Navigating the holidays with Gestational Diabetes

Managing blood sugars during pregnancy is challenging enough, but navigating the HOLIDAYS with gestational diabetes adds a whole new layer!

My gift to you?! A few easy tips that will help you get through the holidays while still balancing blood sugars!

Have a Plan:

December is the busiest month of the year which means it can be really easy to get thrown off of your usual routine. It’s ok if each day isn’t perfect (life happens), but aim to eat a meal or snack every 2-3 hours. This is key in keeping your blood sugars stable all day. Before you even leave the house for the day to finish up last minute gift buying, jot down (on paper or in the notes app in your phone) what time you will be having meals and snacks. This makes it easier to stick to a regular schedule. Click here for a 7 Day Holiday Meal Plan + 6 Recipes!

Include fiber:

The truth is, holiday food tends to be carb-heavy and indulgent (and that’s ok!) so it’s important to balance those high-carb, holiday foods with fiber! Including a salad, raw veggies with dip, or roasted vegetables into meals will help prevent blood sugar spikes from occurring. And that’s definitely worth celebrating!

Hydrate:

When life gets busy, drinking water becomes an afterthought. Being dehydrated will make your blood sugars higher, so it’s important to hit a minimum of 80 ounces each day. When you’re on-the go this month, take your reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go and don’t forget to refill throughout the day!

Keep snacks on hand:

eating every 2-3 hours helps prevent blood sugar dipping too low and then rebounding high. That’s why it’s so important to keep snacks with you at all times. Stash some non-perishable snacks in your purse and car so that you never get stuck without food for too long!

Enjoy yourself:

The holidays are busy for sure, but it’s also important to enjoy the time spent with family and friends. Stressing out about food actually increases cortisol levels which then leads to higher blood sugars. So, this holiday season keep blood sugars down by taking some deep breaths and being present in the moment. I promise it helps!

As you navigate the holidays with gestational diabetes, remember that consistency is your friend! It’s ok if you have that holiday cookie! I promise it will not make a big difference in your overall, well-managed pattern of blood sugar readings.

If you are still struggling with what and how to eat for balanced blood sugars, join The Better Blood Sugar Method for more personalized, on-going support! You can grow a healthy baby while eating the foods you LOVE! https://gdmnutrition.com/coaching-program

xo,

Leslee