Gestational diabetes diet plan – Before looking at the ideal diet for this disease it would be helpful for the reader to have some information about what it is. Diabetes is when blood sugar (glucose) is too high, in simple terms the body fails to make sufficient insulin or makes insulin that does not work correctly, this causes blood sugar levels to be too high.  Controlling this is important for the health of the unborn child, with gestational diabetes whilst  it normally lasts only during the course of the pregnancy there is a possibility of it recurring later in life. Diet Guidelines Calorie intake, the average pregnant woman needs about 300 extra calories a day to gain enough weight.  An extra 10 to 12 grams of protein a day is also needed to help the baby grow normally.  45-60% of the calorie intake should be from carbohydrates, 15 to 25% from protein and 20 to 30% from fat. Gestational diabetes diet plan Eat at the same time each day whenever possible and never skip meals or snacks and eat about every 2 to 3 hours.  Take a snack at bedtime to prevent blood sugar levels being too low overnight.  Avoid foods and beverages with added sugar, corn syrup, honey, molasses, maple syrup or jams and jellies.  Read the labels of packaged foods to find  the grams of carbs each serving has. Choose high fibre food as they will help control blood sugar levels and regulate bowel movement.  High fibre goods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, cooked dried beans and bran cereals. Serving Sizes (after its cooked) Breads and starches, each serving contains 15 grams carbohydrates, most women need 6-10 servings a day. Fruits, each  serving contains 15 grams carbohydrates.  Most people need 2-4 servings per day, avoid juice or limit it to half cup a day. Dairy each serving contains 12 grams of carbs, most people need 2-3 servings a day Vegetables, each serving contains 5 grams carbs, most people need 2-4 servings a day. Combination foods, each serving contains 15 grams carbs, most people need 1-2 a day The following protein foods should be included in the diet Meat or meat substitute, cottage cheese, cooked dried beans, low fat cheese, eggs, fish, poultry, peanut butter Fats found in such things as nuts, avocado, olives Gestational diabetes diet plan is simple to follow and should present no problems to the mother-to-be. Sue Roberts Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan