Gestational Diabetes Recipes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. It is believed to be caused due to the various hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Exercise and diet can help to control this condition. The gestational diabetes diet should have an adequate amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The following recipes are planned keeping in mind the needs of the mother and the fetus.

Ingredients

• Medium head cabbage, quartered and cored (preferably savoy) 1
• Fresh cauliflower florets, 20 oz
• Low sodium chicken broth, 6¼ cups
• Chopped parsley, 2 tbsp
• Sliced carrots, 4 cups
• Fresh chopped celery, 3 cups
• Fresh sliced parsnip, diced (2 parsnips), 1 cup

• Olive oil, 2 tbsp
• Chopped zucchini, 2 cups
• Red bell peppers, seeded and diced, 1 medium
• Fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced, 2
• Fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried), ½ tsp
• Salt to taste (optional), 1 pinch
• Black pepper to taste (optional), 1 pinch

Process
To make this recipe, slice the cabbage quarters into thin strips using a sharp knife, and set them aside. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, parsnips, cabbage, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 10-15 minutes while stirring frequently. Do not cover the skillet.

Next, add in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Discard the foam that will form on the surface. Add tomatoes, zucchini, herbs, and cauliflower to it, season with pepper and salt and boil for about 1 minute. Now reduce the heat, cover and cook further for about 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve hot.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 (4 ounces each)
• Uncooked rotelle pasta, 12 ounces
• White beans, cooked, 1 cup
• Sliced mushrooms, 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp
• Chopped white onion, ½ cup

• Chopped garlic, 2 tbsp
• Chopped fresh basil, ¼ cup
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Process
Heat a gas grill or broiler. Coat a broiler skillet or grill rack with cooking spray and then, position it about 4-6 inches away from the heat source. Grill or broil the chicken for about 5 minutes or until browned on each side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then add in cabbage strips to it and set aside.

Take a large non-stick skillet and heat olive oil in it. Add the mushrooms and onions to it and saute them for about 5 minutes or until become tender. Add in garlic, white beans, grilled chicken, and basil, set aside. Fill a large pot with only ¾ of water and bring it to a boil.

Add pasta to it and cook until al dente, for about 10-12 minutes. Drain after cooked. Add the pasta to the pot again, and add in the chicken mixture. Toss slowly to coat evenly. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and black pepper, serve immediately.

Ingredients

• Cooked natural turkey breast, sliced, 4 ounces
• Tomato, 4 slices
• Fat-free mayonnaise, 2 tbsp
• Chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp
• Sourdough bread, toasted, 6 slices
• Swiss cheese, 2 ounces
• Low-sodium bacon, 3 slices
• Bibb lettuce leaves, 2

Process
Take a small bowl, add basil and mayonnaise to it. Stir well and then spread only 1 tsp of it on each slice of bread. Place the coated slice of bread on a plate and top it with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 ounce turkey, and 1½ slice bacon. Now add another slice of bread, top it with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 ounce turkey, 1 ounce cheese, and 2 slices of tomatoes.

Place a toothpick in each half, then cut the sandwich slowly, in the center. Repeat the same procedure for making the rest of the sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened applesauce, ¾ cup
• Oat bran cereal; uncooked, 1-¼ cup
• Whole wheat flour, 1 cup
• Ground cinnamon, 2 tsp
• Baking powder, 1 tsp
• Baking soda, ¾ tsp
• Apple, peeled, cored, diced, 1 cup
• Honey, ½ cup

• Vegetable oil, ½ cup
• Egg, 1
• Pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp
• Salt, ½ tsp

Process
To make apple muffins, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and also coat 12 muffin cups with vegetable oil. Mix oat bran cereal, baking powder, cinnamon, flour, soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Take a large bowl and combine honey, egg, applesauce, oil, and vanilla in it.

Add in the flour mixture and stir well. Next, add in the cut apple. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups and bake for about 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven.

All the above recipes are specially designed for gestational diabetes, hence, avoid adding or replacing ingredients as the ingredients that one might exclude may actually be very helpful for this condition.