Eating for two? That’s one of the biggest myths of pregnancy. “Parents’ Perspective,” the award-winning weekly radio program tackles the issues in its “Nutrition for Pregnancy” podcast (available at www.parentsperspective.org).
The most current professional advice recommends that the average pregnant woman needs only 300 calories a day beyond her normal caloric intake. That’s the equivalent of a glass of milk and a sandwich! Of course, each woman’s doctor is always the final authority on diet, and caloric intake may vary depending on age and weight.
Also on the podcast, the authors of Eating for Pregnancy, chef Catherine Jones and dietician and perinatal nutritionist Rose Ann Hudson, have lots of tips for expectant moms. For example, there’s the skinny on “forbidden foods”: predatory fish – which contain high mercury levels – and any unpasteurized cheeses. Yogurt (pasteurized, of course) is on the “fave foods” list for all ages. The way it’s made allows even those who are lactose intolerant to enjoy this goody. And the calcium content of a 6 ounce serving equals 8ounces of 1%-2% milk.
Get everyone involved!
Healthy eating for expectant moms is healthy eating for the whole family. A day of nutrition-wise eating should include: four servings of dairy products, at least 2 servings of meat, fish, poultry, beans & eggs, 6-9 servings of grains, at least 4 portions of vegetables and 3 servings or more of fruits. And budget shopping doesn’t have to be nutrient-poor. Brown rice, sweet potatoes, kale, collard greens and any seasonal fruits are frugal and vitamin-filled additions to the fridge and pantry.
Salivating for more? The “Parents’ Perspective” website is rich with go-to material on all kinds of child-rearing issues. Meantime, hand out the popsicles and Italian ice to the ladies with the big tummies, and tell them to stay hydrated! And this season, here’s to good health for all!
Parents’ Perspective is a weekly radio show where experts are interviewed about a wide variety of child-rearing topics. You can listen and learn more by going to www.parentsperspective.org.
