Diet for gestational diabetes Principle 1: Do not increase calories in the first trimester, and increase by 300 calories/day in the second trimester according to the pre-pregnancy calorie requirement. It is not advisable to lose weight during pregnancy. Principle 2: Pay attention to the distribution of meals. To maintain a stable blood glucose level and avoid ketosis, divide small and frequent meals into 5 to 6 meals. Take a snack before bedtime. Principle 3: The intake of sugar is to provide calories, maintain normal metabolism, and avoid ketosis. It should not be mistaken that not eating starch can control blood sugar or weight and not eating at all; rather, you should try to avoid sugary drinks and sweet foods, which can avoid rapid blood sugar increase after meals. You are advised to try to choose unrefined staple foods with high fiber content. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes have higher blood glucose levels in the morning’ therefore breakfast starchy foods must be less. Principle 4: Focus on protein intake. If you have taken enough nutrients before pregnancy, you do not need to increase your protein intake in the first trimester, but in the middle and second trimesters, you need to increase the amount of protein by 6 grams and 12 grams per day, half of which should come from high physiological value proteins such as eggs, milk, dark red meat, fish and soy milk, tofu and other soy products. It is best to drink at least two glasses of milk every day to get enough calcium, but never drink milk as water to avoid high blood sugar. Principle 5: Be careful with oils and fats. Use vegetable oil as the main cooking oil, reduce deep-fried, fried, crispy food, as well as animal skin, fatty meat, etc. Principle 6: Consume more high-fiber foods such as brown rice or grain rice instead of white rice, increase the intake of vegetables, and eat fresh fruit instead of fruit juice, etc. This can delay the rise of blood sugar, help control blood sugar, and make you feel fuller. But do not eat unlimited amounts of fruit.