You probably have been told that snacks are important or helpful for gestational diabetes. Maybe you’re already a snack kind of person, maybe you’re not. No matter your feelings about snacks, I’m offering a fresh perspective through the lens of intuitive eating. Join me as we redefine what a snack truly is and discover delicious, nourishing options to support your journey through pregnancy.

Redefining Snacking: A Shift in Perspective

Let’s start by challenging the conventional notion of snacking. Many people associate snacks with indulgent treats or pre-packaged convenience foods, but as a registered dietitian, I view snacks as so much more. Snacking is simply eating a smaller portion of food between meals to satisfy hunger and maintain energy levels. It’s about listening to your body’s cues and responding with nourishment that fuels your well-being. Any type of food can be a snack.

The Role of Snacks in Gestational Diabetes Management

For individuals managing gestational diabetes, snacks play a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels throughout the day. Instead of viewing snacks as mere fillers between meals, consider them strategic opportunities to support your health and well-being. By choosing nutrient-dense options that are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, you can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote overall wellness.

Healthy Snacks for Gestational Diabetes: A Balanced Approach

Now, let’s explore some gestational diabetes-friendly snack ideas that align with the principles of intuitive eating:

• Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Pair creamy hummus with crunchy carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks for a satisfying snack that’s packed with fiber and protein.
• Greek Yogurt with Berries: Creamy Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries offers a delicious blend of protein, calcium, and antioxidants to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Avocado Toast on Whole Grain Bread: Spread ripe avocado on toasted whole grain bread for a nutrient-rich snack that provides healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Make it pop with some everything bagel seasoning or nutritional yeast.
• Nuts and Seeds: A handful of mixed nuts and seeds provides a satisfying crunch along with heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep hunger at bay. Try different types, roasted or raw, salted or unsalted, and even flavored varieties to keep it interesting and enjoy your favorites.
• Cheese and Crackers: Enjoy a serving of your favorite cheese with whole grain or seed based crackers for a balanced snack that combines protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
• A snack sized portion of any other food. Leftovers? Great!
• Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of 21 snack ideas for gestational diabetes.

Embracing Intuitive Eating: Listening to Your Body

As we navigate the world of gestational diabetes snacks, it’s essential to tune in to our body’s signals and honor our hunger and fullness cues. Intuitive eating empowers us to make food choices that nourish our bodies and support our overall well-being.

Perhaps you find yourself gravitating towards a grazing-style eating pattern, enjoying smaller, more frequent snacks throughout the day. Or maybe you prefer larger, more substantial mini-meals that satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling energized. Whatever approach resonates with you, remember to be flexible and responsive to your body’s needs.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Key Principles of Intuitive Eating

One of the fundamental principles of intuitive eating is flexibility. Instead of rigidly adhering to meal times or portion sizes, we learn to adjust our eating patterns based on our hunger and satiety levels. If you find yourself only “snack-level” hungry during traditional meal times, honor that sensation by opting for a lighter meal or snack. Conversely, if you’re experiencing “meal-level” hunger outside of typical meal times, allow yourself to enjoy a more substantial and satisfying meal or snack.

Conclusion: Nourishing Your Body and Mind

In conclusion, gestational diabetes snacks offer an opportunity to nourish your body and mind while managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy. By embracing intuitive eating principles, we can redefine what it means to snack and cultivate a positive relationship with food that supports our overall health and well-being.

Until next time, remember to listen to your body, honor your hunger, and nourish yourself with love and compassion on this beautiful journey through pregnancy and parenthood.

Emily Piazza, MS, RDN, CD Gestational Diabetes Dietitian & Doula

I’m Emily, an anti-diet registered dietitian, nutrition therapist and doula. I love working with people who want to feel great in their bodies, ditch diet culture, be their own advocate and can listen to and follow their own intuition. You deserve to have an empowering journey through pregnancy, birth and postpartum and I’m here to help.