WELLNESS IN PREGNANCY

When you are pregnant (or trying to become pregnant), it is time to pay special attention to what you eat. That’s especially true if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Eating a variety of wholesome foods, working with a dietitian, and skipping unsafe foods and drinks will help you keep yourself and your baby healthy.

See a dietitian if you’re thinking about getting pregnant. They can help you come up with a meal plan with the right nutrients that will work with your lifestyle. Planning your meals and eating at the same times every day can help keep your blood sugar from getting too high or too low. All the rules of a good diet apply during pregnancy. Choose a balanced mix of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and healthy fats to get all the nutrients you need.

However, you also need a plan to control your blood sugar throughout the day. A good way is to follow a daily plan of three meals and three snacks. At each one, eat at least one serving of protein and one serving of carbohydrates.

Protein can include:

• Eggs
• Lean meat or fish
• Cheese
• Beans
• Nuts or peanut butter

Carbs can include:

• Starches, such as bread, cooked or dry cereal, rice, pasta, popcorn
• Fruit
• Dairy, such as milk and yogurt

References:

“POWERFUL Blood Sugar Support.” Ceracare, ceracare.us/store.php?hop=zonaaman.

“Gestational Diabetes Diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007430.htm#:~:text=Plenty%20of%20whole%20fruits%20and,drinks%2C%20fruit%20juices%2C%20and%20pastries.

Lindley, Andrea. “Gestational Diabetes and Nutrition.” American Family Physician, 1 Nov. 2003, www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1101/p1775.html.