12 Pregnancy Foods For Diabetics

Friday, April 25, 2014, 14:00 [IST]

Most women are concerned about their diet during pregnancy. A lot has to change in your food habits during pregnancy. You are technically eating for ‘two' and you need to adapt your food habits accordingly. If you are healthy and still going crazy managing your pregnancy diet, imagine the plight of expectant mother who is diabetic! The right pregnancy food for diabetics is very important to keep their gestational period risk-free.

That is why pregnancy diet for diabetics has to be planned very well. Many women also suffer from a temporary condition called gestational diabetes. This condition increases the blood sugar levels during pregnancy abnormally. Whether you are a regular diabetic or suffer from gestational diabetes, your condition during pregnancy requires special care.

DIET TIPS FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES

You have to consult a dietitian to plan a diet for gestational diabetes. Pregnancy foods for diabetics are different from the normal pregnancy foods. That is why pregnancy diet for diabetics will also have to be specially designed. You must definitely work in tandem with your gynecologist to consider what pregnancy foods are healthy for your blood sugar levels.

Here are some pregnancy foods for diabetics and also for women who suffer from gestational diabetes.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a fruit that is very good for pregnant women. Watermelon has lots of fluids but a very low glycemic index. Watermelon can be had without spiking your blood sugar levels.

Sweet Potatoes/Potatoes

When you are pregnant, you need some instant energy. So chuck starchy carbs like rice that have little food value. Instead one portion of boiled potatoes or half a portion of sweet potatoes will do you good.

Whole Cereals

Whole cereals like muesli, oats, millet are good for pregnant women who suffer from diabetes. You get your required portions of carbohydrates and also a lot of roughage to keep constipation at bay.

Lean Meat

Chicken or lean cuts of red meat will give you the required iron and protein for your pregnancy diet. But make sure that you do not add sweet sauces to the meat.

Citrus Fruits

Diabetics should never have fruit juices; they should have the whole fruit instead. You are permitted to have oranges, sweet limes and berries. But do not have more than one serving of these fruits in a day.

Apple

Eating apples during your pregnancy is something you cannot deny yourself. Diabetic are permitted to have one green apple or ½ red apple every day.

Low Fat Yoghurt

Diabetics should not have whole cream milk and dairy products. But they can enjoy low fat yoghurt which is good for the gut and also gives you plenty of calcium.

Green Leafy Veggies

Even if you are diabetic, no one can deny you the pleasure and good health that comes with eating green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and lettuce.

Fatty Fish (grilled)

You can have one serving of animal protein in a day. So choose in between meat or a healthy fish like salmon or tuna. Fish gives you and your baby omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E required for brain development.

Eggs

Two eggs a day is a standard for pregnant women. Since, eggs do not have high sugar content, there is no reason why you shouldn't have eggs. Just do not fry eggs too much because you have to count your calories.

Healthy Cheese (1 portion daily)

Healthy cheese like Parmesan and cheddar are good for pregnant women. Go for hard cheese that is more nutritious as compared to soft cheese. Very old cheese is not advisable for pregnant women.