No one ever thinks they’re going to develop gestational diabetes, but sometimes it’s out of our control. Here’s how the past month has gone after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes + meal and snack ideas.
↑ What I’ve been eating a lot of over the past month. GREEN STUFF.
Well, the post headline pretty much sums it up – I have gestational diabetes. Apparently the third pregnancy was not the charm for this ol’ gal!
Sooo, YEAH. I have several reasons for writing this post. One, it felt like I was hiding something by not telling you. Lying by omission is still lying in my book and, well, Mama don’t get down like that. Second, my post on Living with Celiac Disease has been one of my most popular posts here on IGE because it’s real and, most importantly, helped people, which I hope to accomplish with this post. Not only by sharing some of the meals and foods I’ve been eating over the past month, but simply to give anyone struggling with gestational diabetes a virtual pat on the shoulder and say you’re not alone. We’ll get through this! Third, the word “diabetes” is a loaded word and I hope to spread some knowledge about what gestational diabetes is and who can develop it.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes affects only pregnant women – 7-9% of woman are said to develop it during pregnancy – and it goes away after delivery of the baby. Hormones from the placenta interfere with the mother’s ability to use insulin, which your body needs to turn glucose (sugar) into energy. Glucose builds up causing high blood sugar, which can have negative effects on both mom and baby. Baby can be born overly large and with low blood sugar, have breathing problems, and face potential issues with obesity and Type 2 diabetes down the road. Mom can develop preeclampsia and has a strong risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
If you’ve ever been pregnant, you most likely dreaded the gestational diabetes screening test as much as I did. Generally occurring around the 24-26 week mark of pregnancy, in 5 minutes or less you must chug a drink that’s basically corn syrup, artificial flavor, and food dye (read: highly disgusting and extremely unpleasant) then your blood sugar is tested an hour later to see if your body is using the sugar properly. If it’s not then at a later date you drink an even more concentrated sugary beverage and your blood sugar is re-tested at the one, two, and three hour mark after drinking. If you fail any of those tests then you’ve earned yourself a pregnancy complication: gestational diabetes.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include being older then 25, having a family or personal history of Type 2 or pre-diabetes, a BMI of 30 or higher, or if you are black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian (source). As I read in a book on the subject, unless you’re 25 or younger, white, and have no family or personal history of diabetes – there’s a chance you could develop gestational diabetes. I think there’s a stigma surrounding gestational diabetes and I’m here to tell you that it can happen to anyone. The dietitian I’ve met with through this process told me she’s seen marathoners in her office with gestational diabetes!
The risk factor I met was age. As I always tell the whipper snappers who will listen to this crotchety old bag – don’t grow up! Truthfully, the age thing was a tough pill to swallow and it hasn’t been as simple as telling myself, the only reason you got this is because you’re an old(er) mom.
Various thoughts ran through my mind when I got the call – why did I drink so many Chick-fil-A lemonades (to be fair, I didn’t drink that many!)? Why haven’t I been more active? HOW COULD I LET THIS HAPPEN?!
If getting Celiac Disease has taught me anything though, it’s that $@!& happens. Some things in life can’t be prevented, helped, or predicted. This didn’t happen because of the foods I was or wasn’t eating, hormones are to blame. Thankfully in many cases, and so far in my case, gestational diabetes can be managed through diet, which is something I have a ton of experience with.
The “prescription” for gestational diabetes is not only to focus on eating healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables (so many vegetables,) but more importantly watch your total carb intake and spread them out throughout the day. The way I made sense of this for myself is that I need a slow and steady burn of the right amount and type of carbohydrate all day long. I check my blood sugar 4 times a day (finger prick) and log everything I eat in a spreadsheet for my doctor to keep tabs on. Fun!
What’s been hard:
- Eating ZERO added/processed sugar and limited fruit and berries. I have a raging sweet tooth when I’m pregnant so going cold turkey has been slightly torturous. Fruit and berries are also my summertime jam and I’ve missed them a lot.
- No more pretzels, tortilla chips, crackers – aka empty carbs I used to eat when I needed a little something to crunch on during the day. Not so mad about this as I needed a reason to ditch the junk.
- Mega meal planning. Normally I plan 3-4 dinners a week. Now I need to plan a breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks every single day x 7 days a week. There is no winging it when you’re eating to manage gestational diabetes.
- Eating for fuel vs fun.
- Measuring and tracking everything I eat. It’s as annoying as time tracking at work.
