How to beat Gestational Diabetes with Food minus Sugar
Disclaimer: I am no doctor. Please heed to your doctor’s advice. Whatever’s outlined here is solely from my experience. It is your body. So use your judgement and discretion before implementing anything drastic.
First things first, I am sorry that I have been away for a bit (first time since the inception of this blog), trust me it seemed so long! And while I was away let me just say, I have realized that “Health” is hands-down the number one wealth.
Though I am happy to be back, especially to bring this post that is so close to my heart to you, I just can’t cease to ponder about the recent concurrent catastrophic tragedies in Japan brought about by the tsunami. It is hard to miss the humbling truth that no matter how rich or powerful a nation, is miniscule in front of the forces of nature. In spite of the advancement of science and technology, nature time and again has shown man who’s in control. Although it is almost impossible to even fathom the turmoil the Japanese are enduring, my heart goes out to them. I certainly hope and pray for all those at loss and in pain for strength and resilience and count my blessings and hold my family near.
The harshest truth of it all however callous it sounds, whatever happens life must go on and isn’t it amazing how it does?
This post is dedicated to my dear friend Breva (name changed), on whose suggestion it was born.
So you’ve been handed the dreaded verdict. As if pregnancy was not heavy-duty enough to handle, the added sugar on top?
Now what?
I know pregnancy is not exactly the right time for a bad joke like gestational diabetes, but hey! If there was a litmus test that told us what we are in store for two to three decades later if we don’t wake up to a lifestyle change, bet this one is. I don’t mean to be harsh, only forthright I guess.
You got the drift. I have been there, done that. So I’d say, it should rather be “so what?”
Three years back, I was sailing in the same boat.
After the initial bit of agonizing over my glucose tolerance test results and a fair share of “why me?” kind of self pity-party talks, I promised myself I wouldn’t let it get the best of me, not with medicines but a simple five letter word ‘C H A N G E’ – in eating habits and activity.
No, I did not hint on any crash-formula diet. Diet is just that, a temporary one. What I am talking about is lifestyle change through positive modifications in eating habits, food and activity level. It is not some hi-fi jargon that I wish to fling around, but something not short of miraculous I have experienced first hand that worked wonders for keeping my sugar levels normal.
Here’s a mind strategy I am sharing with you to convince yourself that it is doable. It might be difficult at first, but definitely not ‘impossible’. Do you believe in the power of the subconscious mind? You might be in for a sweet surprise, at your own mental strength or self control. So here it is.
How about a tiny shift in perspective? Most likely you are either at the end of second or the start of your third trimester when you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, unless you had it earlier. Doing the math, that leaves you with just about 10-12 weeks until the baby is born. In most cases, gestational diabetes wanes away soon after child-birth and hence the term ‘gestational’. So, if you make up your mind, 12 weeks of stringent control should not be too much to ask when it comes to you and your unborn baby’s health. From what I’ve read about self-discipline and building good habits, it takes about 21 days of consistent and repetitive action for habit formation. And once the good habit of eating right and staying active are ‘formed’, you will be in ‘auto-pilot’ mode rather than trying to motivate yourself every single morning. If we get habituated to something whether good or bad, it is difficult to get rid of as the adage goes “old habits die-hard”. Just like brushing your teeth – you don’t have to motivate yourself for that, it is almost involuntary.
But my sincere request is, don’t look at it as just a twelve week dieting project. It should be much more than that for the simple reason being everything you do now towards changing your eating habits and in turn your lifestyle will be worth a million bucks of health later. As for most of us diagnosed, gestational diabetes is an indicator that later on in life, poor food habits combined with sedentary lifestyle will result in the predictable gift of Type II diabetes. So, do all you can TODAY, for a well lived today and a healthful tomorrow!
Besides, three months after child-birth, once your body has recuperated and you are ready to get back into your pre-pregnancy clothes or that pair of skinny jeans, I promise you these very ‘good’ habits will help you achieve that goal almost seeming effortless. Thanks to the needs of lactation, a nursing mother’s body becomes a fat burning machine which when combined with your newly acquired ‘eating right’ skills and adequate exercise will spearhead you in that direction.
