Postprandial Response to Almond Consumption in Overweight Hispanic Pregnant Women

Currently, about one third of all women entering pregnancy are obese. The prevalence of metabolic disorders during pregnancy has increased concurrently with the rise in maternal obesity. Although dietary interventions are used routinely to reduce metabolic disease in non-pregnant obese individuals, no specific dietary advice is provided to obese, pregnant women unless they develop gestational diabetes mellitus. In this study, the investigators will specifically assess the effect of replacing dairy fats with almonds in a breakfast meal on the postprandial metabolic response. This cross-over, randomized control trial will examine the postprandial metabolic response to 0 or 2 oz of almonds in standardized test meals in pregnant Hispanic women with prepregnancy BMI between 25 and 40. Hispanics are at higher risk for gestational diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The investigators hypothesize that consuming almonds in place of dairy fat reduces the glycemic response and improves the postprandial lipid profile in these high-risk women.

After consuming the breakfast meal markers for glucose intolerance will be measured at the time points listed

After consuming the breakfast meal satiety markers will be measured at the time points listed. Satiety questionnaires will also be given at the listed time points and food intake from a buffet will be measured.

Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant Hispanic women Between 30 and 36 weeks gestation Prepregnancy BMI between 25 and 40 Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus Preexisting diabetes mellitus Renal disease Thyroid disease Cardiovascular disease History of drug abuse Nut allergies