- No food-related spontaneity. Celiac Disease pretty much killed this for me already (no “ooo there’s a new restaurant in town – we should go!“) but it’s even harder now that I have to make sure a restaurant has low-carb options in addition to gluten-free ones, and the timing has to be right for a meal or snack. Heck, I can’t even eat an apple past 6pm without it effecting the next day’s blood sugar.
- Getting bored of eating a lot of the same foods over and over each day.
- Knowing my chances of developing Type 2 diabetes down the road is high.
- Playing poor me. I know – it’s childish – but when all I want is to sit down and watch trashy television at night with a glass of wine, pizza and giant brownie (dreaming big here,) the fact that I have gestational diabetes and Celiac Disease can be a bummer.
What’s been good:
- Knowing that I’m doing all I can to make sure we have a healthy baby and pregnancy.
- I get to eat A LOT. 3 meals + 2 snacks a day. Not mad about that!
- Learning about portion control. Let’s just say the amount of sweet potato fries that equals one carb choice is much smaller then I thought.
- Slower weight gain. I’ve never been one to care much about weight gain during pregnancy as long as I was in the healthy range and baby was growing at a healthy rate, but this has been a welcomed side effect.
- I’ve learned how my body processes carbs – at least during this pregnancy. Through trial, error, and testing, I’ve found my blood sugar hates white sugar, fruit in the morning and at night, super starchy vegetables, and even too many whole grain carbs. Totally changed my outlook on the (fun) foods I’ll be fueling my body with post-baby.
- I’ve never eaten healthier. My meals and snacks are filled with tons of vegetables, lean protein, nuts, and dairy – which thankfully my body handles well.
- I feel great! I was shocked to find out I had gestational diabetes in the first place because I’d felt the best this pregnancy out of all three prior to being diagnosed. Since changing my diet though, I’ve had more energy and feel better overall.
- This is temporary. Gestational diabetes ends when the gestation period ends. Yes, Type 2 diabetes is a very real risk for the future, but gestational diabetes specifically will end in a few weeks.
What I’ve Been Eating
It was a bummer to find out I had to start logging all my meals and snacks to share with my doctors and dietitian at every appointment, but it’s worked out well because now I can share some ideas with you!
NOTE: I am NOT a doctor nor dietitian so please discuss your meal plan with your care team, as I have, to identify what will work for you and your gestational diabetes care plan!
Breakfast:
- 1-2 slices peanut butter toast (I’ve been eating Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free 7-Grain Bread vs their Mountain White)
- 1 slice buttered toast + 2 scrambled eggs + 2 slices bacon (I like Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon)
- Grain-free granola + almond milk, 1 slice peanut butter toast
- Handful raw almonds or pecans, small square Maple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
- Greek yogurt + sliced almonds or grain-free granola
- 2 scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, 1 slice toast
- 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon or sausage, big handful sauteed spinach
- 1 slice avocado toast + goat cheese, fried egg
- Small bowl oatmeal – 1/4 cup gluten-free oats cooked with 1/4 banana in 1/4 cup each almond milk and water. Add chia seeds, toasted unsweetened coconut chips, chopped nuts, tiiiiny drizzle maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Lunch:
- Big salads with a mix of protein (turkey, chicken, nuts, seeds, cheese, hard-boiled egg, smoked salmon,) vegetables, and carbs like blueberries, diced apples, or dried cranberries + dressing
- Peanut butter sandwich, cheese stick, baby carrots
- Cheese quesadilla (2 small corn tortillas) with guacamole + salsa, 1/2 cup fruit
- Cheese stick, a few whole grain crackers, baby carrots, 1/2 an apple
- Burger (no bun) + pickles and ketchup. Salad with lots of vegetables + sliced almonds
- Meatballs + few Tablespoons marinara sauce + shredded cheese, baby carrots, 1/2 cup fruit
- Tuna salad + a few whole grain crackers and vegetable dippers, 1/2 cup berries
- 2 hard boiled eggs, salami, cheese, a few whole grain crackers, 1/2 cup fruit
- 2 hot dogs (local brand) sliced down the center and stuffed with cheddar cheese + ketchup, baby carrots
- Chicken salad + vegetable dippers and/or a few whole grain crackers
- Egg Salad Jars
Dinner:
- Zucchini Noodle Caprese Lasagna
- Crunchy Pesto Potato Chip Salmon
- Burgers (no bun), large vegetable-based salad, 1/2 cup berries
- Vegetable Stir Fry: 1/4 cup uncooked brown rice (max) cooked then stir fried with an egg + any/all vegetables and drizzled with gluten-free Tamari
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili + shredded cheese
- 1/2 baked spaghetti squash + 3/4 cup marinara/meat sauce + parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Skinny Shrimp (or Scallop) Piccata with Zoodles
