Let’s Talk about Gestational Diabetes! During pregnancy about 3-20% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes due to your body not being able to produce enough insulin to support a growing baby and changing hormone levels (typically develops between the 24th and 28th weeks). It’s important to note that in most cases women who develop gestational diabetes did not have diabetes prior to conceiving and it usually goes away after giving birth but these women are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. 

Insulin is a hormone in your body that helps your body to control the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If your body cannot produce enough insulin, the amount of sugar in your blood will rise.

High blood sugar levels during pregnancy could result in problems for you and your baby:

• preeclampsia (high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy)

• abnormal sugar level in baby

• the baby could grow too large, increasing the need of a caesarean section

• possible birth injury due to the baby's size and difficulties during delivery

Some of the typical symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and fatigue (which can be masked by normal pregnancy fatigue). However, most women will experience no symptoms at all.

You can reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes by managing your weight, eating healthily and keeping active before and during pregnancy.  Speaking to a Registered Dietician can help get you on the right track. Feel free to reach out maiyaahluwalia.rd to inquire how she can support you and your health.

Here are a few healthier choices for snacks and meals if you have gestational diabetes:

• Fresh or frozen vegetables. Veggies can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or steamed. For a satisfying snack, pair raw veggies with a protein source like hummus or cheese.

• Veggie omelette made with whole eggs or egg whites. Whole eggs are an excellent source of many nutrients while egg whites provide mostly protein.

• Steel-cut oatmeal topped with pumpkin seeds, unsweetened coconut, and berries.

• Fresh fruit paired with a handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter.

• Turkey or chicken breasts. 

• Baked fish, especially fatty fish like salmon and trout.

• Sweet potato toast topped with mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes.

• Unsweetened Greek yogurt topped with sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and diced apple.

This week of #daisydoulatastytuesdays recipe is:

Roast Chicken with Parmesan-Herb Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts (12 ounces each)

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided

• ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 2 bunches broccolini (8 ounces each)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced, divided

• ⅓ cup dry white wine

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided

• 2 cups cooked whole-grain rice blend

Directions

Step 1

• Position a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 425 degrees F.

Step 2

• Cut each chicken breast in half crosswise on the diagonal into 2 roughly equal portions and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish and dredge chicken lightly; reserve the remaining flour. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, skinned-side down; cook until browned on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Transfer, skinned-side up, to a rimmed baking sheet. Reserve the skillet.

Step 3

• Toss broccolini with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, half the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread out on the other half of the baking sheet.

Step 4

• Roast until the broccolini is tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees F, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 5

• Meanwhile, whisk 4 teaspoons of the reserved flour and wine in a small bowl until combined. Place the skillet over medium heat, add the remaining garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add broth; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the wine mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and reduced to about 1 cup, 4 to 5 minutes. Add Parmesan, 1 teaspoon thyme and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 6

• To serve, divide the chicken, broccolini and rice among 4 dinner plates. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme.
  

Hope you enjoy this delicious and health recipe!

Ciao!

Sadhna