Surviving easter with Gestational Diabetes
March 29, 2018Easter with Gestational Diabetes (GD) is a challenge.
After all, your diabetes status is still quite new, and it’s extremely hard to avoid temptation when you’re not use to holding back during special occasions.
Chocolate is thrust at you in every supermarket aisle and Hot Cross Buns are on sale from Boxing Day. But as a mum who experienced GD in her second pregnancy, I’m here to tell you that you’ve got this! While you don’t have to deprive yourself completely, you do have to make good decisions, and not just for baby. For your own health and wellbeing too*.
Heres are some tips to make Easter with Gestational Diabetes a little easier:
Stick to dark chocolate
“The higher the cocoa content, the less sugar it has and therefore is easier to tolerate, so dark chocolate is the best option”
Go for individually wrapped portions that are hollow
Choose chocolate eggs that are hollow, and individually wrapped.
“It’s much like eating nuts. When you have to take the shell off a nut, you eat less than you would if they’re already shelled. The same goes for sweets; it is much easier for you to control your portions and be aware of the amount you’re eating”
Try carob chocolate instead:
Yes the sugar content is still quite high, however it is lower in carbohydrates and caffeine free – making a it a delicious alternative (in moderation of course!)
Steer clear of the Hot Cross Buns
Did you know an average hot cross bun provides the same carbohydrate as three slices of bread?
To keep your blood glucose levels in check, look for mini-versions or split them in half to share.
Or make your own Hot Cross Buns with these great Diabetes friendly recipes!
Try this delicious recipe from Nuts for Life or this Extra Fruity hot cross bun recipe from Diabetes UK.
The easter bunny loves carrots
Especially when they are covered in tasty dips. Whip up a healthy home-made hummus, chop some carrots into sticks and start dipping!
Not into Hummus? Try these dip ideas instead:
Devilled eggs
Yum. Brining these to the easter lunch table will certainly make you crowd favourite.
I’m not an expert, so please speak with your Doctor or Obstetrician about the best easter plan of attack for you. I am however a mum of two who experienced Gestational Diabetes, and know too well the feeling of being deprived at special times of year (such as Easter). But having gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out completely! It just means you need to do your homework first, and be smart about what you’re eating.
Hoppy Easter!
*While maternal blood glucose levels usually return to normal after birth, there is an increased risk of the woman developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The baby may also be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. – Diabetes Australia
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