- Crustless quiche, 1 cup fruit
- Buffalo Chicken Salad, 1/2 cup sweet potato fries
- Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs, cauliflower rice, 1/2 cup sweet potato fries
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- BBQ, Bacon, Avocado and Cheddar Chicken, roasted vegetables
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin, grilled vegetables
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin, roasted vegetables
- Perfect Roast Chicken, roasted vegetables or side salad
- Homemade Egg Drop Soup
- Grilled or seared steak, roasted or sauteed green beans, sauteed garlic butter mushrooms
Snacks:
- Beef jerky (Nick Sticks or Duke’s – buy at Costco)
- Enjoy Life Chewy Bars (in a pinch)
- Plantain chips (OBSESSED with these BBQ ones)
- Cottage cheese + 1/2 cup fruit
- Olives + cheese cubes + a pickle
- Raw nuts + 2 Tablespoons dried fruit
- Greek yogurt + grain-free granola or nuts
- Popcorn + raw nuts or seeds
- Salami + cheese stick + plantain chips
- Raw vegetables + guacamole
- 1/2 apple + cheese cubes + prosciutto
- 1/2 apple + 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- Homemade Egg Drop Soup
- Raw vegetables
- Raw vegetables
- Raw vegetables
#notatypo. ;) Click here for all my low-carb recipes >
Moving forward
“You have gestational diabetes” are four words that no mother on earth wants to hear, and this has made a time when I already feel out of control of my body (ie pregnancy) much more difficult. To be crystal clear, I cannot wait for this to go away. That said, I am grateful for this experience. As of 2017, it is said that 29 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes and 8 million of them are undiagnosed. I can say with 100% certainty that had I not been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the thought of getting Type 2 diabetes would have never crossed my mind. I eat a balanced diet – no fast food and limited junk food – exercise moderately, and have no family history of diabetes, so it’s never been on my radar until now.
This experience has been a HUGE eye opener in terms of how I can make small, healthy improvements to my lifestyle moving forward though. Instead of white bread, I’ll choose whole grain. Instead of white rice, I’ll choose brown. Instead of brownies I’ll make a smoothie (ok maybe not every time!) Sit less. Move more.
I can’t pretend I don’t know I’m now at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes down the road but I’m super grateful to know how I can reduce my risk. Also grateful that I have just 5 more weeks of this “diet” left before meeting the sweet little lady who is worth every bite of carrot over cake!
Have you ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? What was your experience like?
Ahhh just had our third baby and was diagnosed with GD for the first time. Initially I was super frustrated and annoyed but like you ended up loving how good I felt and eating super clean. My doctor was super laid back about it and even cut my finger pricks down to 2 times a day of my choice when my numbers were able to be controlled by diet. GD is so weird! I was still able to eat a whole banana in the morning but def no other fruit all day.
Hang in there mama! Mine went away immediately after having our baby :)
I had it with boy of my boys. I was surprised, too, as I eat a pretty healthy vegetarian diet and I’m a very petite person. Like you, it never crossed my mind. After baby one was born I did have awful sugar cravings while breastfeeding, but my appetite waned once I weaned. With baby 2, I also had it, but it didn’t seem to be as bad. I could get away with eating more and still keep my BS under 120 at the 2-hr mark, although I had more higher fasting numbers (not enough to warrant medication per my doctors discretion, though). Unfortunately, postpartum, despite being at my lowest weight ever, I still register high numbers. My A1c is normal as of the last check, though (I’ve had it checked 3 times). Honestly, it stresses me out quite a bit so I no longer test my sugar, as I have enough to deal with. I just try to eat as healthy as I can, exercise, and enjoy life. Life is not fair, is it? You sound like you are doing an awesome job of managing it, and really that’s all you can do!
I see that that do those same tests as when I was pregnant. First test then was eat high sugar foods then take test. Then I had to chug that awful sweet, sickening stuff later at a second test. It was disgusting to say the least. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my first child at the age of 22 but not with my second child at age 27. Both pregnancies very different normal delivery with first child, second child feet first. Gained a lot of weight with first child, second 18 lbs. Go figure. I was told and this was many years ago that if the baby weighed over 9 lbs. I would probably have diabetes. He was 7 lb 4 ozs. To this day no diabetes and in my 60’s. Hopefully you will be just fine.
