Healthy Holiday Eating for Moms-to-Be

Good times shared with family and friends are the best aspect of the holiday season. These good times are often accompanied by good food: traditional family recipes made only once a year, or the latest gourmet specialty made for a celebration.

Enjoy the holidays and all the festivities, but don’t neglect your basic nutritional needs during this busy time. Consider that eating well may be the best present you can give your baby!

Here are some pointers provided by S. D., registered dietitian (R.D.), from the food and nutrition services department of the Health Alliance:

• Be sure to continue to eat a balanced variety of foods each day, including:
  • Dairy products for calcium and protein
  • Whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals and fiber
  • Meats, fish or dried beans for protein
• If heartburn is a problem, go easy on the highly seasoned, rich or fatty foods.
• Don’t let a busy schedule cause you to skip meals! Many pregnant women find they feel best when they eat small, frequent meals or snacks.
• Even though you are avoiding alcohol, you can still have a festive beverage. Try a juice spritzer, hot spiced cider or a small glass of eggnog.

If your doctor has advised moderate exercise for you, continue to make time for that activity. It can help promote good circulation, maintain muscle tone and aid in keeping holiday stress at bay.

You might find that all the festivities cause you to gain weight faster than recommended (on average, two to four pounds during the first trimester, then approximately one pound per week). If that happens, emphasize lower fat items at your meals: baked or broiled lean meats and fish, skim or low fat milk, fruits and vegetables; lower fat desserts such as frozen yogurt or sherbet or angel food cake. Enjoy those special treats in moderation!

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