Traci Houston - The Gestational Diabetes Cookbook & Meal Plan: A Balanced Eating Guide for You and Your Baby

Copyright 2019 by Rockridge Press, Emeryville, California

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Interior and Designer: Amanda Kirk

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Editor: Eliza Kirby

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ISBN: Print 978-1-64152-494-0

eBook 978-1-64152-495-7

To my amazing daughter, Maiyanni. The experience and this opportunity never would have come without you. You are my inspiration!Traci Houston

Contents

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be scary. Believe me; I know. My name is Traci Houston. I was about 24 weeks into my first pregnancy when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). I had never heard of GDM, but my doctor said my test results were off the charts.

I left my doctors office feeling uninformed, confused, and worried. My doctor had given me a referral to a dietitian, but it would be weeks before the dietitian could see me. In the meantime, I was desperate for practical advice about how to manage the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, my story is not uncommon. Sometimes its hard to get the care we need when we need it. And, of course, we all have busy, stressful lives. As I struggled to find useful information, I was also finishing culinary school, planning for my baby, and feeling utterly exhausted. I feltperhaps as you dothat the last thing I needed was another boulder to carry.

After the birth of my daughter, I wanted to prevent other women with GDM from suffering from a lack of resources. That desire drove me to start a recipe blog for women with gestational diabetes. It is also the impetus behind this book.

Heres the thing: You cant control whether you have gestational diabetes, but you can control how you manage the diagnosis, and you can have a healthy pregnancy.

Having gestational diabetes means you have to adjust your relationship with food and your eating habits. It may sound overwhelming, but dont worry. In the following chapters, my coauthor, Joanna Foley, a registered dietitian, clearly explains the nutritional concepts you need to understand to navigate your diagnosis. The meal plan, helpful charts, shopping lists, and recipes are developed to support your dietary requirements and make the transition easy.

The meal plan also keeps you on track so you can focus your attention on the rest of your busy life. Nutrition facts, substitutions, and tips will help you establish habits that will carry you through the rest of your pregnancy and beyond.

Although diet is the central concern of this book, be sure to remember exercise. Exercise assists in regulating your blood sugar. Consult your health care team about what is right for you.

The goal of this book is to empower you to effectively manage this diagnosis through a whole-food diet and deliver a healthy baby.

So take a deep breath, stay positive, and enjoy this time. You got this.

ASK THE REGISTERED DIETITIAN: WHAT IS GDM AND WHAT ARE ITS RISKS?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disorder of blood sugar regulation that occurs during pregnancy for some women. According to a 2014 analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated to occur in about 9 percent of pregnant women. It is generally diagnosed around the 24th week of gestation and occurs as a result of the body not being able to make and use the amount of insulin it needs during pregnancy. If left untreated or poorly controlled, gestational diabetes can lead to health risks for both mother and baby, including preterm birth, high birth weight, and other birth complications. In addition, women with gestational diabetes and their children are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Treatment options involve diet and lifestyle modifications as well as medications, including insulin, if needed.

A s a registered dietitian, Ive worked with many patients with gestational diabetes, so I know this diagnosis can be overwhelming. You might be worried you will have to go on insulin or follow an especially restrictive diet. You may be anxious about your babys health. If youve had any of these feelings, I am here to tell you that you are not alone and that there is hope. This book will provide you with the tools you need to jump-start your health journey, rid you of your fears, and manage your diagnosis using the best medicine of allyour diet.

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes is both temporary and manageable through diet and lifestyle changes. Your doctor will work with you to ensure youre on the right track, but you can also take meaningful action on your own. You