Gina Giarmo, M.Ed.
Certified GAPS Coach
NTP in training
My goal is to teach you how to help your body heal & grow with nutrient-dense, delicious foods and simple lifestyle shifts that will leave you and your child feeling empowered and joyful.
GAPS Diet Do’s & Don’ts During Pregnancy
Understanding the GAPS Diet:
The Full GAPS diet can be a valuable dietary approach during pregnancy, as it focuses on nourishing the body with nutrient-dense foods and supports gut health.
It’s essential to choose Full GAPS over the Introductory Phase during pregnancy to avoid potential detoxification risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your dietary choices align with your individual needs and the health of your developing baby. Remember, the healthiest pregnancy diet is one that prioritizes the well-being of both you and your little one.
Hi, I’m Gina! I’m a Certified GAPS Coach and soon to be Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) who helps people add nutrient dense & delicious foods to their diet befoer, during & after pregnancy. I’d love to meet you! Schedule a free consultation today so we can get started!
The GAPS diet, developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, is designed to heal and seal the gut lining, promoting overall health and well-being. It focuses on temporarily removing foods that can be problematic for the gut, such as processed foods, grains, and sugars, while emphasizing nutrient-dense, whole foods.
GAPS can be approached two ways: the 6 stage GAPS Intro Diet, or Full GAPS. During pregnancy, it's important to exercise caution and follow Full GAPS over the Introduction stages.
Why Choose Full GAPS Over Intro During Pregnancy?
Avoiding Detoxification Overload: The Intro phase of the GAPS diet is known to be detoxifying. It's intended to eliminate toxins and pathogens from the body, which can be beneficial for many individuals. However, during pregnancy, this intense detoxification can pose risks. When toxins are released from the mother's body, they may be passed to the developing baby, potentially causing harm.
Maintaining Nutrient Balance: Pregnancy is a time when the body needs an abundance of nutrients to support fetal development. The Full GAPS diet focuses on nutrient-dense foods like meat stock & bone broth, organic meats, vegetables, and healthy fats. It ensures that both the mother and baby receive essential vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and health.
Balancing Blood Sugar: The Intro phase of the GAPS diet can be low in carbohydrates, which may lead to unstable blood sugar levels. This can be particularly problematic during pregnancy, as stable blood sugar is vital for the well-being of both the mother and baby. Full GAPS includes a wider variety of carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, making it a more balanced choice.
How to Follow Full GAPS During Pregnancy
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Emphasize foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients like:
Eggs yolks (from pasture-raised chickens)
Organ meats
Meat stock & warming stews with well-cooked veggies
Quality proteins (such as grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish), and fats (like ghee, tallow, lard, coconut oil, and olive oil) into your meals
Homemade fermented dairy or coconut kefir, yogurt & cream
Plenty of organic vegetables - focus on cooked vegetables & warm meals, but raw is okay as tolerated
Sauerkraut, vegetable medley & other fermented foods
Include Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt can provide beneficial probiotics that support getting your gut in balance while you grow your baby. These can be safely included in your Full GAPS diet.
Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is crucial during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water with a touch of mineral salt and herbal teas to maintain proper hydration levels.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals and cravings. If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms while following the Full GAPS diet, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Find out more about GAPS during pregnancy in Dr. Natasha’s yellow book! This post is not a substitute for dietary advice.
“Gina sat down with me and my husband and explained how different GAPS foods could help support me while navigating gut issues during my 2nd trimester. She helped me figure out easy meal prep that took care of me through my pregnancy.
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You don’t have to do this alone, and I’d love to help. Together, we’ll:
1
Learn about your goals.
We’ll talk about your current symptoms, and flexibility to make changes
2
Meet your needs.
We’ll choose which version of GAPS works for you and get you everything you need to be fed well & succeed.
3
Make some shifts.
We’ll start your plan & pay close attention to your symptoms, shifts & next steps.
How I Got to GAPS
Some of my earliest memories are standing on a wobbly stool, mixing and measuring with a family friend who taught me how to cook from scratch. Raised as a vegetarian before it was cool, I transitioned to a mostly vegan diet while living in a housing co-op as a student at UC Berkeley where I studied psychology. That’s right when my health began to take a nosedive.
After graduating, I helped launch, “The Farmhouse,” a co-op in Berkeley, where we raised two dozen chickens. During these years, I explored a career as a children’s cooking teacher, worked as an intern with The Good Food Awards, and helped small farms and food businesses raise money as a food and farm focused crowdfunding consultant. Then one day at age 26, I couldn’t get myself down the stairs.
My whole life I thought it was normal to have aching, unstable joints, to be bloated after eating, to have trouble remembering words and struggle with depression and anxiety, along with an eating disorder. When I correctly diagnosed myself with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, an acupuncturist & naturopath begged me to start eating meat. So I finally made myself a batch of meat stock.
After the first sip, my brain turned on in a way it never had before. I spent the next few months slowly incorporating stews and probiotic foods into my diet, until I garnered up enough strength and healing to begin teaching preschool.
I discovered the GAPS protocol when I was working with a nutritionist while getting my master’s degree in education and teaching elementary school. I was so exhausted, I could barely get through the day and crashed the second I got home.
After nine months of trying GAPS all on my own, I enlisted the help of a GAPS coach. I relearned how to cook, and have found ways to keep homemade cooking sustainable with a busy schedule. With my coach’s support, I healed my chicken egg and dairy allergy, and experienced the first of many pain free days.
After supporting friends through GAPS, and dealing with the repercussions of sugar crazed students, I decided to turn my passion for nourishing food into a career. With my background as a teacher, I’m particularly good at helping families make the switch to a more nutrient dense diet and keeping it fun for kids. I’ve experienced first-hand how this protocol can change lives, and am dedicated to helping others on this journey.