Certain routine tests are a part of your prenatal care when you’re expecting a bundle of joy. One of these routine tests is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test is designed to see how well your body processes glucose, or sugar, during pregnancy. A combination of the 1-hour and 3-hour OGTT is used to assess for and diagnose gestational diabetes. This condition can develop during pregnancy and affect both you and your baby. While it can feel daunting, it’s just data. The sooner you know your blood sugar numbers, the better we can manage them.
This test is usually conducted between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. It involves drinking a sweet, sugary drink called Glucola, followed by a blood test. Your blood samples are then used to determine how your body processes glucose and measure your blood glucose level. While gestational diabetes is not always preventable, the foods you eat do affect your blood sugar levels and play a large role in management.
Knowing that food impacts blood sugar levels, I’m asked several times per week, “What should I eat before my gestational diabetes test?” My answer may surprise you! To help you prepare, I’ve answered this question below and put together a round-up of gestational diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas that you can eat before your glucose test or any day during pregnancy! This way, you reduce the stress of your upcoming blood glucose test and feel more confident!
What To Eat For Breakfast Before Pregnancy Glucose Test
What to Eat Before 1 Hour Glucose Test
The one-hour glucose screening (OGTT) test requires minimal preparation. Unlike the 3-hour OGTT, the one-hour test does not require fasting beforehand. So, what should you eat before the test? My answer is always to eat what you would normally eat. We don’t want to try to “trick” the test. While it’s not ideal to eat a few donuts for breakfast right before the test, eating what you’d typically eat for breakfast gives us a true picture of what your blood sugar levels are looking like on a day-to-day basis.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea for everyone to create balanced meals with protein, fat, and fiber. This supports balanced blood sugar levels, energy, and feelings of fullness and is helpful on test day or not.
Whole Grain Toast with Nut Butter, Chia Seeds, and Berries
A slice of yummy whole-grain toast topped with natural nut butter, chia seeds, and berries provides a balance of fat, fiber, and some protein for a delicious breakfast the morning of your glucose test. I’d recommend pairing this with a few hard-boiled eggs for an additional boost of protein and choline. This is a great meal to eat about 2 hours before your test.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt is great for pregnancy. It is rich in protein and can be low in sugar if you choose the right option. I’d recommend choosing a plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for pregnancy and before the glucose test. Add a healthy handful of berries for extra flavor, natural sweetness, and fiber. A serving is about 6-8 ounces or one small container of Greek yogurt.
Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables
Scrambled eggs cooked with vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, and peppers will provide you with a hearty and delicious breakfast. It is sure to fuel your body any day, including test day. Eggs are a great source of protein and choline, while veggies add fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients. I recommend including at least three eggs scrambled with all the vegetables you’d like to enjoy.
Breakfast Tostada
Not only is a breakfast tostada totally delicious, but it also has lots of good-for-you nutrients. I like to do an almond flour tortilla with refried beans, eggs, avocado, and salsa. Be sure to include plenty of eggs for a solid amount of protein in your breakfast. While protein needs are individual, aiming for at least 30 grams of protein at breakfast is a great starting point for most people.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast will always be a winner in my eyes, pregnant or not. On top of whole grain or sourdough bread it is a very nutrient-dense option rich in healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs. The avocado also does a great job of helping to stabilize your blood sugar levels. I recommend sprinkling some hemp seeds over the avocado toast and adding eggs for more fiber, healthy fats, and protein!
What to Eat Before the 3-Hour Glucose Test
The three-hour gestational diabetes screening is a little different from the one-hour test. The three-hour OGTT will be completed after an overnight fast. This means you won’t eat anything for breakfast the morning of this test. In the days leading up to this test, you can still enjoy balanced meals and snacks like those above. With that said, here are a few balanced dinner ideas for the night before your overnight fast.
Chicken and Vegetable Sheet Pan Meal
I love a good sheet-pan meal because it is quick to make and helps reduce the number of dishes that need to be cleaned. Add chicken thighs coated in olive oil and fresh dill, plus diced zucchini, squash, and white onions, to a sheet pan. Bake at 400 F for 25-30 minutes (until chicken is fully cooked).
Salmon, Broccoli, and Ancient Grains
Parmesan-coated salmon, roasted broccoli, and a serving of ancient grains make for a filling and well-balanced dinner plate any day of the week. If you haven’t tried my 15-minute parmesan-coated salmon recipe for pregnancy, it’s a must-try.
Ground Beef Tacos
Tacos are always a good idea. Ground beef, veggies, salsa, avocado, and black beans, pilled into a tortilla or lettuce base, make for an easy and tasty dinner!
Free Meal Plan Recipe
If you’re looking for more meal ideas, download my FREE 7-day meal plan for pregnancy, which includes delicious and balanced breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.
Go into your blood glucose test with confidence with these meal ideas.
If your test results come back positive and you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes or asked to come back and do a 3-hour OGTT, try not to worry. While managing gestational diabetes is very important, the good news is that it CAN be well-managed for excellent outcomes for both mom and baby. Having up-to-date resources and education goes a long way toward confidently managing gestational diabetes.
In fact, you should check out my blog about how to effectively manage gestational diabetes without giving up the food you love. I also offer The Feel Good Gestational Diabetes program inside The Prenatal Nutrition Library, designed to help you lower your blood sugar without giving up your favorite foods!
Sign up for The Prenatal Nutrition Library today for complete peace of mind with clear, actionable guidance to support a healthy journey starting before conception.
