Life
When you’re pregnant and a craving hits, I fully believe that you are not responsible for what you may do to satisfy that need. Whether it’s using your finger to scrape the last of the peanut butter out of the jar or eating your toddler’s only pack of cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve gotta do what you gotta do. The bad news about cravings? Well, Mick Jagger said it best — you can’t always get what you want. McDonald’s may be closed and no longer serving those chicken nuggets you want, or you may be suffering from a health condition that makes it hard for you to indulge in what you want. The trick is to fulfilling that craving within your health limits, even if you need brownie recipes for people with gestational diabetes.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, two to five percent of pregnant women experience gestational diabetes. Because your placenta is producing so many hormones, it can cause insulin resistance, making it hard for your body to regulate its sugar during pregnancy. This means avoiding a lot of sugar, carbohydrates, and fat, while focusing on meals that are high in fiber and protein. Sounds pretty impossible to get that brownie fix, right? But these seven brownie recipes are perfect for those with gestational diabetes. They are high in protein, low in carbs and sugar, and offer sweet alternatives like applesauce or sweet potato to bring you a fudgy, chocolatey treat.
1
Sweet Potato Brownies
Creamy, luscious chocolate brownies that are good for you? The Healthy Foodie has created these sweet potato brownies which feature unsweetened applesauce, avocado, and sweet potato making it a high protein and low carb favorite.
2
Sugar-Free Brownies
Made with almond meal, coconut flour, and unsweetened sugar free chocolate, these sugar free brownies from Sweet as Honey are the perfect treat if you’re suffering from gestational diabetes.
3
Black Bean Brownies
Black bean brownies are a favorite among vegans as they are absolutely loaded with protein, making them good for you, too! And with less than 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving, these black bean brownies from Oatmeal With a Fork can keep you satisfied and healthy.
4
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Low carb and sugar-free, these peanut butter swirl brownies from Preheat to 350 are out of this world. Fudgy with a rich chocolate taste, you’ll be happy you made these when that brownie craving hits.
5
Caramel Nut Brownies
With only 2.5 grams of carbs in a serving of these caramel nut brownies (including the caramel drizzle!) from I Breathe I’m Hungry, you don’t have to worry about watching your carbohydrate intake and can indulge in your craving.
6
Double Espresso Brownies
With 5.3 grams of carbs and 2.62 grams of fiber, these double espresso brownies from All Day I Dream About Food are guilt-free and give you the taste of coffee you’ve been missing during your pregnancy. Obviously, you should make these right now.
7
Dark Chocolate Brownie Batter Dip
If you’re anything like me, licking brownie batter off the spatula is half the point of making brownies. Thanks to Chocolate Covered Katie, you can have that taste in a sugar-free brownie batter dip made with garbanzo beans and dates, so it’s packed full of fiber and protein.
Images: Courtesy of Oatmeal With a Fork; The Healthy Foodie; Sweet as Honey; Preheat to 350; I Breathe I’m Hungry; All Day I Dream About Food; Chocolate Covered Katie
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