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Keeping glucose levels even is good for all of us…
When I was pregnant with Olivia I fell prey to my sweet cravings.
I am a dessert lover. I will ensure that I keep my house almost completely free of sweets so that when I am out for dinner or a special occasion I can indulge in DESSERT! And ladies — if you ever stand next to me in a dessert buffet, you will see what I mean!
But, early in my pregnancy with Olivia I was giving in and noshing on ice cream and nutella a little too often.
And when I went for my routine Gestational Diabetes testing, I failed. I had to go back for the nasty fasting tests. Yuch.
I was still tiny — this picture is my belly at 28 weeks. But I suppose I had some of that ice cream still flowing in my veins!
In the end, I only failed on one out of three parts of the Gestational Diabetes test. BUT, it was enough for my doctor to recommend a nutritionist and a Gestational Diabetes diet.
When I talked to the nutritionist she was happy with my regular eating habits, (minus of course the desserts I was allowing myself,) but she recommended that I cut out all juice and dried cranberries on my cereal or wraps.
She gave me some Gestational Diabetes diet information and meal plans and told me to focus on getting more protein, especially in the morning to help stabilize my glucose levels, since I had been spiking my blood sugar levels every morning with orange juice. The nutritionist also recommended that I exercise, such as a walk, after meals.
And ladies, it was amazing! With just a few changes, I was able to keep my blood sugar levels in check while ensuring I had adequate energy and nutrition.
Three weeks later, I went back for a check up and I had lost a pound. Remember — I was five months pregnant! I wasn’t supposed to be losing weight! I was shocked at how effective the diabetic diet was!
So, I added a bit more calories to my pregnancy diet, and continued to follow the Gestational Diabetes Diet guidelines.
I gained only twenty pounds with my pregnancy and was able to easily drop them after giving birth — all because of watching my blood sugar levels and following Diabetic Diet Guidelines!
Weight Loss Tip #4 — Do it like the Diabetics
So, now that I am noticing that this extra ten pounds will NOT leave my thighs and waist, I am starting to get back to basics with the diabetic diet principles of eating a diet of low-carbohydrate and low-fat foods to control blo, with low glycemic value carbohydrates, and eating balanced, portion controlled meals throughout the day, with light exercise after each meal to help kick start the digestive system and prevent a spike in sugar levels.
Making wise high fiber, low fat food choices, controlling blood sugar levels, eating 5-6 small balanced meals, including protein, throughout the day, and exercising regularly — yes, the diabetics are doing it right!
Want to catch up with my previous Winter Weight Off posts?
Winter Weight Off
Weight Loss Tip #1 — No Dieting!
Weight Loss Tip #2 — Fill Up on Fiber
Weight Loss Recipe — Red River w Ground Flax
YOUR TURN:
Are you posting your Winter Weight Off journey too?
If you want to join me for healthy eating tips and healthy weight loss this spring in our “Winter Weight Off,” I have posted a linky for bloggers to link up on my intro post. Feel free to join in and link up there, and find other bloggers who are participating.
As well, I post a new linky here so you can link up with a post you have written this week.
EVERY MONDAY AFTERNOON, starting February 14th, 2011, I post a fresh linky along with my Weight Loss Tip for the week. You can link up your latest Winter Weight Off posts every week in those fresh linkies. (And of course visit previous linkies to find our readers’ own inspiring posts!)
Then, during the week, I publish one or two more Winter Weight Off posts here at 5 Minutes for Mom that relate to my Weight Loss Tip of the Week. Some of those will be written by me, and some weeks, I may feature some of you and link back to YOUR post of the week!
Link Up Your Winter Weight Off posts this week below:
Do you instinctively reach for the Low-Fat or Light versions?
What are your favorite LIGHT options?
Do you have favorite calorie-reduced recipes?
(Feel free to answer in your post or just post whatever you want to share with your readers about your healthy living journey.)
PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT a health professional, nor do I make any health or medical claims or advice here at 5 Minutes for Mom. I am simply sharing my opinions and personal experiences. Please consult your doctor about all medical issues and make sure you follow your doctor and health professional’s instructions regarding your health and diet.
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom co-founder Janice.
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Shawn says
The key is to avoid refined sugars. And I don’t just mean sweets and chocolates, I mean anything with sugar in it (which is MOST things). Watch for sugars in things most people think are “healthy” like yogurt, fruit juice, and cereals.
William says
I dont think Ive caught all the angles of this subject the way youve pointed them out. Youre a true star, a rock star man. Youve got so much to say and know so much about the subject that I think you should just teach a class about it
DigaMama says
Honestly, this is so key. I’m a thin person. I exercise, eat well but allow myself to indulge. I did not treat my pregnancy as mindfully as i should have, in terms of diet. While i did not test postive for GD, I did give birth to a baby that was 10 llbs, 10 ounces. I don’t know what happened when I took that test early on, but honestly, they should administer that test throughout the pregnancy, whether you tested GD the first time or not.
I’m certain that as I ballooned during my final trimester, anotehr GD test would have given me more boundaries. Oh well, no matter. I have a healthy boy. I’m healthy. But I will not do it the same way next time around. From the outset, I’ll take on an anti-GD diet.
Nan says
Janice, I had gd, too,with #1 and boy did I rebel! I fired 2 nutritionists and gave my numbers to my OB to watch them instead. My hub was great in making our adjustments, but often I questioned the whole thing when hub & I would eat the same thing and we’d get the same numbers. I did not have it with baby#2.
I do suscribe to the “eat low GI” ideas and am seeing more diet & nutrition gurus using the same philosophy. Just glad I don’t have to poke myself and track numbers to do it!
Kaye Swain says
Perfect timing. I’ve lost my initial goal, but now I’d like to go on to the more comfortable goal. However I seem to be stalled at the 8-10 pound loss mark and am not moving forward. I’m going to give the Flat Belly MUFA foods diet another week, but then I may switch to the South Beach diet phase one and two – supercharged. It was developed by a heart doctor and is even healthier – more of a focus on protein rather than carbs. Thanks for the great advice and reminder.
Heather B says
If you read Dr. Atkins book very carefully you will find that his diet is the diabetic diet just rearranged a little! You can seriously change your energy level in a matter of days! My Dad was a very at risk type 2 diabetic and went on the Atkins with the ok of his doctor and is now no longer considered a diabetic! The diabetics do do it right!!! If only everyone could see that!!! 🙂
simplywebly says
Lately I’ve been trying to eat white fish more because you can eat a lot of it plus it is extremely low in fat and calories. My challenge has always been my carb intake. This week I am splitting my carb servings to spread it over the entire day. I love my carbs…..let’s see how this new approach works.
You are right the diabetics are doing it right.
Janice says
Yes – carbs can be so challenging! They add up so fast! I couldn’t be as regimented as you – I would go nuts!
Barbara M says
Thanks for a great post!
I’ve started a new eating plan for myself.
Eat 200 to 300 calories 5 to 6 times a day.
It’s working great!
Janice says
Great work Barbara! 🙂