So much of what I am going to say here stems from my own personal experience (in the realm of vegetarianism ofcourse) fueled by the challenges that I overcame. Truth be told, in my case, it was completely controllable with change in food habits and activity level. And most likely, in your case too. But it sure needs a lot of due diligence on your part.
By now you probably have deduced that all the tips to keep sugar at bay are the same ones to keep weight under control too. It’s true and I have proof. Guess that might perk you up as two years after my daughter’s birth, armed with these food habit changes coupled with stringent exercise in the form of strength and high intensity interval training I shed 35 lbs (almost like lugging twice the size of my little daughter at that time!) in under 4 months and went down 6 dress sizes.
Don’t believe me? Try it to see for yourself!
Let us get to the real deal now.
Food Substitutions:
Here are a few simple substitutions that will take you a long way in controlling the sugar spikes.
It is funny how food we eat can really make a difference. Much of this may sound like a sea of change if you are not used to them as change or fear of the unknown is what each one of us are afraid of. But with courage of conviction, you can overcome that.
And the best part is you will get rewarded for eating right everyday by way of your blood sugar monitor numbers turning in the normal range.
Substitute:
- whole (full fat) or 2% milk with low-fat or even better non fat milk, if you haven’t already.
- Similarly whole (full fat) yogurt with non fat version. Even better, switch from regular / plain unsweetened yogurt to non fat unsweetened Greek Yogurt if you can. It has more protein as compared to the regular yogurt and helps keep you fuller longer and keeps your digestive tract healthy.
- White rice with Brown rice or cracked wheat. It might be an acquired taste for many, but once you do, you will never want to go back to white rice again. Both brown rice and cracked wheat cook similar to white rice, might take a tad bit longer.
- Butter with oil. Better to cut it out completely. But occasionally when you crave, hit the EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) button instead. Olive oil increases flavor of soups, pastas and sides.
- Brown rice or whole wheat pasta made with 100% whole grain place of regular pasta.
- White bread with 100% natural multi-grain or 12 grain or whole wheat bread
- White Basmati Rice with Brown Basmati Rice
- Fine cracked wheat in place of upma rava/ semolina (cream of wheat)
- Potatoes with Sweet Potatoes, they have a lot of fiber and are a low-glycemic index food and after digestion release glucose to the blood slowly helping keep the blood sugar stable.
- Regular sugar-laden low nutrition cereal with Old fashioned oats or if you can stomach it steel-cut oats for breakfast with berries and nuts. Besides being high on fiber it is also good for milk production for nursing mothers.
Do’s:
- Unprocessed Get rid of everything white and refined/processed like white rice, (white) regular bread, anything made with all-purpose flour (maida).
- Whole Grains Include whole grains like Whole wheat, old-fashioned oats, Brown rice, Quinoa, Red finger millet (Raagi)
- Water Drink lots of water, at leat 8 glasses. I know going back and forth to the bathroom is the last thing you want, but water does more good by flushing the toxins out of the system. When you give your body the water it needs, it won’t hold on to it in the form of oedema unless other reasons exist.
- Protein Include more protein in the form of Soya chunks/granules, Tofu (soft/firm/extra firm), Seitan [say-tahn], grains like Quinoa [keen wah], Beans like Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans) and Kidney beans. Even though for the uninitiated Seitan might seem to be quite a challenge, it is considered a good source of vegetarian protein.
- Complex Carbs Choose complex carbs like Sweet potatoes, everything whole grain and pair good carbs with protein each time so the chances of your blood sugar spiking is minimal. Afterall, the goal is just that – to keep your blood sugar stable and from behaving erratically.
- Exercise – at your own comfortable pace. If you have not exercised before, walk at least for 30 mins twice, everyday. Also, exercise in the form of yoga not only calms you but also helps you later with child-birth.
- Vegetables Eat lots of multicolored veggies, red beets, all kinds of leafy greens like spinach, fenugreek, kale, dill weed, mustard greens, squashes, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, Okra, Brussel Sprouts. If you weren’t eating before, think of it as a small lesson in eating before you can teach your own little one soon.
- Fruits Eat more fruits like apple, pear, citrus fruits, guava, kiwi, melons and berries. Just avoid anything too sweet or ripe ‘cos the fruits load up on sugar as they ripe. Avoid mangoes, chikoo (sapota), banana, jackfruit, pineapple, grapes as they are on the sweeter side. Of course, you can treat yourself for a little bit once a while, just as a treat if you have been eating right otherwise.
