The Best Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. It is important for women with gestational diabetes to eat the right foods to treat the problem and also provide adequate nutrition to keep the baby's development on track. According to the American Diabetes Association, the right meal plan to manage diabetes will help improve blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.

Choose the Right Dietitian

Choosing the dietitian who understands the specific concerns facing a pregnant woman and her unborn child is crucial. The obstetrician who is monitoring the pregnant woman can be a great resource for finding an appropriate dietitian. Because there will not be a great deal of time to pick out a dietitian, pregnant women can interview a few dietitians over the phone and decide which one is the best fit.

Diet

It is important to make healthy eating choices emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy green vegetables and other vegetables that have a deep, rich coloring are especially vitamin-rich and will help the baby get the best start possible as well as help in managing gestational diabetes.
Limiting fat intake is another part of controlling gestational diabetes. While pregnant women should not actively diet, it is important to ingest the right kinds of calories. Fat should make up no more than 30 percent of a daily caloric intake.

Sample Menu

Break fast: 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 tsp. canola-based trans-fat-free margarine, 1/3 pound grapes, 12 ounces non-fat milk

Snack: 1 slice whole-wheat bread, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 tablespoon reduced-sugar jelly, 8 ounces nonfat milk

Lunch: 1 large whole-wheat pita, cup cooked black beans, cup chopped fresh tomato, 1 ounce low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon salsa, 2 teaspoons olive oil

Snack: 1 medium apple with 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 12 ounces nonfat milk

Dinner: 3 ounces skinless chicken breast, 4 ounces pineapple rings, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, cup instant rice, cup cooked green beans, pound fresh strawberries

Directions: Place chicken breast in shallow container; combine half of pineapple juice, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, cornstarch, and soy sauce in bowl; pour over chicken breast. Place half the rings from the pineapple over the chicken. Refrigerate one hour or overnight. Remove chicken and pineapple from marinade and discard marinade; grill or broil chicken breast and pineapple until cooked through (turning as needed). Cook rice as indicated on package. Prepare green beans as indicated on package. Serve strawberries for dessert.

Tools for Healthy Eating

Important tools for healthy eating include a scale to weigh foods, a measuring cup to measure foods and the patience to read labels. Fortunately, gestational diabetes can often be managed by diet alone.