Hang in there. If you can master a gluten free diet this will not be as hard because you have the background. Portion control is helpful. There are apps that give you a breakdown of your food content. As stated before there is a diabetes education program that provides great info.
This post came at the absolute perfect time for me. I’m also pregnant with my third child and at this point in my second trimester, is the best I’ve felt during all of my pregnancies. With that being said, I feel like my eating habits were getting out of control and I’ve gained more weight at this point than I did with my other two pregnancies. I got online to research healthy eating ideas during pregnancy and this post was waiting for me in my Feedly! I now have a plan and a refrigerator stocked with healthy food and am ready to make better choices from here on out. Thanks, Kristin!! And thank you for being so honest about your journey with Gestational Diabetes (and I admire you so much for taking control of your health during this time _ I know so many friends who have had GD and didn’t put in the work to have a healthy end of their pregnancy and opted to take any medicine their doctor prescribed over taking control of their eating habits.
I had GD with both of my little guys. My diabetic educator put a positive spin on it by letting me know GD was like a crystal ball- that at least now I know I’m at an increased risk (I never would have known that otherwise- my weight was fine) and that I could take steps to reduce my risk in the future (like exercising and keeping my weight down). If it weren’t for GD, I doubt I would have ever exercised consistently like I have since the kids were born. If it weren’t for GD, I wouldn’t have looked at labels as much as I do now when I am planning and purchasing for our family :D It can be hard, but it’s doable and can have some good outcomes in the end. I’ve been tracking my fasting numbers sporadically and they are creeping up (now 4 years after my last pregnancy). If I do end up with Type 2 Diabetes, at least I will know that I did everything I could to avoid it. One thing that did help me keep my numbers in check was acupuncture. I had it with baby #1 consistently. My diet wasn’t keeping it in check with #2 (I had been busy and wasn’t getting acupuncture). My doctor was on the verge of putting me on meds, but once I started again they were under control with diet. I’m not a doctor, but in my experience it helped. You can do this Kristin! Your healthy baby will be here before you know it!
Sorry to hear you have gestational diabetes. I had it with all three of my pregnancies – my first pregnancy the gd was missed by my dr (different standards at the time). Excerising does help a ton – I exercised every single day with my last baby up until the very end. It really can happen to anyone. I was on insulin shots with my younger two even though I was strictly eating what the diet recommended and exercising. Keep in mind that you will likely get more insulin resistant as the pregnancy goes on. The hormones just are so strong. Keep fighting the good fight though – it’s totally worth it. I was 109 lbs when I got pregnant with my third and all the doctors and nurses kept telling me “you don’t look like someone who would have gd”. It can really happen to anyone.
Hello! Love your post! I just delivered twins and had GD during the pregnancy. I found that by taking a quick walk after meals my numbers stayed within range. I was able to avoid medication/ insulin and even had a few treats throughout the pregnancy :)
I had GD with all 4 of my kiddos and needed insulin with all 4. But by the time I got to my 4th, I was better at managing it then the previous times. I found it a challenge if I didn’t mentally prepare daily for opportunities to fall off the wagon (because as soon as you leave the house, there’s so many) but when I found my go-to meals and a few things I could do to take care of the sweet tooth as safely as possible, it got easier. Plus, it’s 9 mos and not life, in this case. Hang in there! You are going to have a beautiful baby at the end of this road! But I am sorry you have to add this to your shoulders as you are going through life.
oh my goodness. i’m so sorry to read this and have all the solidarity after i had GD with my baby that was born last August. I totally had pity parties and cry fests–and the needles! can we just talk about the misery of poking yourself so many times per day?! ah. i remember my in laws visiting, and not having the bandwidth to deal with discussing every ever loving detail about GD with my ever inquisitive and very chatty MIL–swearing my husband to secrecy for the duration of their visit–and almost losing my mind when my FIL ate the last of the turkey that I had been saving for my lunch time protein packed meal. it was my own fault for not sharing, but, i just couldn’t right then!!
here’s the good news. i got to stay diet controlled–woo hoo. also, baby was not a mega baby–despite measuring 98% overall on her last growth scan–she was born at 7.8 lbs. and she was a successful unmedicated VBAC baby.
