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Preparing for baby
Most women don't understand the importance of establishing healthy eating and lifestyle habits before becoming pregnant. It's rare that great nutritional advice is provided to women until after they've conceived, and the Western lifestyle often leads to unhealthy and out-of-balance choices.
The first question to ask your doctor is: What does the body require to have a healthy pregnancy? Start with the whole-food concept. To eat a balanced diet, we should understand that living a "whole-foods" rather than a "processed" lifestyle is best for you and your future baby.
Start With Whole Foods
- Proteins and iron are important,
preferably derived from organic, grass-fed, or hormone- and antibiotic-free
beef, lamb and poultry. Eggs will provide vitamin A. Additional sources of
iron can be found in wheat germ, bran, nuts, parsley and molasses. Essential
fatty acids and protein can be found in fatty fish (salmon, black cod, etc.).
Fish oil supplements should be a part of the regimen as well.
- Dairy products are a great source
of calcium and protein, but your diet should be balanced with other healthy
calcium sources such as soy products, nuts, seaweed products, wheat germ or
wheat bran.
- Beans, legumes and green leafy
vegetables provide fiber, protein and other essential vitamins for a healthy,
balanced diet.
- Folic acid and vitamin B are
addressed with a diet of whole grains, nuts and dairy products.
Monounsaturated fats also can be found in nuts and avocados. Berries provide
antioxidants, additional vitamins and phytonutrients.
When considering dietary changes, remember that living foods do not come in boxes or packages. They will not be found in the aisles of your grocery store, but in the meat, dairy and produce section.
A "wellness pregnancy" shouldn't start once you become pregnant; it should start four to 12 months prior to conceiving. One of the first things you should do after deciding to have a baby is ask your doctor for nutritional advice.
The saying is true: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A great nutritional start to your day should include protein, vegetables and legumes. For example, a scrambled egg with lightly steamed spinach and black beans wrapped in a whole-grain tortilla is an easy way to fuel your body.
Throughout the day, you should eat healthy snacks to keep your energy up. Healthy snacks for women include raw nuts, fruits, and dairy and soy products. For example, a handful of raw almonds and a slice of apple or a slice of avocado mixed with black beans is a much healthier choice than a diet soda and a few cookies.
Changing your eating and drinking lifestyle is vital for your health and the health of your future baby. With all the unhealthy choices out there, it's important to make the right choices now, not after you're pregnant. And implementing a healthier eating lifestyle and making it part of your everyday living could have a huge impact on how you feed your entire family.
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