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ginger pudding

Christmas steamed ginger pudding topped with holly

Free Recipes Seasonal Posts

Christmas steamed ginger pudding

13th December 202013th December 2020 Jo Paterson Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, ginger, ginger cake, ginger pudding, pudding, puddings, sponge, sponge pudding, steamed pudding, steamed sponge

A lovely warming alternative to traditional Christmas pudding without the heavy carb load. This GD friendly, low carb and ‘self-paired‘

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This is my Creamy Coconut Basmati Rice Pudding or

This is my Creamy Coconut Basmati Rice Pudding or Kheer, a lightly spiced version of traditional rice pudding with cardamom. Slightly lower carb it uses basmati rice instead of traditional pudding rice, I wash the rice really well to remove as much starch as possible and I add plenty of full fat tinned coconut milk and cream to help to pair the carbs
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⚠️ Creamy coconut basmati rice pudding is higher carb than many of my other GD friendly puddings
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✋🏽 Please only try this recipe if you tolerate rice well
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You need to have tried rice with well-paired meals before giving this recipe a go as it is not as low carb as most of my other recipes and if you personally do not tolerate rice well then this would not be a suitable recipe for you
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🌰 🥜 🥥 This recipe benefits from extra pairing to play safe, adding nuts, seeds and extra cream will help make the rice pudding more tolerable
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www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/creamy-coconut-basmati-rice-pudding/
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If you like this recipe, or want to try a slow cooker version, try out my basmati rice pudding recipe
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www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/basmati-rice-pudding/
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#Kheer #BasmatiRicePudding #Ramadan #HappyRamadan #RecipesForRamadan #RamadanMubarak
#GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesDiet #8GoldenRules #GDFoodPairing #DiabetesInPregnancy #PregnancyDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesSucks #DiagnosedWithGestationalDiabetes #Diabetes #GDDiagnosis #GestationalDiabetesMeals #RealFoodForGD #RealFoodForGestationalDiabetes #JustEatRealFood #LCHF #LowCarb #LowerBloodSugarLevels #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GDUK #GestationalDiabetesMealPlan #GestationalDiabetesSupport #GestationalDiabetesUK

Hands up who’s been told by a partner, family me

Hands up who’s been told by a partner, family member, friend, or colleague not to worry about your blood glucose levels as ‘they’re not too high’, or ‘not that bad’?
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Something I see time and time again is mothers being told this and feeling confused about what’s right 😢
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Levels outside of pregnancy are different.
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Acceptable levels for people with diabetes who are not pregnant are higher and depending on how well controlled that persons blood glucose levels are can determine their thoughts/opinions on your levels and targets
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Just because your Type 2 Uncle gets levels in the teens and twenties, does not make it OK (it’s not going to be good for them either, but I’ll not get into that here)
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And because your friend who is Type 1 aims to be below 7.0mmol/L in the morning for a fasting level, it doesn’t mean your much lower target is not correct or that it’s an acceptable level for YOU
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It is purely down to the fact that you are growing a baby and these are the current levels that are deemed as safest to minimise effects of diabetes in pregnancy
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So if you get stuck with some ‘helpful’ 🙄 comments, ‘advice’ from a fellow pro person with diabetes, and/or judgement, it may be helpful to remind that person that you are growing a baby🤰🏻
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#GDUK #GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetes #DiabeticPregnancy #PregnancyDiabetes #Type2Pregnancy #Type1Pregnancy #MODYPregnancy #LADAPregnancy #PregnantDiabetic #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GDPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #PlusSizePregnancy #GeriatricPregnancy #SlimmingWorldPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #GlucoseToleranceTest #GDDiagnosis #BloodGlucose #BloodSugar #BloodGlucoseLevels #BloodSugarLevels

I’m so excited to see this post from @livlifebre

I’m so excited to see this post from @livlifebread that I had to share it on the grid too! Finally my favourite and best low carb bread is going to be stocked in 600 @coopuk stores! 🎉

I’ve contacted co op to see if they can confirm which stores will be stocking it as this should help so many of you find a bread that a majority will tolerate.

