Diabetes can be difficult to manage and requires a lot of effort and lifestyle changes. From changing what you eat to the time you eat it; everything requires careful measurements and thoughts. Gestational diabetes occurs during a pregnancy when your body is unable to make a sufficient amount of insulin. Although there are some potential risks for you and your baby, they can be reduced by following the provided diet and the doctor’s orders and recommendations. Bedtime snacks are a must for everyone, whether you are binge-watching your favorite show or you are reading a book. Pregnancy increases the craving for munching on bedtime snacks and if you have gestational diabetes then you cannot just eat any snack since you can easily stabilize your blood sugar levels overnight if you eat the proper snacks.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
The high sugar levels that develop during pregnancy cause Gestational Diabetes in women. It generally occurs in the second or third trimester but can happen any other time during the pregnancy too. You will most probably require a cesarian. Although it can happen to any pregnant woman, there are higher chances of you developing it if:
- You have a BMI above 30.
- Either your parents or a sibling has it.
- You had gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy.
Healthy Bedtime Snacks:
Snacks that are high in protein and low in sugar can help you stabilize your blood sugar levels overnight so you must choose your bedtime snacks carefully. If you do not eat properly, your blood sugar has the highest chance of blood sugar dropping during the night. The reasons blood sugar drops are night includes:
- Too much insulin and medication at dinner time
- Not eating a bedtime snack
- Going too long without eating anything
Blood sugar levels can go up significantly during the night too. The reasons for blood sugar going up during the night include:
- Stress
- Not enough insulin and medication at dinner time
- Being sick
The best way to control your blood sugar from spiking is to eat the proper bedtime snacks that will maintain your sugar levels overnight. You can also try going for a walk at night after you have had your dinner and you should avoid eating high-fat foods late evening as they can cause a blood sugar spike. You should eat healthy bedtime snacks that are:
- Rich in Fiber and complex carbs
- Proteins
- A small number of fats
- Low amounts of added sugars or none
Best Bedtime Snacks for Gestational Diabetes:
- Blueberry Muffins:
These fluffy blueberry zucchini muffins are perfect for munching on in the late evening. Make these zucchini muffins beforehand as you can easily freeze them. Take them out for a quick and healthy bedtime snack.
- Avocado Toast:
Who does not love avocados right? Make guac and put some thinly sliced avocados on a whole grain bread slice. This delicious healthy bedtime snack is easy to make and will maintain your blood sugar levels.
- Lemon Cheesecake Bites:
Lemon cheesecake is a classic and making these into small one-bite size treats will help you munch on them for a bedtime snack. The no-bake lemon cheesecake bites will fulfill your cravings for cheese and something sweet as well.
- Sugar-Free Greek Yogurt:
You can eat low sugar or sugar-free Greek yogurt either plain or top it off with some fruits if you want to mix it up a little. It is one of the best bedtime snacks as it offers both carbohydrates and proteins.
- Nuts:
Mix your favorite nuts from pecans to walnuts or peanuts. You can also include popcorn in it to make an easy snack. It will promote stable sugar levels as well as satisfy your munching cravings.
- Peanut Butter Crackers:
Whole-grain crackers with unsweetened peanut butter make the perfect bedtime snack. The crunch of the crackers and the peanut butter will satisfy all your cravings and make a light but fulfilling bedtime snack.
- Vegetables:
Sliced or cut veggies like baby carrots, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes make for a great bedtime snack. You will not only get nutrients but it will also promote stabilized blood sugar levels in your body during the night.
- Chia Pudding:
If you are craving something sweet then a chia pudding will satisfy your sweet tooth all the while helping your case of gestational diabetes. You can also top off the pudding with your favorite berries for added flavor and taste.
- Fruits:
Fruits are a great way of maintaining your blood sugar levels naturally. Either mix up a few fruits together or simply eat an individual one. From apples to blueberries to strawberries, you can eat any of your favorite fruit as a healthy bedtime snack.
- Popcorns:
They are easy to make, perfect for munching on during a movie and they promote a stabilized blood sugar level. Popcorns are perfect for a light bedtime snack. You can also try flavored popcorns although it is best to stay away from the ones high in sugar.
Some other healthy bedtime snacks that you can try during your pregnancy include:
- No-Bake Apple Pie
- Beef Sticks
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Celery sticks with Hummus
- Tuna
- Apple slices and Peanut Butter
- Sweet Potatoes
It will take some time for you to develop this habit of consuming a bedtime snack but once you get used to it, you might even want to continue it after the pregnancy. Eating these healthy bedtime snacks is not only beneficial for you but for your baby as well. You can also consult with your doctor if you want to try some other snacks and you can mix and match all these snacks too. Some of these meals and easy to prepare and some of them can be stored in the freezer too so make sure you keep your pantry stocked. Also, make sure all the food you consume is of high quality. You will also be able to find out a lot of cookbooks for gestational diabetes bedtime snacks or you can look up some other recipes online.