Gestational diabetes is becoming increasingly common, so if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes – you’re not alone! Gestational diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. This diagnosis means that now is the time for you to take action and make some changes to your diet. Here we provide some sample diets for gestational diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes recipes. These sample diets and recipes include low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates, without skimping on the vital nutrients required for the growing baby.

The sample diets for gestational diabetes provided below, should serve as just a starting point. You may find that you have greater success with gestational diabetes diets that are more structured or with tailor-made recipes. Always make sure that you consult closely with your health care professional before starting a new diet.

Although some weight loss plans offer diabetes diets, such as Medifast’s Diabetes Program, this is designed only for people with type II diabetes. The Medifast Diabetes Program is not recommended for managing gestational diabetes.

A Sample diet for Gestational Diabetes

A healthy diet for gestational diabetes is one that includes low GI carbohydrates, such as wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, pasta or low fat dairy products. The key to controlling blood glucose levels is to have meals at regular times, with controlled portions. Here is a sample of a healthy diet for gestational diabetes, according to Diabetes Australia guidelines.

Breakfast

• ½ cup of a high fibre low G.I cereal, such as untoasted muesli, bran, or rolled oats with low fat milk OR
• 1 – 2 slices of toast (wholegrain bread such as multigrain, soy & linseed) OR
• 100g low fat dairy product

Morning Tea

• 1 slice of toast with reduced fat cheese
• 1 serve of fruit

Lunch

• 2 slices of bread OR 2/3 cup cooked rice OR 1 cup cooked pasted
• with fish OR lean meat
• salad vegetables
• 1 serve of fruit

Afternoon Tea

• 1 cup low fat milk OR 100g low fat yoghurt
• 1 slice of fruit loaf OR 1 crumpet

Dinner

• 2/3 cup cooked rice OR 1 cup cooked pasta OR 1 cup sweet potato
• with fish OR lean meat
• 1 serve of fruit

Supper

• 100g low fat dairy product
• 1 serve of fruit

Avoid biscuits, cakes, pastries, chips, takeaway foods, and high sugar drinks such as cordial, or softdrink.

Gestational Diabetes Recipes

For a tasty snack, try this gestational diabetes recipe!

Roast Kumara Chips

• 600g sweet potato
• olive oil spray
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 200 C. Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
Peel potato and cut in half cross ways.
Use vegetable peeler to cut potato into thin strips.
Spread the strips into a single layer across both trays. Spray with oil and toss to coat.
Roast for 10 min, then turn strips and roast another 10 min. Allow to cool.
Mix chili powder and salt together. Sprinkle over chips.