
So, what pregnancy complication could happen to someone who loves to cook (and eat) so much that she writes a blog about it? Gestational diabetes, of course! I'm pretty mad at my placenta, which creates the hormones that are blocking insulin production and raising my blood sugar levels. This means I get to test my blood sugar four times a day (yes, with the little pokey thing), eat small portions six times a day, completely avoid sugary treats, and eat a certain amount of carbs with each meal.
However, it's really not as bad as it sounds. The meal plan (they don't call it a diet, of course) is reasonable. I'm supposed to have no more (and no less) than 30 grams of carbs for breakfast, 45 grams each for lunch and dinner, and snacks in between meals and before bed of 15-30 grams carbs each. The meal plan has not stopped me from cooking at all. In fact, I find that when I cook for myself, I do much better than when I eat out and rely on the nutritional information provided online.
Luckily, Rachael Ray's recipes are so easy to make work with my restrictions. For example, I've made all of the following recipes with no blood sugar issues: Pan-Fried Chicken with Spinach Salad, Firecracker Enchiladas, Turkey Curry on Flatbread, and Balsamic Chicken with Wilted Spinach. I'll be posting reviews of those recipes in the near future. I just make sure to measure out the appropriate amount of carbs for my plate and increase the amount of vegetables I would normally eat, so that about half my meal is veggies.
So far, I've been able to control the gestational diabetes with just diet and exercise and my doctor thinks I'll be able to continue doing so. Some women have to go on medication or give themselves insulin shots, so I'm counting my blessings. They also have a special clinic at the hospital to help women with gestational diabetes manage the condition, so I'm getting really great care.
So, if in about a month and a half from today I just suddenly disappear for a little bit, now you'll know why!
Congratulations! You look AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for continued health and happiness for you and your (expanding) family.
Mike
TVFF
Congrats! I had gestational diabetes..the carb part was rough for me. I could eat bread and rice and potatoes all day. I was also able to control it with diet and exercise, thank goodness. You look great, BTW!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Madeline!!! You look *awesome*!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about the gestational diabetes, but it sounds like you've been coping really well.
yay! congratulations, madeline. you'll have to take your little one on playdates with Giada's daughter. They might even have the same birthday!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Madeline! You look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat stinks about the GD, but that's great that you are able to control it with diet and exercise.
You're in the final stretch! Enjoy your last few months of rest (though, I know rest gets harder as time goes on . . . hehehe . . . nature's way!).
Congratulations! What exciting news! Sounds like you are on the right track with controlling your gestational diabetes. Feel good!
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting! Congratulations! Are you considering "Rachael" for a name ;) -- just kidding. You look wonderful and I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteAw! I've been waiting for this post! Someday we'll get the little 2nd cousins together (are they plain ol' second or are we getting into twice removed and all that jazz)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Way to make your gestational diabetes Rachael Ray worthy!!!!! I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing madeline! Congrats! Would it be excessive to name the baby Rachael?? be well!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! It's very exciting and scary all at the same time. And, while the baby is a girl, I hope I won't disappoint when I say the name Rachael is not on the short list....
ReplyDeleteI want to add my congratulations. (We normally only see the head shot of you, nothing else.) If not Rachael, how about her middle name, Domenica?
ReplyDeleteMy about page has a picture of me! Just click on the About tab at the top of the page. I think that little head shot thing is a little scary.
ReplyDeleteDomenica's probably not on the list either, Jeff....
You look fantastic! Pregnancy suits you well...too bad that gestational diabetes had to rear it's ugly head. But don't let it take away any of your joy as an expectant mother. Enjoy these last weeks of quiet...you won't have any for at least 18 years after that!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, what wonderful news for you. You do look amazing. All the best. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm going to have to get pregnant more often so I can get all these compliments!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! How cute are you pregnant! I can't believe you are so far along, you are just tiny! I am glad you've been able to control the gestational diabetes through diet (and RR recipes to boot!). Take care.
ReplyDeleteThey have me logging everything I eat and my log is pretty funny - it's all boring until you get to dinner. Then it's like Cajun Pork Burgers and a whole bunch of interesting stuff.
ReplyDeleteOn the up side, it goes away after delivery. My 14 year old, OTOH, is a Type I diabetic, diagnosed at age 7 and will have to check his blood sugar multiple times every day for the rest of his life.
ReplyDeleteWell, Anony, it doesn't always go away, but I am certainly hoping it will for me!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS!!! This is really exciting news. :) You look absolutely fantastic. And yay for a little girl!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! Preganancy, other than the dreadful GD, seem sto suit you well. And I know you will be the best Mom ever! I hope you have a smooth and quick delivery and a healthy baby girl.
ReplyDelete~ Christina
Thank you, Christina! I can't believe it's only 6 weeks away now.....
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you! It sounds like you've got a great handle on things. PS. It's not your fault you got gestational diabetes, blame it on those placental hormones and genetics! I just wanted to spread the word that their is a great online (yes, convenient for busy moms or moms-to-be) with personalized coaching for gestational diabetes. www.fit4d.com. Keep us posted.
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