What is special about nutrition and eating in GDM? In many ways, healthy eating in GDM is not all that different from healthy eating for anyone else. However, in order to keep blood sugars under control, regular meals and snacks become even more important. It is also essential to try not to overeat. There are also some foods to be avoided during pregnancy in general.
What does it mean to eat a healthy diet? It means saying:
- Yes to vegetables and fruit
- Yes to fish and lean meats
- Yes to some nuts and seeds
It also means:
- Limit red meat
- Limit sweets and candies, soda pop and sweet drinks
- Limit fried food and the amount of oil you cook with
- Limit eating out and ordering in
Some women may want to consider the Mediterranean and DASH diets, styles of eating that have been shown to reduce diabetes and heart disease risk.
You are encouraged to use these strategies during a GDM pregnancy but you can continue to use them after pregnancy to prevent diabetes, heart disease, and stroke in the years after delivery.
