In addition to meals, snacks are an important part of any meal plan, including gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes snacks should include multiple macronutrients, specifically both carbs and protein. Eating carbs by themselves tends to increase blood sugar. The quality of the carbohydrate (complex vs. simple) makes a big difference too. Protein helps to reduce the blood sugar response, so it doesn’t spike as high. Fats are okay to add as well. Just make sure you are choosing the healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats and omega-3s. And while I’m calling these gestational diabetes snacks, they’re really just healthy snacks that can enjoyed by anyone!
Instead of adding a hard-boiled egg or string cheese to whatever you happen to be craving, I want to encourage you to think differently. Try to incorporate foods that naturally have both healthy carbs and protein. And don’t be afraid to try something new! I’ve done the legwork for you and come up with a bunch of suggestions for you to try. I’ve also included suggestions that are perfect to grab and go!
Gestational Diabetes Snacks
Peanut butter & banana whole wheat toast
Apple with peanut butter
Celery with peanut butter
Pineapple chunks with cottage cheese
Berries with Greek yogurt
Green smoothie – almond milk, 1 scoop Orgain vanilla protein powder, frozen pineapple (or any other frozen fruit), a handful or two of spinach
Gestational Diabetes Snacks – Grab and Go
Health Warrior protein mug muffins (also great for breakfast)
Nuts – any type (go for raw instead of roasted & salted)
Crunchy broad bean snacks (so yummy)
Hummus & veggies (buy individual portions of hummus or portion it out ahead of time)
Hummus & pretzels
Trail mix (1 – 1.5 oz portion)
Popcorn (without added butter, oil, or salt)
Pumpkin seeds (raw, not roasted)
Orgain chocolate peanut butter protein bar
Gestational Diabetes Snacks – Occasional Treats*
Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups (or almond/cashew butter if peanut allergy)
Nib Mor organic dark chocolate snacks (watch portion size)
* Use your blood sugar monitoring results to guide you in how often you can indulge and with which treats.
The ideas listed above are suggestions to get you started. Your body will tell you whether something works for you. Use the blood sugar monitoring as a guide to learn how your body responds to different foods and food combinations. Once you have an idea, you can make tweaks and see what the new results are.
Have other ideas for gestational diabetes? Let me know in comments!
