A MEAL PLAN FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Following your meal plan is the best way to control your blood sugar. Your meal plan will tell you what and when to eat. This plan will be made just for you. It will include most of the foods you enjoy eating like: milk, meat, chicken, eggs, fish cheese, beans, bread, tortillas, fruits, and vegetables. As much as possible, your meal plan will include foods you are familiar with and that may be part of your family’s customs and traditions.
You will learn how to use “portion control” with favorite foods which might raise your blood sugar too much. You may need to eat smaller amounts than you usually do. This is especially helpful when the rest of the family is eating these foods. You will be asked to eat three small meals and three small snacks each day. Eating too much at one time can make your blood sugar go too high. You will be asked to eat every two to three hours so you should not get hungry during the day.
If you are using diabetes medication do not skip meals or snacks because your blood sugars may go to low. Skipping meals can cause you to overeat at your next meal. Small meals and snacks can also help prevent heartburn and upset stomach.
It is important that you limit sweets and sugary foods like: cakes, donuts, sweet breads, cookies, candy, ice cream, regular Jell-O®, syrup, honey, regular soda pop, juices and fruit drinks. These foods will cause your blood sugar to go too high.
Source: Sweet Success, California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program? CDAPP, 2014