- Nuts Include a regular dose of nuts like peanuts, almonds, walnuts for the vitamins and omega-3s they supply
- Tackle cravings When you crave for something sweet, munch on high protein-low sugar cereal like Kashi Go lean (it has 13g of Protein, 10g fiber) or drink water
- Small frequent meals You must have read about this already, I swear by it too. Eat 6 small meals during the day every 2-1/2 to 3 hours instead of 3 large ones far apart. By doing this, you will not be letting yourself go crazy hungry which otherwise lets your blood sugar spike and lead you to grab anything and everything you can lay your hands on like that bag of chips or the chocolate cake at work. Keep your blood sugar constant and goal accomplished.
- Well balanced meals Eat portion controlled balanced meals with carbs and proteins in every meal (snack is considered a meal) and veggies & fruits each for at least two meals. The right portion size is the size of your clenched fist (equals one portion). E.g. cooked rice the size of your clenched fist or approx. 1/2 cup
Things to avoid:
- Sweets or Sugar in the raw form. Avoid it like the plague.
- Skipping breakfast. Much has been written about why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is even more so when you are pregnant. Never miss your breakfast.
- Flavored sweetened yogurt – contains a whole bunch of sugar. Stick to plain instead.
- Eat for two when you are pregnant as told by elders is not true. Watch how much and what you eat.
- Refined carbs like white rice, white flour, white pasta or noodles and starchy veggies like potatoes, you get the picture right?
- Saturated fat like butter and any fat that is solid at room temperature. Many even avoid coconut.
- Fried food at all costs. But, don’t avoid fat completely. Fat is a necessary macro nutrient, use unsaturated fat like peanut oil, sesame oil, olive oil in controlled portions for cooking.
- Drastically cutting down on carbs just because you need to cut sugar. Remember, carbohydrates are what give you the quick energy. The last thing you want is to end up listless and weak.
- Fruit juices of any kind. Eat whole fruit – plain, simple. If you are tempted, try tender coconut water instead. It has a wonderful cooling effect on the body. (Those of you in India or tropical places sure can..)
- Soda, Coffee, Tea. Soda for sure. If you cannot skimp of the caffeine, just go sugarless with fat-free milk.
- This one is my personal addition. In general, avoid anything artificial. Just stick to anything in its original form, close to nature. You can’t go wrong with that!
When hunger pangs/cravings hit:
- First drink a glass of water. If it is a false hunger pang or just a passing craving, it will subside as soon as water fills you up.
- Go for a walk. Nothing like a breeze of fresh air to take the mind off food.
- In spite of the above, if you are still hungry, re-assess your meal portions. May be you are eating less. Just adding a little more protein or munching on salads like baby spinach or baby carrots / celery will help you get around and they are lighter on calories too.
- If you have a serious craving for a particular (junk) food like a cookie or a chocolate, just eat a small piece and immediately drink a glass of water. Washing off your palate makes sure you won’t reach for another piece. Try not to make it a habit though.
Other tips:
- Do not shop when hungry as you are likely to buy unhealthy junk food.
- Clean out your pantry and fridge and get rid of all the unhealthy/refined/junk food and stock up on healthy snacks, vegetables and fruits. If you don’t have unhealthy food at hand, chances are you won’t eat them as much.
- If you unsure of the portion size of food, don’t hesitate to measure before diving into the plate.
