Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which isn’t ideal for you or your growing baby. That’s why managing your blood sugar throughout pregnancy is crucial.
One of the best ways to keep blood sugar levels in check is by eating regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. However, not all snacks are created equal! The key to consistent blood sugars is to choose snacks that combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This combo can help slow down digestion, prevent blood sugar spikes, and keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals.
Ready to discover some delicious and nutritious snacks for gestational diabetes? Keep reading to learn more!
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Snack Strategies for Success
Ideal times to have a snack are between breakfast and lunch, between lunch and dinner, and before bed. These snacks are crucial for keeping your energy levels and blood sugar stable and ensuring you are getting enough nutrients for your growing baby.
Remember that portion control is essential, especially with carb-containing foods such as grains, fruit, starchy vegetables, and dairy products. Your doctor or a registered dietitian will likely give you carbohydrate goals for snacks, usually around 15-30 grams. Keeping track of your carb intake with a food diary or app can be super helpful.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Sipping water throughout the day helps regulate blood sugar and keeps those hunger pangs at bay.
Delicious and Nutritious Snacks for Gestational Diabetes
Below is a list of some go-to snack ideas. These snacks are great for women with gestational diabetes or any other form of diabetes because they are low to moderate in carbs and are balanced out by protein. Some of the options are also high in fiber which can be helpful for keeping things moving and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Apple slices with almond butter
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Raw veggies and hummus
- Trail mix
- Protein bars
- Cheese stick with almond flour crackers
- Roasted edamame
- Chia seed pudding made with unsweetened almond milk
- Homemade smoothie with fruit, protein powder, and spinach or kale
- A handful of almonds or walnuts
- A slice of whole-grain toast topped with a tablespoon of peanut butter
- A cup of cottage cheese with a small orange
- A small bowl of oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon and ground flax seeds
- A small bowl of high-fiber cereal with Fairlife milk
- A rice cake topped with avocado
- 3 cups of air-popped popcorn (you could substitute Skinny Pop or Lesser Evil Popcorn)
Bedtime Snacks for Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy can often bring on late-night cravings, and when you have gestational diabetes, a bedtime snack can be a helpful tool for managing your blood sugar.
Here’s why:
- Avoiding overnight low blood sugar: Going to bed with low blood sugar can trigger your liver to release more sugar, leading to high blood sugar in the morning (known as the Somogyi Effect).
- Managing the Dawn Phenomenon: Overnight, your body releases hormones such as Growth Hormone and Cortisol that raise blood sugar. This natural process, called the Dawn Phenomenon, is a common reason for high morning blood sugar in gestational diabetes.
A small, balanced bedtime snack helps stabilize your blood sugar and prevent these issues. Opt for snacks that combine protein and complex carbohydrates, and steer clear of sugary treats or refined carbs.
Snacking Mistakes to Avoid
While snacking can be incredibly helpful for your blood sugars during pregnancy with gestational diabetes, there are a few pitfalls to avoid. Avoid skipping snacks altogether, as this can lead to blood sugar dips and excessive hunger, potentially causing you to overeat later.
Be mindful of your carbohydrate intake, and try to pair carbs with protein and healthy fats to help keep blood sugar levels stable. Try to avoid sugary drinks and juices, as these will enter your bloodstream quickly and cause large spikes in your blood sugar.
And finally, limit processed snack foods like chips, cookies, and candy. These often lack nutritional value, have a lot of carbs and sugar, and can contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
Conclusion
Navigating gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but remember that it IS possible to manage your blood sugar levels and support a healthy pregnancy. By choosing balanced snacks with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and paying attention to timing and portion sizes, you can keep your energy levels stable and avoid blood sugar swings.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find snacks that you genuinely enjoy, that help satisfy your cravings, and that work for your individual needs.
Want to take control of your blood sugar and track your progress throughout your pregnancy? Check out our Daily Food and Blood Sugar Tracker for Gestational Diabetes! This comprehensive tracker will help you monitor your meals, snacks, blood sugar readings, and medications, empowering you to make informed choices throughout your pregnancy.
Looking for ideas for Gestational Diabetes-friendly breakfast, lunch, dinner, or desserts? We’ve got you covered!