YOU CAN DO THIS!! drink all the water. take all of the walks. eat all of the protein. and give yourself lots of grace.
Oh girl! Hang in there!!! I had it with both of my pregnancies and it was super shocking to me as well when they told me. I had no risk factors for it and am the same size as you so it was shocking to both me and my doctor that I had it. But you’ll get thru it. I’m pretty sure I got more exercise in while pregnant than when I wasn’t pregnant! :P If I really wanted to eat some sort of delicious carb-y meal I would then walk on the treadmill or outside immediately after and then check my sugars. You’ll find things that will work for you. And then before you know it, you’ll be done!! Hang in there! You can do it!!!
My second daughter had gestational diabetes. We were shocked when she found out because she has always eaten healthy and is not overweight. She was just 30 and her son is her only child because of other complications unrelated to this. I wonder how far back family plays a part and whether the husband’s side has any influence. Her great grandmother was diagnosed with type 2 in her last years of life. That is as close as it is to her, however her father-in-law has type 1 diabetes. I have always watched my carb, sugar, and fat intake because of my grandmother.
I had GD with both my kids. I was active, ate reasonably ok (even better with my second kid) and no history of diabetes that I know of. It was a shock for me. Thankfully my husband wa any rock through it all. He wouldn’t eat anything i couldn’t eat in front of me. Needless to say one time i got in his truck and found quite a few candy wrappers. 😂 with the second time unfortunately didn’t have to change my diet till the last 3 months. It was like riding a bike. Only this time I discovered I had more wiggle room of choices I didn’t win my son. Both kids born healthy at 39 and 38 weeks. No sugar issues either. Son was 8lbs and daughter was 7 lbs. It wasn’t fun but it definitely taught me more about food. I still look at labels. Lol I did get sick of some foods like bacon and eggs (breakfast), and blueberries (my only morning carb). But I could always have ice cream before bed! Sanity was saved! (Though tiny portion…) it’s all worth it though. 👶🏼
Longtime reader here! I had my son in 2016 and he was 9 lbs 14 oz and 22 in. long. My daughter, born in 2014, was 7 lbs. 3 oz. Both were born 3 days early. I passed the GD test both times. I had a nurse in the hospital after I delivered my son tell me that I barely passed. And she said I should’ve eaten less sugar and carbs, which was true, but not the most helpful thing to hear after the exhaustion of delivery! I did eat a lot of pastries during my pregnancy with him…stress eating dealing with a toddler and pregnancy! And I was 28. This is a great post with good recommendations. Thanks for being so open. I’m going to use some of your suggestions – I’m looking to eat better generally! Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy. So thrilled you are going to have a baby girl to add to your family and your boys will have a sister. So fun!
Kristin, thank you for your openness and honesty. Wishing you all the best with the remainder of your pregnancy and thank you for sharing your delicious recipes. My 13 year old daughter is IN LOVE with your tater tot casserole! – Melissa
I don’t know if you are planning on nursing your baby but there is a lot of medical literature out there on studies that show the longer a mother nurses a child the more it lowers the mother’s lifetime risk of developing type two diabetes. I read an article at the beginning of the year that I discussed with my doctor and she had read it too and was glad that she had nursed both her children. The benefits are on a sliding scale, the longer you nurse, the lower the lifetime risk.
I can’t thank you enough for this post. Just a couple days ago I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and to say I was devastated is an understatement. I found such comfort in this post and having it as a resource to start a new diet plan was a life saver. Thank you! It’s nice knowing I’m in such good company during this part of my pregnancy.
We got this girl! Let me know if you ever need an ear!
Hi Kristin! We love your recipes!
