Building confidence with carbs

This is part two of our four-part nutrition series with dietitian Megan Core from Joy Nutrition Studio.Carbs are usually the first thing that gets put under the microscope after a gestational diabetes diagnosis - but cutting them out isn't the answer. In this episode, Megan breaks down what carbohydrates actually are, how they work in your body, and why glucose is essential fuel during pregnancy.We cover the difference between simple and complex carbs, how the glycemic index works, what typical carb targets look like for GDM, and how to spread them across the day to avoid those big spikes and crashes. Plus - practical meal and snack ideas, a fridge hack worth knowing about, and why sleep and stress can affect your blood sugar just as much as what you eat.Find Megan at joynutritionstudio.com.au or on Instagram @joy.nutrition.studio.Full shownotes: https://heygestie.com/blogs/podcast/ep-9-building-confidence-with-carbsChapters00:00 Introduction: Let’s talk about carbs00:54 What are carbohydrates?02:01 Why your body needs glucose02:55 Why you shouldn’t restrict carbs05:58 Ketones and gestational diabetes07:06 Simple vs complex carbohydrates10:00 Why high GI carbs can be deceptive11:38 Understanding the Glycemic Index (GI)14:15 How many carbs do you actually need?17:54 Measuring carbs: cooked or uncooked?18:44 What 45g of carbs looks like21:19 Can cooling carbs reduce spikes?22:28 Easy snack ideas for GD24:51 Why am I still hungry?28:26 What to do when something spikes you28:48 Other things that affect blood sugar