Nutrition: This for That

Start thinking about how to eat differently in order to maintain your health and the health of your growing baby even before you become pregnant. It is really important to prepare your body ahead of time to allow for the best environment for your growing baby and so that you feel your best while pregnant. Changing your bad eating habits can even increase fertility.

Below are just a few foods and ingredients that are a little more healthful than the usual. Of course, I recommend organic as much as possible, especially during pregnancy.

*Honey or Agave Nectar for Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners
*Ground Turkey for Beef
*Juiced Frozen Mango Puree or a Fruit Smoothie for Ice Cream
*Brown Rice for White Rice
*Spelt, Whole Wheat, or Brown Rice Pasta for Regular Pasta
*Rice Crackers or Brown Rice Cakes for Chips and Crackers
*Whole Grain Carrot or Zucchini Muffins, Cookies, and Bread for Cookies, Cakes, and Bakery Items
*Avocado Dip, Hummus, Salsa for Dressings and Rich, Creamy Dips
*Plain Yogurt with Nuts/Dried Fruit/Granola and Sweetened with Agave Nectar for Ice Cream
*Garlic Cloves, Pepper, Lemon or Lime Juice, and other low sodium spices and herbs for Salt

PLUS LOTS OF:
Veggies (raw and steamed) and Fruits (raw and dried): carrots, broccoli, zucchini, squash, raw dark leafy greens, beets, cabbage, apples, bananas, plums, pineapple, mango, peaches, blueberries, apricots, grapes, oranges, pears, and grapefruits. EAT THE RAINBOW!

Protein: beans, lean meats such as wild caught tilapia and salmon, turkey, and chicken, and yogurt.

Grains/Carbohydrates: brown rice, spelt, whole wheat, and multi whole grains.

Fats: avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

And....drink Water! Water! Water! Try for a gallon a day while pregnant, especially during the hot, summer months. A gallon will be drinking about 1 liter every 2 hours during a 12 hour day. It will also be important to limit, if not totally eliminate, caffeine while pregnant and trying to conceive. That includes: coffee, soda, tea, and energy drinks.

Frequent small meals are important during pregnancy. Planning ahead and packing healthful snacks for on the go or at work is key to maintaining your appetite and energy.