My almost 5 year old has Celiac. Three months ago he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. While we were in the hospital with him the doctors told us there is a high correlation between silly act disease and type one diabetes. In fact the correlation is so high that some doctors suggest all toddler should be screened for silly yak as a way to prevent both damage from celiac and the risk of developing type one diabetes. Type one diabetes is an auto immune disease, just like celiac. while we were in the hospital with him the doctors told us there is a high correlation between celiac disease and type one diabetes. In fact the correlation is so high that some doctors suggest all toddlers should be screened for Celiac as a way to prevent both damage from celiac and the risk of developing type one diabetes. Type one diabetes is an autoimmune disease, just like Celiac. A physician I’ve been reading said children with Celiac who are immediately taken off gluten can reduce their risk of getting Type 1 down to nil. I wanted to mention it because you have little ones! Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
[…] you so much for your supportive words on my last post (I’m still working my way through comments, FYI!) I had zero hesitations pushing publish not […]
I love how complete this post is and how you put some recipes at the bottom. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this post! I haven’t visited the site in a while. I’m beyond having children, will be 49 in two weeks, but your it’s helped me so much. I never had GD, but was diagnosed as prediabetic two years ago, and in the last month of so I have been less diligent about my eating habits. A few too many frozen peanut butter m&ms I think. You’re post made me look back over the last two months and really see where I’ve been slipping. I’m a dietitian, so have some knowledge about diet, however I seem to be “allergic” to exercise. I just can’t seem to get my mind around dialy exercise. Thank you for the list of foods you eat throughout the day and the links to recipes. That is a huge help! Also thank you for putting your diagnosis out there. I’m touched by your honesty and bravery. Be well!
I can relate. Last summer I was diagnosed. Though I didn’t get to go through the “fun” of a second test. I failed the first glucose test “spectacular failure” according to the doctor, and automatically was diagnosed. Everyone seemed confused as to why I had it, but every weird thing that could happen during pregnancy, did. I lost weight, and I wasn’t really in a position to lose weight. I gained 7 lbs total and had an 8 pound baby. I was soooo hungry all of the time. I never realized just how many carbs are in EVERYTHING. And the advice people give… “You can eat a little of THIS!” No, no I can’t. I promise. A 1/2 serving of rice would shoot my numbers up sky high. Being a sweets loving girl, cold turkey stopping was SO hard. My baby was born in October and I still have dreams about being put back on the diet and bawling my eyes out. Even worse was once she was born, the hospital monitored my daughters blood sugar. So the pediatrician said I could feed her any time she was hungry… the nurses wouldn’t let me. They timed things out and refused to test her before it was time. Then they kept squeezing her little foot to get the blood out to test each time. It was terrible. One time her target number was one point off what the montior showed, so they took tubes of blood to check, came back and took more since they said they didn’t have enough the first time and then turns out she was fine, the monitor was off. I was so pissed. It makes me almost cry just thinking about it. I hope your nurses are nicer. I begged to go home as soon as I could, and we have been happily ever after since. :)
You’re doing great! You left out the importance of exercise — even a quick walk — after eating to lower blood sugars. And another benefit of gestational diabetes is that you’ll lose the pregnancy weight pretty quickly. I had gestational diabetes. Because I was eating so healthfully, I actually weighed less after having my beautiful 8 pound son than before I was pregnant. After having my son, I decided to give up refined sugar, fake sweeteners, etc. in order to ward off diabetes, which does run heavily in my family. So far, no sign of pre-diabetes, so it’s all worth it. I want to be active and healthy for my son for a long time!
I was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes 30 years ago. I was only told to avoid sweets. I still have not been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am so very. Thankful for that! Be optimistic.
I haven’t been on your blog for a bit and saw your post about your daughter – congratulations! I also saw your post about Gestational Diabetes. I appreciate your honesty.
I myself have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 62. I’ve made lots of changes in my eating, exercising and have now lost a bit over 13 lbs. I hope to get better control of my blood glucose and avoid medication and/or insulin if possible (I know it’s not possible for all type 2s.)
Could you please consider posting nutritional information for your recipes? Specifically calorie/carb and fibre counts? I’ve been counting both calories and carbs and I’ve seen a lowering of my blood glucose levels (yes, some Type 2s do test their blood.) It would be GREATLY appreciated.
Hey! Thanks for these tips! I’m on my second round of GD (had it with the first), and it’s a lot harder this time because 1) I seem to spike easier and 2) I have a toddler so cooking is somewhat out the window. I was just wondering about your doctor’s instructions re: carbs. My biggest problem is my lunch and dinner are supposed to have 45 g of carbs. I can make meals without a lot of carbs, but I find getting to 45 with safe carbs is hard without going over on a carb-based meal like rice or pasta!
Hi Kristin – Thanks so much for sharing your journey through GD. I was just diagnosed with it as well and am in a bit of shock as I am pregnant with my first, 28 years old, follow a paleo diet, and am very active. My question for you now is, how are things after baby has been born? Have you gone back to the way you ate before GD?
