Book Review: Real Food for Gestational Diabetes

Lily Nichols’ Real Food for Gestational Diabetes aims to challenge conventional dietary advice for GDM, promoting a lower-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense approach. Written by a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, the book draws on emerging research and clinical experience to advocate for personalised nutrition strategies to optimise blood glucose control.

The text is clearly written and practical, with meal suggestions and straightforward explanations of blood sugar responses to different foods. Nichols consistently references scientific literature, though some cited studies are small-scale or observational, requiring cautious interpretation. That said, her emphasis on evidence-based practice and critical evaluation of mainstream guidelines is both refreshing and thought-provoking.

For midwives, this book offers a useful insight into an alternative nutritional approach increasingly discussed among expectant parents. It encourages collaborative care, suggesting diet can often reduce the need for pharmacological intervention — a perspective that may align with midwifery models of promoting physiological birth and maternal autonomy.

However, it is important to note that some dietary recommendations diverge from established guidelines, particularly regarding carbohydrate intake. Midwives should be mindful of individual care plans and local protocols when discussing this book with women.

Overall, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes provides a balanced, practical resource grounded in nutritional science, making it a worthwhile addition to a midwife’s professional library — particularly for those supporting women seeking dietary strategies alongside clinical care.