About
Hi, Mama! My name is Traci Houston – a mother of two incredible children, just trying to figure it all out. I created this space with a mission in mind: to relieve a good portion of your stress as you go through gestational diabetes.
I was in the same spot – diagnosed, upset, confused, etc. – resources and education were sparse. Two years and two babies later, I decided to fill the gap in resources to help inform and empower you! Because when you have the right tools you’re destined for success.
On this site you’ll find recipes, meal plans, helpful tips, guides, nutrition information and more as it relates to gestational diabetes and pregnancy. Generally, recipes will be low skill and made from common kitchen ingredients and equipment. From the feedback the previous mothers have given me, meal planning and cooking are the top two stressors.
The plan is in place, so come back often to see how things are developing and how I can help.
Secondary to providing you with meal plans and pre-cooked meals, informing and emphasizing the importance of prenatal nutrition is a passion. “If I knew then what I know now…” That’s what I think as I learn more and more about how the foods we eat effect our babies’ lives. Food truly is the vehicle to optimal health in ALL cases! Prenatal vitamins don’t make up for what’s lacking in diet, and OB/GYN’s aren’t required to know or counsel us on nutrition for Baby’s development and our changing bodies. That means it’s imperative that we seek out and spread the wealth of prenatal nutrition knowledge.
As mothers we take care of everyone and everything else, but I am here to serve you #CauseMamasGottaEatToo.
My Story
In the midst of what was the most hectic time in my life, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in my first pregnancy. I was also in culinary school and had just started baking class! The diagnosis dropped like a bomb. The concern for her health was a hovering storm cloud, and trying to fathom a lifestyle change at that point was beyond overwhelming. Discouraged and confused after leaving the nutritionist’s office, I went home and googled ‘gestationaldiabetes.com’ and ‘gestationaldiabetesdiet.com’. To my surprise, neither site existed. Even more confused, I read a few of the results from a Google search but ended feeling no more informed than before searching.
Fast forward two years, after delivering a healthy baby, and another 13 months later without a gestational diabetes diagnosis, it occurred to me that other moms go through the exact circumstances I faced. Those feelings of wanting to provide for and protect Baby, but feeling overwhelmed and defeated are emotions that probably every gestational diabetes mother goes through. So, I created The Gestational Diabetic brand to serve the community. It started as an idea for a cookbook and very quickly morphed into a brand that is determined to establish familiarity and trust, address the needs and relieve stress.
All of this just started in April 2018, so I’m working (as much as these two toddlers will let me) to get you relevant content and recipes that look like what you eat every day. There’s a lot on the horizon! I would be super appreciative if you follow this journey with me! You can sign up for my emails or just check back regularly. I really like Instagram for communicating with you guys and making mommy friends. <3 Here’s my IG page.
A Little More About Me
My adulthood consisted mostly on being an Airman in the Air Force for almost 10 years. I was able to get a Bachelor’s in Health Administration (that I never used), live in Europe and Japan, and meet amazing people that I consider family. When I separated in 2014 I pursued a culinary degree and now that I’m blogging about gestational diabetes, I’ve taken some courses for nutrition. By the way, I know that timeline of everything mentioned on this page doesn’t add up, but it’s way too much to list so if you’re interested just drop me a note here and I’ll explain it.
On the flip side, I’m a total goof and I’m instantly won over with any “The Office” reference. I love business and entrepreneurship and I absolutely love to see others succeed. I will always cheer anyone aspiring to reach goals for self-fulfillment. <3 If you share any of these interests I would love to connect with you! Send me an email at thegestationaldiabetic@gmail.com.