Thank you for putting this out there. I had GD with my 1st pregnancy and am pregnant with my 2nd and once again dealing with GD. I kept it a secret from everyone my first pregnancy because I felt ashamed and didnt want to deal with all of the questions from family and friends. As it turns out, knowledge is power and there aren’t very many decent sources out there…more specifically with meal ideas like yours. It no longer feels like a curse to me as I was an unhealthy eater before pregnancy so it put me in a good place to eat healthy and only gain 12 lbs with my first pregnancy. I think pregnant women should actually be eating healthy like this regardless after doing my research on how much food affects the baby!!
Thank you for this post! I was diagnosed with GD 13 days ago (not that I’m counting) and it’s been so tough! I love to eat and to bake and I suddenly had to cut out all my favorite foods, and right before the holidays! At least I can still eat cheese, but I’m already so sick of scrambled eggs and meat! Only 8 weeks left, hopefully I can make it!
Just a thought, your post starts by saying that “No one ever thinks they’re going to develop gestational diabetes, but *sometimes it’s out of our control*.” This implies that sometimes it is something you *could* control. GD is always out of your control. You might be able to mitigate your risk factors but no one has any control over whether or not they develop Gestational Diabetes. Indicating that someone might be able to control developing GD helps to perpetuate the stereotypes that having GD is somehow the mother’s fault or a failure on her part. Just a suggestion for a possible edit to your post :)
Thank you for this resource. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and this page has been very helpful.
I cannot tell you how badly I needed this at this very moment. I was told I would most likely never get pregnant, and I’m now 27 weeks with the best surprise of my life (without fertility treatments even…huge blessing!)
I just got the call that I have gestational diabetes. I already don’t like sweets, eat healthy, and have tried so hard to do what this little babe needs to grow big and strong. I feel like such a failure, but this gives me hope and great ideas. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It truly means more than you know.
This was the most relieving information I’ve found. I am also pretty health conscious and active so finding out I had it made zero sense and was really troubling! Thank you for this info.
My pleasure, Erica! It’s so frustrating but you are not alone!
Hi Kristin! This is an amazing post. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t had GD can really understand the depth of suffering you go through – which is why I think this post is so great. You did a great job at telling the good and bad about the diagnosis. I had it 3 years ago and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. It was my first pregnancy and I was going through a lot. Funny though, being pregnant was the easiest part of my life at that time, until the diagnosis. Anyway, I gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl who is my absolute favorite thing in life. I got pregnant again when she was 4 months but didn’t have GD the second time! Funny how things work.
Thanks for sharing your meal/snack ideas. I get tired of eating the same things over and over. Lots of great ideas here. Thanks again
Your story of GD mirrors mine, down to already being gluten free, the annoyance of meal planning, and the BOREDOM of eating the same foods over and over! I am going to try some of your recipes on here to mix things up.
Thank you for this post! I was completely at a loss and ate the same five things all week and just couldn’t look at another baby carrot. All the medical sites about GD had just lists of random ingredients or recipes that would take a ton of time and effort to make. I was dealing with other pregnancy complications before the diagnosis and need to rest most of the time, so complicated meal prep just isn’t possible for me right now. Reading through your lists has given me so many ideas! I was able to make a long grocery list and there are several easy options to make or snack on in my house now, so there is always something I can eat besides just cheese and baby carrots! I am loving Johnny Pops as my one treat (especially with the sore throats I’ve been getting thanks to pregnancy induced GERD). The chicken salad on your list inspired me to make my favorite Greek pasta salad with chicken instead of noodles. I think I might make it this way even after baby comes! I’m still mad craving french toast and pie, but when there are things I can eat that I’m excited about, those craving lose a lot of their power. Now I feel like I can do this. I just need to be prepared!
Thank you for your blog! I had gestational diabetes and know first hand how hard it is to find items you can eat that won’t spike your blood sugar. I created Bella Bars and named it after my daughter Bella
They are specifically for women who have gestational diabetes. 1g of sugar and 10g of protein plus they taste great! Check us out!
Seriously can’t tell you how much it means to me to find this blog. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease after my second pregnancy (along with Hashimotos). Have been navigating the change well, but now two years later, and 10 weeks into pregnancy number 3, I’m showing signs already of gestational diabetes. I’ve just started tracking my diet and blood sugar and will consult with my doctor in a week. But my numbers aren’t looking good. It’s been an emotional few days to say the least. Doesn’t seem fair that after 2 years of having to make drastic diet changes, that I’m now going to have to modify even more. But reading your blog, I feel like I’m not alone in this and that I can do this!! So thank you for sharing!!