It is also stocked @waitrose and on @ocadouk but I know many of you and myself do not have Waitrose nearby and I’m in Scotland where Ocado don’t deliver 👎🏻

Come on @coopuk don’t let us down, #GDUKMums NEED Livlife bread in their shopping baskets and we’re relying on you! (No pressure 😉)

www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/best-breads/

Head up to my link in bio @gestational_diabetes_uk

Head up to my link in bio @gestational_diabetes_uk to read about Ramadan, fasting in pregnancy and fasting with diabetes in pregnancy

Although pregnant women are exempt from fasting, many still choose to fast during Ramadan

It is individual choice as to whether a woman wishes to fast during Ramadan and this decision should be respected and supported with an understanding of that she should break the fast if feeling unwell

Find out what the evidence-based research has found in pregnant women who fast during Ramadan and some helpful videos and articles to make an informed decision over fasting this Ramadan 🌙

#ramadan #ramadan2021 #ramadanmubarak #ramadanpregnancy #ramadaninpregnancy #diabeticramadan #ramadananddiabetes #fastinginpregnancy #happyramadan🌙

This year Ramadan is expected to start 13th April

This year Ramadan is expected to start 13th April 2021. Ramadan is held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time for spiritual reflection, acts of charity and spending time with loved ones for Muslims all around the world
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It is also a month when many will fast as fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This means not eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset, allowing Muslims to devote themselves further to their faith
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Pregnant women are one of the groups whom are exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to their health, however some women still choose to fast
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Islamic law gives permission for pregnant and breastfeeding women to opt out of fasting if she fears that it will harm her health or the health of her baby. Missed days of fasting can be made up at a later date, or if this isn’t possible, a ‘fidyah’ can be paid by providing food for someone in poverty for every missed day of fasting
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During Ramadan and gestational diabetes in pregnancy, it is highly advisable to seek advice from your diabetic team and dietitian before making the decision over whether it would be safe for you to fast or not
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According to the Muslim Council of Britain, they state you are high risk if you have diabetes and are pregnant, and they advise not to fast
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Following a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, or with diabetes in pregnancy, the best way we have found to gain good control of blood glucose levels is to eat little and often. One problem we see often is where mothers leave too long between meals and snacks, blood glucose levels drop low and the liver dumps stored glucose into the bloodstream to raise blood glucose levels back up. For those with diabetes this can mean spikes in blood glucose levels and the dropping and spiking of blood glucose can make the mother feel quite unwell, dizzy and tired
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To read more about Ramadan and fasting in pregnancy with GDM including what the evidence-based research says, take a look @ www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/ramadan-and-gestational-diabetes/
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Ramadan Mubarak ☪️
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#Ramadan #Ramadan2021 #RamadanMubarak #RamadanInPregnancy #FastingInPregnancy #DiabeticRamadan #GestationalDiabetes #GD #GDM #GDUKMums

We see a lot of questions in our Facebook support

We see a lot of questions in our Facebook support group about baby’s movements with gestational diabetes
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❤️ Movements of your baby are a sign that everything is well
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🤰🏾If you experience reduced movements OR a change in your baby’s movements, INCLUDING increased movements then you should seek medical advice immediately from your maternity assessment unit 👩🏽‍⚕️
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💗 @kicks.count say:
“Reduced fetal movement can be a sign that the baby is in distress although this is not the only cause.
2 out of 3 mums who have a stillbirth say they noticed their baby’s movements slow down beforehand. It is therefore important that all cases of reduced movement are reported to your midwife or maternity unit.”
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🩸With gestational diabetes you may notice differences in baby’s movements when your BG levels are high OR low.
✅ These changes and differences should ALWAYS still be checked. Don’t just sit back and presume all is well just because your levels are high/low
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❗️With gestational diabetes we have a higher risk of early placenta deterioration / placenta insufficiency. One of the possible symptoms of this is reduced or changes in movements.
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✅ Always play safe and get checked out. You are never wasting anyone’s time, just to call to be seen and get checked 💜
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Read the full article @ www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/reduced-movements/
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#GDUK #GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #KicksCount #BabysMovements #DecreasedMovements #IncreasedMovements #PlacentaInsuffiency #PlacentaCalcification #AgingPlacenta #PlacentaDeterioration #GetCheckedOut #DontWait
#GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GDPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #PlusSizePregnancy #GeriatricPregnancy #SlimmingWorldPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #GlucoseToleranceTest #GDDiagnosis #BloodGlucose #BloodSugar #BloodGlucoseLevels #BloodSugarLevels

You CAN do this! If you fall off that GD diet wa

You CAN do this!

