eating for two

Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Tips & Tricks | February 19, 2009

Ask any mother what her favourite food was during pregnancy  and you’ll get a list as diverse as rice, grapefruit and french fries.  Our hunger and cravings are a dramatic outward manifestations of the changes happening within.  Baby is making his or her presence known, and along with the hunger comes the responsibility of making healthy choices for two.

Making good food choices in pregnancy can be confusing.  You may be worried about gaining too much weight or eating the right balance of foods.  Or, if you’re stricken with morning sickness, you may worry about not being able to keep anything down at all.  Pregnancy is an opportunity to listen to the needs of both your body and your baby, making choices that will nurture you both.

Here are a few simple tips to keep both you and your growing baby well nourished:

• Water: It’s not always easy to remember to drink enough, especially in the colder months.  Need more flavour? Try adding a little lemon juice, or mint tea.  Nutritionist Stephanie Hodges of Vitalis suggests taking little sips with meals to help prevent heartburn.

• Healthy Fat: Hodges also encourages using healthy sources of fat such as butter, coconut oil, or unrefined cold-pressed olive oil with every meal. The bonus?  You’ll feel more satisfied and better able to digest your meal’s nutrients.

• Eat More: Not more food, more often, it’s one of the best ways to stay on top of nausea. Try to have six small meals through the day.  Keep it simple.   Snacks such as hardboiled eggs and almonds are good – and easy -  choices.

• Be Gentle with Yourself: Growing babies are very, very good at getting the nutrients they need.   Eat what you can, make good choices when you can, and on the days you end up devouring ice cream, enjoy it and just balance it out the next day….

Here’s an easy recipe for a yummy pregnant treat that also makes a great postpartum boost:

Raw Truffles*

1. Puree one handful of dates with one handful of almonds until the form a coarse blend
2. Mix in 1 TBSP maple syrup or honey and 2 TBSP cocoa or carob powder
3. Blend until the mixture forms a ball, adding a trickle of water if needed
4. Roll into small balls for snacks

*Warning: these can be addictive

Looking for family-friendly events around the Lower Mainland this weekend? Check out yoyomama’s great list of happenings.