Questions for Moms who had/have Gestational Diabetes

[Anonymous]

Can you recommend a good online source of sample menus?

Also, can any of you recommend a diabetic friendly breakfast/energy bar. Up until my diagnosis I had been having a Luna bar for a mid-morning snack since this is the time of day when I'm usually out and about. However, even though they are touted as being low glycemic, I think they tend to have too many carbs.

I'm a borderline case, so my OB does not have me monitoring my blood sugar, but wants me to be on a low carb diet.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have GD. Don't have a diet online to recommend, but seeing the dietician was very helpful. Shocking how many things are loaded with carbs.

The best "bar" I've found was South Beach. Though it is not substantial enough for breakfast. Basically give up on them, much too high in carbs. I'm not a morning person so I need quick & healthy. Make your own nut/trail mix.

For breakfast this is my go-to meal. Double whole wheat pita (must be from Costco) with an egg or omlet (good way to get in veggies) and cheese. Make 3 eggs/omlet on Sunday night. That way several breakfasts are at the ready. After my "fasting" test I hae a glass of milk at home. Then before i walk out the door, put the pita in the toaster, microwave an egg/omlet section, combine with cheese and wrap in alum foil for transport to work. Eat there.

Alternatively a yogurt (w/artifical sweetner - dietician said it was OK) and nuts.

Hope you like veggies & beans!!!

[Anonymous]

Bars: fiber one, tlc kashi
Other: use whole wheat roll-ups from costco instead of bread. You can melt cheese on it, or make a sandwich. I sauteed onions, bell peppers, and grilled chicken strips in olive oil, added parmesan, and wrapped it in a roll up. Substitute brown rice for white. If you can have pasta at all (I could only have a few bites) use whole-grain. Standard lunch was an apple with peanutbutter, standard breakfast was a chunk of cheese with my skim milk, dinner was a chicken breast or some meat and some green beans and a tiny serving of brown rice. Trader Joe's brown rice medely is very tasty.

[Anonymous]

I second the South Beach Living bars. I have the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip kind in front of me now - 18g of carbs. Lately I have been having one of those and a cup of milk as my breakfast (I'm allowed 30gs for that meal). For my mid-morning snack I eat a Yoplait Light yogurt - 19g. They have LOTS of flavors and I have found this brand to have the lowest carbs.

For bread - I found that Nature's Own Whole Wheat works well. Only 10 carbs per slice. A PP mentioned pasta, so I thought I would relay my experience in that too-- I seem to do pretty well with the whole wheat pasta from Barilla. And it is tasty - even hubby like it. My serving size is usually a cup, but that actually is a pretty good portion. We typically have the pasta with chicken or beef, sauted with peppers, tomotoes, or other veggies...usually with a little stir fry sauce.

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all for your input -- it is very helpful!