If you fall off that GD diet wagon, then brush yourself off and jump straight back on. Don’t wait for a new day, new week, do it NOW xx

https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/falling-off-the-wagon/

#gestationaldiabetes #gdukmums #gestationaldiabetesuk #diabeticpregnancy

The question that gets the MOST... Can I eat x, y

The question that gets the MOST... Can I eat x, y and z?
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After over 6 years of helping GD Mums I’ve learned it can mean very different things:
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🤰🏾The person genuinely wants advice around what food to eat to achieve good blood glucose levels. This person is going to take on the advice given and appreciates the help & support 😊
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🤰🏽The person wants to try something that may be more risky for blood glucose levels and wants to see how many other people have gotten on with it. Quite often sound advice may be ignored in favour of the odd comment that suggests it’ll be ok to eat 🤔
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🤰🏻The person wants permission and agreement to eat something that they know isn’t a good choice with diabetes but wants to find other people who may have gotten away with it and they’re going to eat it regardless despite any advice given 😑
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The answer to can I eat x, y and z is YES!, always yes, because you can eat whatever you like. It’s YOUR body and YOUR baby. You don’t need anyone’s permission or agreement to eat something
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However, if you’re asking if something is a wise choice to eat when you have GDM, or if it’s likely to spike blood glucose levels, then this is different
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If your mental health is struggling to the point that you cannot cope without eating a bar of dairy milk unpaired, then you have to weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision [it’s one bar of chocolate, it’s not the worst thing you could eat. Will you be able to eat it and move on or will it lead to risking more ‘treats’ because you can’t cope without them, and possibly completely falling off the GD wagon? Remember this isn’t forever!]
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If you knowingly want to eat something that will more than likely cause spikes in blood glucose levels and then it results in sky high levels, feeling unwell, baby kicking like crazy having a hyper, or a big crash in levels and then feelings of shame and guilt then STOP. Take a breath. Read through my post ‘falling off the GD wagon’ @ www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/falling-off-the-wagon/ drink lots of water, go for a walk and get right back on that wagon
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And remember you CAN do this. This isn’t forever and you’re doing it for that little sugar baby’s sake ❤️

And of course, where’s there’s lower carb York

And of course, where’s there’s lower carb Yorkshire Pudding there HAS to be Toad in the Hole!
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From mini toads to big family sized sharing toads, this recipe rocks!
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www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/toad-in-the-hole/
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#JosGDRecipes #TodaysMealOnTheWall #MealOnTheWall #LowCarbToadInTheHole #ToadInTheHole #KetoToadInTheHole #GlutenFreeToadInTheHole #GDUKMums #ArrowrootToadInTheHole #GroundArrowrootToadInTheHole #GroundArrowrootYorkshires #GroundArrowrootYorkshirePudding #GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesUK #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GDFoodPairing #8GoldenRules #LCHF #LowCarb #RealFoodForGD #RealFoodForGestationalDiabetes #RealFoodForDiabetes #DiabeticRecipes #DiabeticPregnancy #PregnantDiabetic #Type2Pregnancy #GDFriendly #GestationalDiabetesFood #GestationalDiabetesDiet

Who enjoys a good ol Sunday roast? I know we do in

Who enjoys a good ol Sunday roast? I know we do in my house 🙋🏻‍♀️
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Roast dinners can be a great choice for blood glucose levels, OR with a few unsuspecting things on the plate, can be an absolute disaster 😩
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It can be very easy to overload the carbs on a roast dinner, so any low carb versions of typical high carb foods can be helpful, including Yorkshire puddings!
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These Yorkshire’s are made with ground arrowroot powder, which in itself IS NOT low carb 🤔 However, you only need a small amount (approx 1/3) compared to making the equivalent recipe with wheat flour. It is also much more nutrient dense, with more dietary fibre, protein & calcium. And it’s gluten free!
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Arrowroot is easily digested, so very gentle on the tummy for those with sensitive tums, conditions such as IBS, or for those that have had weight loss surgery
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Arrowroot comprises of 32% resistant starch, which the body breaks down by forming a viscous gel when mixed with water & acts like soluble fibre in the gut
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All these things alongside the other ingredients used help to create a lower carb, better-paired Y pudding which does not spike blood glucose
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1 large arrowroot Y pudding contains 4g carbs compared to between 8g in a typical frozen Y pud, or up-to 20g carbs in a large homemade traditional plain flour Y pud!
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The best thing, these Y puds taste great 👌🏻 They are super light & crisp. So nice my boys now ask for these instead of my traditional ones!
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I came across ground arrowroot Yorkshire puddings via various keto dieters (I originally saw them on the @ketosistersuk so thank you to Caz & Vicki for sharing 💜 ). Whilst I do not follow a strict ketogenic diet, I do eat low carb post pregnancy (and I certainly do NOT recommend following a full keto or extremely low carb diet in pregnancy - read my post on ketosis for further info on ketones in pregnancy and getting a balance), and I do find some keto recipes which can be tweaked to be suitable and helpful within the GD diet. This is definitely one of them that’s helpful on a roast dinner plate!