Snack Ideas:
- Carrots with peanut or almond butter
- Lettuce salad with mint chutney and roasted peanuts /walnuts
- Minced cucumber and boiled chickpeas salad with tomatoes and lemon juice
- Whole wheat crackers with nut butter or avocado slices and tomato/nectarine salsa
- Boiled chickpeas and roasted peanuts salad with tomatoes and lemon juice
- Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries
- Low fat cottage cheese with black pepper with berries
- Sprouted green gram with grated carrots, lemon juice and cilantro
- Whole wheat toast with almond butter and apple slices
- Fat free yogurt-berry smoothies
- Low sugar-high fiber-high protein cereal like Kashi go lean
- Steamed or roasted sweet potatoes and some almonds (8-10)
- roasted corn on the cob and 1/2 cup greek yogurt sprinkled with chat masala
Here are some healthy recipe ideas from my kitchen, to get you started:
- Fruit and Nut Oatmeal – Old fashioned Oats with berries, nuts and raisins
- Split mung dal and grated carrot salad
- Nectarine Salsa
- Cabbage and Tomato salad
- Whole Grain Dosa – Brown Rice, whole black gram and brown chick peas crepes
- Thyme Garlic roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Acorn Squash and Apple Soup
- Bendekai palya – Stir fried Okra in tamarind juice
- Menthi Pudina Pachadi – Fenugreek Mint chutney with roasted peanuts
- Raagi Rotti – Red finger millet flat bread
A sample menu for a day of good eating:
Breakfast (7:30 am)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats cooked in water
- 1/4 cup non fat milk
- 5-6 almonds | few blueberries | few raisins/ tsp honey (optional)
- 1 glass water
Snack (10:00 am)
- 1 cup lettuce salad
- 4-5 toasted walnuts
- 1 glass water
Lunch (12:30 pm)
- 1 cup steamed brown rice / cracked wheat
- 1 cup dal / sambar without coconut
- 1 cup Stir fried/ steamed veggies of choice
- 1 glass water
Snack (3:30 pm)
- medium apple
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 glass water
Dinner (7:00)
- 2 palm sized roti/phulka without oil
- 1 cup stir fried veggies of choice
- 1/2 cup curried soya chunks with spinach
- 1 glass water
Snack (9:30)
- 1/2 cup plain non fat greek yogurt
- 5-6 strawberries
- 1 glass water
Note Let the last meal of the day have more of easy digestible fruits than anything heavy-duty. Also, include the remaining two glasses of water anywhere in between say, a glass of water upon waking up (after daily ablutions)
In case you need specific meal ideas, feel free to write in the comment box. Will be happy to help.
I am sure there are so many of you ladies who have given a head-on fight to gestational diabetes and come out victorious. Please share your stories and tips, it will be an inspiration for someone else like you!
Revathi says
Radhika,
Have been following your blog and I find it quite interesting and informative. I just love the way you present your recipes with high quality photographs. This blog about gestational diabetes is very helpful and elaborate…. Thanks for posting it…Keep up the good work!!!
Michael Natkin says
Wow, that is an astonishing amount of information, Radhika. Well done!
Radhika says
Thanks Michael. So glad to know you read the whole thing! *giggle*
Sanjeeta kk says
Am so glad that you reached out to me on Twitter..else I would be missing out on this lovely & informative site! Loved the article on sugar spikes…I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy but was able to come over it completely with diet.
So happy to have found you..where were you hiding all these days 🙂
Radhika says
Such a sweet comment Sanjeeta.
It is re-assuring to know that you could control it with your food habits alone.
The pleasure of meeting you is all mine and so so glad you made it all the way to my hide-out 🙂
Hari Chandana says
Very helpful post.. thanks for sharing !!
Remabh says
I just got diagnosed with GD and reading your post gave me few ideas into what to make for dinner :)… I would look to see more south indian recipes thats ok during GD
Radhika says
Remabh, So glad this GD post was resourceful to you. Hope you will hold up for the rest of your pregnancy with a well controlled diet.
Lavania says
Thanks miss Radhika….
Radhika says
Lavania,
Hope that all this information will be of much use to you..
Jayshree Matam says
Hi Radhika,
this was a very informative page. i’m diagnosed with GD and currently on insulin since the levels were very high, however i’m on a strict diet plan and would like more ideas on the recipes.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Radhika says
Jayshree,
So glad you found this post informative. I had been there and I know what it takes.. Strict diet should take care for the most part of it.
From the recipes here, you could try with modifications to suit you:
Whole Grain Dosa
Raagi Rotti
Pongal with broken/cracked wheat in place of rice
Upma with broken/cracked wheat in place of rava
Sprouted Green gram salad
Please feel free to email me if you have any particular questions or requests.
Swathi says
surprising I didn’t find this before! I looked high and low for GD and Indian meal plan and here it was all along 🙂 A month since I am on GD diet and I have figured out a way to keep those numbers down with trial and error! And I was thinking about putting my experiences down as well…Will link your blog entry when I do that!
