Expecting? What to eat?
“I am expecting” these three words brings tremendous joy to the entire family and as soon as the news is shared, the focus shifts to the “would be mum” and “soon to arrive baby”.
It is a well known fact that nutrition and diet during pregnancy is of prime importance and this is also practiced in most cultures, however at times we ignore the healthy side of nutrition in pregnancy.
Research confirms, the age old myth of “Eating for two” is no more true and it also emphasizes the need for eating healthy during these times for both the “would be mum” and the “arriving child”.
During a recent consultation, my client’s Mum in Law stated “that feeding clarified butter (Ghee) can ease delivery, while this has not been proven; research states excessive fat and sugar intake may lead to insulin resistance in both the mother and the child which may result in making the baby fat causing complications and maybe a strenuous delivery too. Traditionally preparing foods loaded with fat and sugars for varied reasons may not have any significant value.
Another common myth is “Consuming full cream milk can get your baby a fair complexion”, again there is no scientific research supporting this, definitely the extra cream in the milk will get the “would be mum” those extra kilos which will possibly stay even after the baby arrives. It is of prime importance, that milk is consumed to get the additional calcium needed for the development of the baby’s bones; this can also be achieved through trim milk which at times contains more calcium than whole or full cream milk. Compare labels to know the difference, for more details on reading labels you can join one of the label reading tours, visit www.varshaasrani.com for more information.
A well balanced diet should be made up of all four food groups i.e. fruit & vegetables, breads & cereals, milk & milk products, and meat/fish/chicken/vegetarian protein. The diet should consist less of high-fat, high-sugar, low-nutrient foods and it is important throughout pregnancy to consume a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
Remember, during pregnancy your energy requirements does not double, so pregnancy isn’t an excuse to fill up on chocolates and chips!
Research highlights that important nutrient like folate has found to reduce the risk of spinal cord defects like spina bifida. Good sources of folate are green vegetables, legumes and citrus fruit as well as fortified cereals and fruit juice, however with these nutrients, when you consult your GP, they may prescribe a folic acid supplement (if needed).
Iodine is another important nutrient during pregnancy, for the baby’s brain development, good sources of iodine includes iodised salt, seaweed, seafood, dairy products, eggs and fish. It is important that you consult a health professional to identify the need and the right products.
Another area of prime importance during these times is the knowledge of food safety. Unfortunately some foods like pre-cooked meats and salads may cause food borne illnesses like listeria, food poisoning, which can be a cause for concern during pregnancy. Generally, hot well cooked fresh foods are best choices. For more details contact the NZ Food Safety Authority and / or a health professional.
This article is a general guideline ONLY. Please see a health professional for individual conditions and needs.
Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian. For personal consultations she can be contacted on 0210524353. For any questions, suggestions or views please email her on info@varshaasrani.com.
“I am expecting” these three words brings tremendous joy to the entire family and as soon as the news is shared, the focus shifts to the “would be mum” and “soon to arrive baby”.
It is a well known fact that nutrition and diet during pregnancy is of prime importance and this is also practiced in...
“I am expecting” these three words brings tremendous joy to the entire family and as soon as the news is shared, the focus shifts to the “would be mum” and “soon to arrive baby”.
It is a well known fact that nutrition and diet during pregnancy is of prime importance and this is also practiced in most cultures, however at times we ignore the healthy side of nutrition in pregnancy.
Research confirms, the age old myth of “Eating for two” is no more true and it also emphasizes the need for eating healthy during these times for both the “would be mum” and the “arriving child”.
During a recent consultation, my client’s Mum in Law stated “that feeding clarified butter (Ghee) can ease delivery, while this has not been proven; research states excessive fat and sugar intake may lead to insulin resistance in both the mother and the child which may result in making the baby fat causing complications and maybe a strenuous delivery too. Traditionally preparing foods loaded with fat and sugars for varied reasons may not have any significant value.
Another common myth is “Consuming full cream milk can get your baby a fair complexion”, again there is no scientific research supporting this, definitely the extra cream in the milk will get the “would be mum” those extra kilos which will possibly stay even after the baby arrives. It is of prime importance, that milk is consumed to get the additional calcium needed for the development of the baby’s bones; this can also be achieved through trim milk which at times contains more calcium than whole or full cream milk. Compare labels to know the difference, for more details on reading labels you can join one of the label reading tours, visit www.varshaasrani.com for more information.
A well balanced diet should be made up of all four food groups i.e. fruit & vegetables, breads & cereals, milk & milk products, and meat/fish/chicken/vegetarian protein. The diet should consist less of high-fat, high-sugar, low-nutrient foods and it is important throughout pregnancy to consume a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
Remember, during pregnancy your energy requirements does not double, so pregnancy isn’t an excuse to fill up on chocolates and chips!
Research highlights that important nutrient like folate has found to reduce the risk of spinal cord defects like spina bifida. Good sources of folate are green vegetables, legumes and citrus fruit as well as fortified cereals and fruit juice, however with these nutrients, when you consult your GP, they may prescribe a folic acid supplement (if needed).
Iodine is another important nutrient during pregnancy, for the baby’s brain development, good sources of iodine includes iodised salt, seaweed, seafood, dairy products, eggs and fish. It is important that you consult a health professional to identify the need and the right products.
Another area of prime importance during these times is the knowledge of food safety. Unfortunately some foods like pre-cooked meats and salads may cause food borne illnesses like listeria, food poisoning, which can be a cause for concern during pregnancy. Generally, hot well cooked fresh foods are best choices. For more details contact the NZ Food Safety Authority and / or a health professional.
This article is a general guideline ONLY. Please see a health professional for individual conditions and needs.
Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian. For personal consultations she can be contacted on 0210524353. For any questions, suggestions or views please email her on info@varshaasrani.com.
Leave a Comment