Check out the recipe @ www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/yorkshire-pudding/

Q. Can I eat chocolate with gestational diabetes?

Q. Can I eat chocolate with gestational diabetes?
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A. YES!
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A small amount of chocolate can still be enjoyed without causing spikes in blood glucose levels but you it’s about being sensible with the type of chocolate, keeping the portion small and as always, ‘pairing’ with extra protein & natural fats will always help reduce the spike in levels
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You may hear lots of women with GD mention Dairy Milk Freddos being a good choice. But this only stems back to a Freddo being a plain milk chocolate without any extra added carbs such as caramel, honeycomb, biscuit, candy etc. which spike BGLs rapidly AND because Freddos come individually wrapped. This helps with eating a small portion of chocolate at a time
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There are TONS of other choices which can be enjoyed, so here are 10 chocolate examples which come individually wrapped:
1. Kinder mini bar (12.5g) = 6.7g carbs
2. Cadbury’s Treat sized buttons (14.4g) = 8.2g carbs
3. Aldi Dairyfine mini delights bar (18.2g) = 9g carbs
4. Cadbury’s Freddo (18g) = 10g carbs
5. Kinder Bueno 1 stick (21.5g) = 10.6g carbs
6. Aldi Dairyfine Spirals Hazelnut (21g) = 11g carbs
7. Kinder big kids bar (21g) = 11.2g carbs
8. Flake (20g multipack size) = 12g carbs
9. Kitkat (2 finger) = 12.9g carbs
10. Aldi Choceur bars(40g) = 20-21g carbs
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The darker the chocolate, the higher the cocoa content & the less sugar it has. However, the darker the chocolate, the more bitter & less sweet it is
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⚠️ Avoid sugar free, low/reduced sugar chocolate that contain artificial sweeteners which can cause gastric upset and tend to be overpriced. If you’re going to have some choc you might as well have some nice chocolate in a small amount, well- paired which won’t cause bloating, cramps & nasty gastric side effects 💩 💨 😖🧻🚽 (if you know, you KNOW! 😳)
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Q.What can I pair chocolate with?
A. It’s up to you! It doesn’t have to be in the same mouthful. You can eat the protein/fats before eating the chocolate to help pair it
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Try these foods for pairing (some lend themselves well to eating alongside choc, others not so much!)
1. Nuts
2. Seeds
3. Nut/seed butter
4. Cream & yogurt (dairy/coconut/soya)
5. Cheese
6. Meat
7. Fish
8. Eggs
9. Avocado
10. Olives

“But Jo, I don’t want to bake, I just want som

“But Jo, I don’t want to bake, I just want something I can grab and eat”... I know, I hear you

When you just want something sweet then you could try a @10caljelly or sugar free jelly pot from @hartleysfruit or @chivers_irl

There’s lots of different flavours, this rhubarb & custard one is delish and is also vegan 👍🏻 (something to check as many jellies contain 🐖 gelatine)

These have <0.5g carbs per pot so are fine to eat after a meal or as a snack without worrying about spiking blood glucose levels. You don’t have to add cream, but you can if you want to!

If you want a spray cream go for @marksandspencer Real Dairy Spray cream which contains no added sugar or Anchor EXTRA THICK spray cream. These are the only squirty spray creams I have found which do not have added sugar in them. Failing that, whip up some real dairy double cream or coconut cream 👌🏻

Easy!

And don’t forget, these don’t need to be chilled so are great for popping in your hospital bag. Remember, this isn’t classed as nutritional or ‘real food’, but if it helps keep a sweet craving at bay then it may be helpful to you!

Please note: these do contain the artificial sweeteners aspartame & acesulfame K.

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#GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GestationalDiabetesFood #GestationalDiabetesSnacks #GDFriendly #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #HartleysJelly #10CalJelly #SugarFreeJelly #SugarFreeJellyPot #MarksAndSpencerRealDairyCream #SugarFreeCream #RealSprayCream #JellyAndCream #LowCarb #SugarFree #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #PregnancyDiabetes #Type2Pregnancy