Shradha says
I cant thank you enough for this post. I have looked and looked to find vegetarian menu plans for controling GD. This hit me at the right time when I was looking to incorporate different greens instead of just spinach. I loved your swiss chard recipe and then stumbled on this page. Thanks a lot! Although I had a few questions and it would be great if you could help me with those-
1) lentils and beans do tend to keep my levels high. Is there something that i can pair them with?
2) My mom is excited to come over and help me postpartum. But I am afraid her ideas of post partum diet and care would hamper my GD meal plan completely. Did you continue the same plan right after the delivery as well or waited a while to get back on GD meal plan?
I would much appreciate your reply. And thanks again for this post, they lifted my spirits up completely.
Radhika @ Just Home Made says
Shradha,
I’m so happy you found this useful at the right time! It is a great decision to incorporate a variety of greens.
To answer your questions, first let me ask if you are diagnosed with GD or are you borderline? Doesn’t make much difference, but you’ll have to tread carefully if you are. Whatever it is, always follow your gynecologist / dietician’s advice first.
1) Now, try to pair your carbs in every meal with a protein. Beans are not entirely protein, so the spike after meal is understandable. Have you tried plain non fat Greek yogurt? You can make it at home by straining regular yogurt of all its liquid. The liquid can be reused in mixing chapati dough as it has whey protein too. Cooked whole soya beans (sold dried) or edamame beans would be a good source of protein.
Soya chunks, soya granules, quinoa, low fat cottage cheese, tofu or even seitan (if you don’t mind). Include nuts of different kinds.
Try including some good fats like walnuts, avocado, peanut butter, almond butter etc. Hope this gives some direction
2) The good news is, in most cases, GD subsides anytime between immediately to a couple of months postpartum. If you are like me, without much knowledge about postpartum, I had quite a ghee loaded diet. Though Ghee is good postpartum, too much of anything ain’t good. I would’nt want to say a big NO to what your mom knows. They do know somethings traditionally. At the same time, stick to what your dietician says and your instinct approves. Based on how you carry out your diet during the pregnancy, you’d have a fair idea of how your insulin spikes in reaction to what you eat.
If you continue your GD meal plan postpartum, you’d not only be helping your insulin, but you’d also not be risking piling on more pounds as a result of postpartum care. Hope you’ll make the right choices.
Wish you a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery!
Priya Kumar says
This is a very informative post! Most ppl follow the diet restrictions during pregnancy alone and get back to their normal eating habits post delivery. Especially in India, we are loaded with ghee post-delivery. This is fine in small quantities (a teaspoon with every meal) but definitely a big NO-NO when overdone.
sharmila says
hi very informative advice u have given regarding gd .If you have any southindian diet for GD kindly forward it in your page or to my mail address sharmil_rajappa@yahoo.com.I am on my 5 month of pregnancy.
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Sharmila,
Glad to know this info was of use to you. Please mail me your specific questions using the contact form. I’ll be happy to help with whatever I know.
Theresa says
What do you suggest someone who is allergic to eggs, peanuts, and wheat eat if they are diagnosed with gestational diabetes? This isn’t very easy…
Sheeba Leo says
Hi!! Thanks for your post!! I’m on week 31 and diagnosed with GD!! Going through all the do’s and dont’s and your site was very informative! Will try the sweet potato thing!! How much milk is permissible during this time!. I drink a minimum of 500ml per day!
Ramya says
Thank goodness, I found this page!! Very very informative and motivating site 🙂 I’m currently 26weeks preggers and am diagnosed with GD!! Total total bummer for us 🙁 Everything was going great and this was a jolt!! I’m following GD diet strictly, but my numbers are confusing me. Sometimes I get really perfect numbers (ideal range) & sometimes it just seems out of range and are so annoying. I know it takes little time to see good numbers, just wanted to know how were your numbers in 1st week after following GD diet? I have 12 days time for my follow up appointement and I want good numbers to show up!!
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Ramya,
Thanks for writing. Firstly, Congratulations! on the pregnancy..
I can understand you feeling jolted. But, fret not.
I do not remember the exact numbers, its been a while now – must have been around 104-110 after strict diet.
Just follow it through and you will see results.
Wish you all the very best and a safe and easy delivery!
Syhal says
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge.
