Living the Gestational Diabetes Lifestyle

Well I had my consults with the Community Dietician and Diabetes Consultant yesterday and figured out that it is going to be a long 14 weeks. I didn't realize I had 14 weeks left until tonight! I tested my blood a least five times yesterday and found out that my Joey Jr. burrito from Moe's and a steamed fish meal from Captain D's caused my blood sugar to be too high for the acceptable pregnancy range. So with my booklet of cans and cannots I started planning what I could eat. I have to have 60 grams of carbohydrates at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also have to eat three snacks which contain 20 grams of carbohydrates to maintain my blood sugar level. All of these meals and snacks have to be at least two hours apart and I have to check my blood when I wake up, 2 hours after each meal, and again at bedtime. The last two days I feel like all I am doing is watching the clock. I don't necessarily feel hungry doing this plan so far because for crying out loud you are eating all the time, but you are eating very small portions. For instance a 20 gram snack could be 24 thin pretzel sticks and 10 grapes. I went to the store today after my breakfast of low sugar oatmeal, pecans, and 15 grapes. I bought a ton of vegetables, meat, fruits, and good snack items. It wasn't too different from the typical grocery run but after I got home I had to do a lot of measuring and counting so that I could have portions ready to go whenever I need them. This gestational diabetes thing really puts a damper on the things that I love though. I love, love, love eating as much fruit as I want or drinking sweet tea at meals or having my one coke a day or my ultimate love for french fries and mozzarella sticks. All that is out for 14 weeks. The amount of fruit and all the vegetables that are my favs are all restricted. It's ok though because it's just temporary. I figure in a week or two, although all my favorite things will still be on my mind, I will be better used to the diet that I can actually eat right now. Going out to eat or eating at friends' houses is going to be the hardest. I think I might try to avoid that as long as possible. Since I have started going by the meal plan today I have been in the acceptable range after every meal so I guess all this might actually work. We will also hopefully have a healthy, fully developed, and not extremely huge baby boy when this is all over. :)