When I was pregnant, Mrs Crimble’s traditional c

When I was pregnant, Mrs Crimble’s traditional coconut macaroons were calling me every time I went shopping, no idea why as it’s not something I usually buy, but that’s GD (and pregnancy) for you and so I made a safer version, sugar free coconut macaroons!
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Yesterday I tweaked the recipe to improve it and also worked on the nut free version (this is why I love having my recipes on the website and not published in a book, I can tweak them to make them even better!)
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So if you love coconut and want a really simple recipe that’s fun to make with little ones (my 3 year old helped me from start to finish) then you have to try my Coconut Macaroons!
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The perfect self-paired snack to have with a cuppa! 👌🏻
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These coconut macaroons are low carb, sugar free (depending on the chocolate used), gluten free, vegetarian and can be made nut free (just read the recipe notes). I use natural sweetener in mine to make these taste just like the super sweet shop bought coconut macaroons, but you can omit the sweetener if you prefer as they are naturally sweet with the taste of coconut 🥥
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This FREE recipe can be found @ www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/coconut-macaroons/
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#CoconutMacaroons #LowCarbCoconutMacaroons #SugarFreeCoconutMacaroons #Macaroons #LowCarbMacaroons #SugarFreeMacaroons #JosGDRecipes #TodaysMealOnTheWall #MealOnTheWall #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetesSnacks #GDFriendly #DiabeticPregnancy #LowCarbSnacks #PregnantDiabetic #DiabeticSnacks #KidFriendlySnacks #ToddlerFriendlySnacks #CoconutSnacks #HealthySnacks #8GoldenRules #GDFoodPairing #EasySnacks #TeamGDUK #JosGDBakes #Type2Pregnancy #GestationalDiabetesFood

Raspberry Leaf Tea ☕️ 🍃 ⠀ RLT can be take

Raspberry Leaf Tea ☕️ 🍃
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RLT can be taken in capsule, tablet or tea form.
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𝙍𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙛 𝙩𝙚𝙖 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙇𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜
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2 cups of RLT daily from the last 3 mnths > last 6 wks of pregnancy can assist in the preparation for birth by increasing the strength of the myometrium, facilitating an easier birth. This is especially relevant in cases of straightforward & uncomplicated births, although the use of RLT has been reported to shorten labour, to reduce complications & to decrease the incidence of both pre- & post-term births. It has also been noted that the use of RLT results in reduced incidences of artificial rupture of the membranes & making the use of caesarean forceps or vacuum births less likely (Mills et al, 2006; Palmer, 2000; Parsons et al, 1999)
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Tablets can be difficult to break down in a weak digestive system. However, if preferred two 400mg tablets can be taken with meals up to 3 x daily during the last trimester.
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𝙍𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣 & 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨.
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Red raspberry leaves contain the phytochemical fragarine, which is the active constituent responsible for toning the muscles of the uterus. The leaves also contain organic iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, helping to prevent anaemia (Campion, 1996).
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The astringency of the leaves is due to the tannin content, which helps prevent haemorrhage, as well as toning & strengthening the tissues of the reproductive organs & preventing bleeding gums, a common feature of pregnancy.
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Raspberry leaves as well as the fruit contain many valuable vitamins needed during pregnancy. As well as containing iron, they are rich in vitamins A, C, B, E, calcium, manganese & magnesium. Magnesium particularly contributes to the strengthening of the uterine muscles.
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Consult your midwife if you would like to find out if RLT is suitable for you to use in your pregnancy.
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#RaspberryLeaf #RaspberryLeafTea

Diagnosing #gestationaldiabetes in the UK & ROI
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For women with risk factors for developing GDM, a 2 hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT or GTT] is recommended to be used to for diagnosing gestational diabetes between 24 – 28 weeks. This is recommended as the ‘gold standard’ for screening
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If glycosuria (glucose in urine) of 2+ or above on 1 occasion, or of 1+ or above on 2 or more occasions is detected by urine dip test during routine antenatal appointments, this may indicate undiagnosed gestational diabetes and so women with this should be referred for an OGTT
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In SOME areas all pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes, but in many areas only higher risk mothers are screened
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Risk factors for GDM are:
•BMI of 30 or more
•Family history of diabetes
•Aged 35 or over
•Had GDM in a previous pregnancy
•Has PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome)
•Previously given birth to a baby who weighed 10lb or more
•Family origins are South Asian, black Caribbean or Middle Eastern
•Pregnant with a multiple birth
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Those that have previously been diagnosed with gestational diabetes are often tested at 16 weeks in subsequent pregnancies and again at 24 – 28 weeks should the first test come back as negative. Some hospitals will not test for gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies and may offer blood glucose monitoring from an early gestation instead
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Currently due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the RCOG has recommended the use of the HbA1c blood test for screening for GDM. This is a single blood test which measures the average blood glucose levels over a 3 month period
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This has been recommended to reduce the time spent in hospital clinics as the GTT requires being in hospital for over 2 hours
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Unfortunately HbA1c tests are NOT reliable for screening GDM and can often result in false negative results (it cannot result in a false positive result)
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If you have concerns that you have only been offered a HbA1c blood test and would like to make sure you do not have GDM, please discuss this with your midwife, or GP, or the antenatal diabetes team at your hospital. You can ask to self monitor blood glucose levels at home and report back the findings

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