I was diagnosed at 26 weeks with my son in 2011, but have been diagnosed at 19 weeks this time around. I’m now 26 weeks and feeling a bit exhausted at the idea that I’m only now as far along as I was when I found out last time.
Just wanted to say that it’s such a relief to read a public post to remind myself that struggling with high and low readings and all the frustration that comes with it can be dealt with.
prakruthi says
Hi Radhika,Thanks for your post:-) I’m on week 31 and diagnosed with GD! I feel very low because of this GD…. Sometimes I get really perfect number & sometimes it just seems out of range and are so annoying.
& i dont want to go for insulin. can you please suggest some vegetarian recipes… how much i have to walk ? just to keep GD in control.
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Prakruthi,
Congratulations! you have made it to 31 weeks with no insulin.
Keep it up. I am no doctor, but if your health permits, at least a 30 min walk should do you good, more if you can.
These are some:
Hesarubele Carrot Kosambari – https://www.justhomemade.net/2010/10/21/hesarubele-carrot-kosambari-2/
Sprouted Green gram and Pear salad – https://www.justhomemade.net/2011/10/17/sprouted-green-gram-and-pear-salad-with-spiced-pecans-and-cranberries/
Sprouted Mung and Pomegranate salad with himalayan pink salt – http://bit.ly/T7OVfS
Swiss Chard Dal Paanch Phoron – http://bit.ly/16BROdb
Whole Grain Dosa – https://www.justhomemade.net/2010/11/03/whole-grain-dosa/
Browse through the recipe index (https://www.justhomemade.net/recipes) for more with tweaks and substitutes mentioned in this post.
Also add cinnamon and more bitter veggies to your diet like bitter gourd, cluster beans, sprouted methi /fenugreek
William Fuller says
I enjoyed your post! I have a friend expecting their first and this really helped them with some diet plans. I have also suggested to them to avoid deli meats due to the possible risk of infection. I had some spare time and created a free blog about some of my findings.
Vineetha says
Hey Radhika! You are a sweetheart dear! I was very upset after my GTT, which was done quite earlier as I always tell my doc that I love to eat chocolates all the time! And yeah finally my doc advised me to go for GTT at my 22nd week, as suspected the sugar levels are very high! Now I am on my 26th week and really worried. I tend to have softdrinks, chocolates and sweets everytime! (Guess my babie dear is so sweet! 😉 ).
I accidently got your blog when I was going through different sites just to get a few tips to reduce the sugar levels! Found it really really useful! just wanted to say a BIG Thank You! 🙂
aliciaroark says
I got diagnosed just two days ago. This is very helpful and informative!!!!!!
Annapoorna says
Hi Radhika,
Your blog is real informative. I am diagnosed with GD around my 18th week :(. I am on diet from past three weeks and still long way to go. I am able to manage my post meal number, I have been told it must be less than 120 after 1 hour post meal but my biggest problem right now is my fasting number 🙁 I have been told it must be below 90. Sometimes it is below 90 but lately it started to spike little bit, it is any where between 90 to 95. I am worried they will put me on insulin due to this. Can you please give me some ideas for keeping my fasting numbers below 90.
Meghana says
Hi Annapoorna,
I have dealt with the same issue and this is what I tried.
I would eat a 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in a 1/2 cup of water -first thing in the morning. Fenugreek is proven to keep the blood sugars under control.
They taste better each day.
Also, try to have a snack in the night before you sleep. I tried 10 blackberries or a cheese stick and that worked for the fasting numbers.
Hope this helps.
Thanks
Megha
Annapoorna says
Thanks Megha. Will try fenugreek seeds.
Annapoorna
Meghana says
Hi Radhika,
This is such a treasure. I am suffering from GD right now and this is so useful. I am in the 23rd week right now.
I have been able to control my numbers for the last two weeks. I have been very stringent with carbs and sugars. But even a little carb like a single tortilla or a 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice would spike my numbers even after including some protein in my diet. Please suggest .
Thanks Megha
atifa says
Hello, Radhika i thank u soo much fr this post im a 20 yr old to b mom inshaAllah and wen i found out i had gd i totaly got me crazy your post was d most helpful one thanks a lotss ♡
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Atifa, so glad that it is useful to you. Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy ahead..
Laveena Sebastian says
Thanks Radhika………….
