Why A Low GI Diet Is Important For Gestational Diabetes

If you have gestational diabetes it is essential that you implement a low GI diet so that you can get all the benefits that will assist you in the long term. The only way you will avoid developing type 2 diabetes is to change the way you eat by including nutritional healthy foods which will help you to manage your gestational diabetes. During the second and third trimesters, you will require more energy, but this does not mean that you need to eat more, even if there are two of you, you will only require around 1200 kj extra per day. It is vital that the extra kilojoules you add to your diet should be nutrient-rich foods.

The following guidelines shows you how to apply a low GI diet if you have gestational diabetes:

* Eat small amounts of food on a regular basis

* Ensure your diet includes fruits, vegetables, and salads

* Ensure you drink lots of water and avoid alcohol

* Limit the amount of foods that are high in saturated fats like butter, cream, biscuits, chips, cakes, takeaway foods and processed foods

* Limiting the amount of food and drinks that contain refined sugar or added sugar

* Try to avoid using iodised salt, this will allow you to prevent iodine deficiency

* Try to include pasta, legumes, rice, low GI breads, cereal, and low fat dairy products in your diet

* Add a good source of protein to your diet like chicken, eggs, nuts, seafood, fish, and lean meat

A daily low GI diet food guide would include:

* 6 to 10 servings of low GI breads, cereals and other starchy foods

* 5 to 6 servings of vegetables

* 3 servings of healthy fat-rich foods

* 3 servings of lean meat or alternatives

* 2 to 3 servings of low fat milk products

When you are breastfeeding your daily food guide will need to be adjusted slightly by adding more of the main food groups and limiting the amount of meat in your diet, the reason for this is that your iron needs are much higher during pregnancy. Your daily food guide while you are breastfeeding would include:

* 8 to 10 serves of low GI breads, cereals and other starchy foods

* 6 or more serves of vegetables

* 4 to 5 serves of fruits

* 3 serves of healthy fat-rich foods

* 2 serves of low fat milk products

* 2 serves of lean meat or alternatives

Having gestational diabetes can be managed if you implement a low GI diet, this will not only help you manage and control your diabetes much easier, but it will reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You should aim high for you and your baby to achieve optimum health.

Discover more about Gestational Diabetes. Stop by Sue Kennedy’s site where you can find out all about how a Low GI Diet can assist you to avoid type 2 diabetes and maintain optimum health for you and your baby.