnant women and their babies, others at-risk include:

Older adults
People with weakened immune systems

Thanks so much for your helpful feedback.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Pregnant women are advised not to have deli meats..even turkey.

-- Contributed by: Jeannie

Sky, thank you for the information. It is much appreciated.

Julie, thank you for the compliment. It is also much appreciated.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

Thank you. This was exactly what i was looking for. I have been to several other sites and yours was the best. Straight to the point and exactly what i needed. Thanks again, julie

-- Contributed by: julie belyea

You have missed some of the key components of a gestational diabetes diet. It is some what different from a diabetes diet in that they should not drink juice esp for breakfast, should only have one carbohydrate choice for breakfast and should avoid all sweets and concentrated sweets. Fruit is fine later in the day and more carbohydrates should be added in later in the day. But the critical changes are with breakfast: one carbohydrate, no juice and no sweetened cereals (ex. granola, etc). You information is basic and could use the completion of some more of these key components.

-- Contributed by: sky
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