Its really useful.
Meghna says
Thanks Radhika! I’m 29 weeks and diagnosed with GD and feel extremely stressed. How did you cope with your stress at that time. Just worried about the well being of my child. Feeling very frightened, as evething was going well and now have to deal with this. Please advise. Thank you so much !
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Meghna, I can understand how you feel. Don’t worry though. Your state of mind will influence the well being of your baby. Follow a good GD controlling diet, stay active and positive. Hugs and Much love..
Meghna says
Thank you so much ! So far, I have been doing great and continue to monitor my sugar. At first, it was extremely difficult; however now have gotten a hang of it.
yashwin says
Dear Radhika,
Your blog is so useful and informative.I love to visit your blog and follow your recipe on regular basis. All recipes tried by me came out well…Thank you so much…:-)
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Thank you Yashwin for taking the time to give your positive feedback. Happy that it is useful and the recipes turned out well…
All that I wish for!
Roopa says
Hi Radhika,
Thank you for the wonderful blog.
I have been diagnosed with gd in my 27th week and am now learning to make healthier alternatives .. Can you suggest if gluten free atta is better or stone pressed atta is good for rotis?
Thanks,
Roopa
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Roopa, gluten free excludes wheat. I have not seen this kind of Atta. What are the ingredients? I’m thinking it might be a multigrain Atta excluding wheat, oats and barley. Multigrain flour should be good even if it includes wheat.
Stone ground has nothing to do with the kind of flour, it is the method of grinding. I prefer stone ground for regular Atta.
Sahana says
Hi Radhika,
Thank you so much for the information shared on youe blog. It filked me with positive energy to fight GDM.
I was diagnosed GDM during my 13th week. Right now on insulin since 3 weeks. But my blood sugar levels are fluctuating. It changes every two weeks and the insulin dosage goes higher. Since my doc strictly adviced to take bed rest, i cant excersise. Please suggest me more of south indian recipes to control my GDM.
Awaiting your reply…..
Rajwinder kaur says
Hii..m raj ..m 27 week pregnent …diagnosed with gestational diabetes 154 mg/dl ….m worried plz suggest me wt to eat with examples ….thnkew sweetheart
Vino says
Dear radhika,
I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 15th week of pregnancy, I am already on Similar diet but still I am found to have gtt Positive, anything else to add upon? I had not started ex’s so far as my asked me to be in rest… Kindly suggest me
Swetha says
Hi Radhika,
I am ten weeks pregnant and the fasting value of my sugar test is two units higher than required. My doctor has asked me to avoid rice. I am a South Indian and rice is my staple diet. I wanted to know if I can replace white rice with millets or brown rice? Also do I have to consume this moderately?
I am craving idli and dosa. Am I supposed to avoid this as well? If I want to indulge how often in a week can I have it.. For breakfast.
Thanks.
Swetha
Charlene Dlyma says
Hi.. I m 29wks and diagnosed with GD today! I literally cried the whole day coz I couldn’t find any positive post on GD online and it upset me more ! Thanks I stumbled on to your post.. your words at the start were so encouraging and you have given me a reason to be positive bout GD and fight it, to the best I can for a normal delivery. Hope I’m successful. I’m yet to meet my doc and not sure if she would put me on insulin as she doesn’t tk her chances and am too close now to make much difference in my numbers! But thankyou so much for so much of information and positivity. It really helps a lot !!!
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Charlene, So glad to know that this article helped you even in a tiny way. Stay positive and wishing you good health..
Take care..
Rohini Srivastava says
I am 6 months pregnant. I am craving for starchy food. My consultant has said me not to eat such food. Now, what should I do? Can I eat a little in limited quantity as I am craving for it?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Rohini, I am not a doctor or dietitian. If your consultant has advised you something, please go by that.
Rasika Mehta says
Hi Ma’m,
I am 6 weeks pregnant and I have an early gestational diabetes.Usually BSL around 141 after food.
Can I have dosa,idli for breakfast?
Also can I have Chick pea,green peas,dhal?
Basically I am a non vegetarian.
Also chicken,beef are these foods recommended for people with gestational diabetes.
will these foods increase my sugar level??
please advice
Comfort Finds says
I really appreciate your way of writing. Keep it up !!!