12 LOW-CARB SMOOTHIE IDEAS FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES DIET

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Hello, fellow moms navigating the gestational diabetes journey! Whether you’re following a low-carb diet for GD or simply looking for high-protein, low-carb options, I’m glad you’re here.

“Navigating pregnancy with gestational diabetes can be a bit like riding a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to meal choices. As someone who's been on the gestational diabetes journey, I understand the challenge of finding meals that are not only satisfying but also keep blood sugar levels steady. One lifesaver I found was creating delicious, low-carb smoothies—perfect for breakfast or as a snack!” - Julija, HIgedi Founder

Grab your blender, and let’s dive into 12 smoothie recipes that keep things flavorful without spiking your blood sugar levels!

Remember, every body reacts differently, and what works well for one person might not work for another. Pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes can be more sensitive to carbs, especially in the morning, so take note of how your body responds when adding fruit to your smoothies.

12 Low-Carb Smoothies for Blood Sugar Control

#1 Raspberry Coconut Smoothie

  • ½ cup frozen raspberries

  • ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt

  • 1/3 cup (80ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 tsp shredded coconut

  • Optional: ice, sweetener

  • Total Carbs: 12g

#2 Green Lime Avocado Smoothie

  • ½ lime, juiced

  • 1/3 avocado

  • 1 cup (20g) baby spinach

  • ½ cup (60g) cucumber

  • ½ tsp ginger

  • 1/3 cup (80ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • Total Carbs: 12g

#3 Blueberry Coconut Smoothie

  • 1/3 cup frozen blueberries

  • ½ cup (120ml) full-fat coconut milk

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 tsp chia seeds

  • Total Carbs: 13g

#4 Spinach Ginger Smoothie

  • ½ cup (120ml) full-fat coconut milk

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 cup (20g) spinach

  • ¼ banana

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • 1 tsp shredded coconut

  • Total Carbs: 13g

#5 Raspberry Avocado Smoothie

  • ½ cup raspberries

  • 1/3 avocado

  • ½ cup (120ml) frozen full-fat coconut milk

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • Total Carbs: 15g

#6 Kiwi Green Smoothie

  • 1 kiwi, skin on

  • 1 cup (20g) baby spinach

  • 1/3 cup (80ml) frozen full-fat coconut milk

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • Total Carbs: 15g

#7 Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

  • ½ cup sliced strawberries

  • ½ cup (120g) frozen Greek yogurt cubes

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 cup (20g) baby spinach

  • 1 tsp chia seeds

  • Total Carbs: 15g

#8 Raspberry Spinach Smoothie

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ cup frozen raspberries

  • 1 cup (20g) baby spinach (or sub kale +5g carbs)

  • 1 tbsp (16g) almond butter

  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon

  • Total Carbs: 14.5g

#9 Cashew Coconut Smoothie

  • 1 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • ¼ cup (28g) raw cashews

  • 1 cup (20g) baby spinach

  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut

  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice

  • Total Carbs: 16g

#10 Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

  • ½ cup (120ml) frozen full-fat coconut milk

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1 tbsp peanut butter

  • ¼ banana

  • Total Carbs: 20g

#11 Cauliflower Cocoa Smoothie

  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 cup (100g) frozen cauliflower florets

  • 1 tbsp (16g) almond butter

  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/3 frozen banana

  • Total Carbs: 22g

#12 Almond Banana Cocoa Smoothie

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ cup (120ml) frozen almond milk cubes

  • ¼ cup (32g) cashews

  • 1 cup (20g) baby spinach

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1/3 frozen banana

  • Total Carbs: 24g

Add-Ons and Toppings for Smoothies or Bowls

Here are 20 options to customize your smoothies and boost nutrition:

  1. Blueberries: 1 cup, 21g carbs

  2. Blackberries: 1 cup, 13g carbs

  3. Raspberries: 1 cup, 15g carbs

  4. Strawberries: 1 cup, 12g carbs

  5. Pecans: 1 cup, 14g carbs (4 net carbs)

  6. Macadamia Nuts: 1 cup, 20g carbs (8 net carbs)

  7. Walnuts: 1 cup, 8g carbs (6 net carbs)

  8. Hemp Hearts: 1 cup, 6g carbs (2 net carbs)

  9. Chia Seeds: 1 cup, 45g carbs (5 net carbs)

  10. Flax Seeds: 1 cup, 36g carbs (4 net carbs)

  11. Pumpkin Seeds: 1 cup, 11g carbs (9 net carbs)

  12. Shredded Coconut: 1 cup, 7g carbs (3 net carbs)

  13. Macadamia Nut Butter: 1 tbsp, 2g carbs

  14. Hazelnut Butter: 1 tbsp, 3g carbs

  15. Almond Butter: 1 tbsp, 3g carbs

  16. Pecan Butter: 1 tbsp, 2g carbs

  17. Peanut Butter: 1 tbsp, 3g carbs

  18. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 tbsp, 2g carbs

  19. Date: 1 date, 6g carbs

  20. Avocado: 1 avocado, 12g carbs

Smoothies might not be the first choice for those managing GD, but they’re a versatile option to help you meet nutritional needs. Here’s a tip: Many nutritionists consider nuts, seeds, and nut butters as “virtually carb-free” for GD-friendly eating, and categorize them under healthy fats.

Have you tried any of these smoothie recipes? Share your creations and let other mamas know what you’re blending up today in the HIgedi app! Together, we can support one another on this journey to manage gestational diabetes while enjoying delicious and nutritious options.