I have worked with pregnant women for over twenty years, and during this time, I have diagnosed and supported many with gestational diabetes. Managing blood sugar well during pregnancy is essential to protect your baby and your own long-term health.
What many women don’t realize is that up to 50% of patients with gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. That’s why it’s so important not only to manage your sugars during pregnancy, but also to adopt a healthy lifestyle that continues after delivery. My goal is to help you have a safe, healthy pregnancy while also reducing your future risk.
This mission is personal to me. When my own sister-in-law was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I was surprised at how little nutritional support she received. I want to change that—by giving women the tools, education, and support they need.
Key Principles for Managing Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Here are a few key principles I share with all my patients:
1. You Have More Control Than You Think
Educating yourself and taking small, consistent steps makes a big difference.
2. Work Closely with Your Healthcare Team
Support and guidance are essential—don’t go through this alone.
3. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regularly
This can be done with simple finger-prick tests or continuous glucose monitors (such as Dexcom).
At Wellness MD, we create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans tailored to your unique needs. These plans are designed to optimize your pregnancy and help you thrive long after delivery.
See below for an example of the nutrition plan we offer in our clinic.
One-Week Low-Carb, High-Protein Meal Plan for Pregnancy
Daily Guidelines
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30–45 g per meal and 15 g per snack
- Protein: Include with every meal and snack
- Fiber: Aim for at least 25 g per day
- Hydration: Drink 2–3 L of water daily
- Monitoring: Check blood sugar before and after meals as directed
Day 1
Breakfast
- 2 scrambled eggs with spinach and feta
- ½ avocado
- 1 slice low-GI whole grain bread
Snack
- 10 almonds
- 1 boiled egg
Lunch
- Grilled chicken breast
- Quinoa and roasted vegetables (small portion)
- Green salad with olive oil and lemon
Snack
- Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with chia seeds
Dinner
- Baked salmon with dill and lemon
- Steamed broccoli and cauliflower mash
Day 2
Breakfast
- Omelet with mushrooms, peppers, and cheddar cheese
- ½ cup berries
Snack
- Cucumber slices with hummus
Lunch
- Turkey lettuce wraps with avocado, tomato, and cucumber
- Side salad
Snack
- Cottage cheese with cinnamon and walnuts
Dinner
- Grilled lean beef steak
- Asparagus and zucchini sautéed in olive oil
Day 3
Breakfast
- 2 boiled eggs
- Smoked salmon slices
- ½ avocado
Snack
- Celery sticks with almond butter
Lunch
- Grilled chicken Caesar salad (Greek yogurt dressing, no croutons)
Snack
- String cheese and a handful of pumpkin seeds
Dinner
- Roasted turkey breast
- Green beans and cauliflower rice
Day 4
Breakfast
- Protein smoothie with unsweetened almond milk, low-carb whey protein, spinach, chia seeds, and ½ cup berries
Snack
- 1 boiled egg
- 6 pecans
Lunch
- Grilled salmon salad with arugula, cucumber, and olive oil
Snack
- Lightly salted edamame
Dinner
- Chicken stir-fry with broccoli, peppers, bok choy, and tamari sauce (no rice)
Day 5
Breakfast
- 2 poached eggs
- Turkey bacon
- ½ avocado
Snack
- Plain Greek yogurt with ground flaxseed
Lunch
- Grilled shrimp skewers with zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Olive oil dressing
Snack
- Handful of sunflower seeds
Dinner
- Baked cod with lemon and garlic
- Steamed spinach and roasted Brussels sprouts
Day 6
Breakfast
- Cottage cheese with chia seeds and ½ cup berries
Snack
- Boiled egg and cucumber slices
Lunch
- Grilled chicken breast with roasted cauliflower and kale salad
Snack
- Cheese stick and almonds
Dinner
- Turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles and sugar-free tomato sauce
Day 7
Breakfast
- Veggie omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- ½ avocado
Snack
- Celery sticks with cottage cheese
Lunch
- Grilled salmon over mixed greens
- Small portion of quinoa
Snack
- Greek yogurt with walnuts
Dinner
- Roasted chicken thighs with garlic and rosemary
- Steamed broccoli and green beans
Shopping List
Proteins
- Eggs (2 dozen)
- Chicken breasts and thighs
- Salmon, cod, and shrimp
- Turkey breast, turkey bacon, and ground turkey
- Lean beef steak
- Smoked salmon
- Turkey meatballs (or ground turkey for preparation)
- Cottage cheese (plain, low-fat)
- Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- Cheese sticks
- Low-carb whey protein powder (pregnancy-safe; check label)
Vegetables
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Lettuce
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Bok choy
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
Healthy Fats
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
Carbohydrates (Low-GI, Small Portions)
- Quinoa
- Low-GI whole grain bread
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Pantry & Condiments
- Hummus
- Sugar-free tomato sauce
- Tamari or coconut aminos
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Herbs and spices
Supplements
General guideline only. Always confirm with your OB/GYN.
- Prenatal vitamin (with folic acid, iron, and iodine)
- Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) for fetal brain and eye development
- Vitamin D (especially important in northern climates where deficiency is common)
- Magnesium (may reduce leg cramps, constipation, and support sleep)
- Probiotic (supports gut and immune health)
Final Thoughts
This plan balances stable blood sugars, adequate protein for pregnancy, and nutrient-dense foods.
Book with Wellness MD for Personalized Nutritional Support
- Nutritionists & Health Coaches available Canada-wide
- Medical and Naturopathic Doctor services available for Ontario patients only
