The beautiful art of growing a healthy, baby requires many minerals & nutrients. In addition to keeping your developing bundle happy, getting in the habit of eating nutritious foods now will set you up to continue to make good food choices even after you deliver.
So what does your baby really want? Chances are, it’s not pickles & ice cream. I’m here to be your “belly whisperer” & let you in on the baby babble. Here’s a very important message that your growing bundle of joy wants to share with you:
Dear mommie,
I can’t wait to see you! Thank you for your warmth and giving me a comfortable place to stay until it’s time for my grand entry into the world. Until then, I still have a lot of growing to do. That’s where you come in! Sometimes it can be confusing trying to figure out what nutrients we need and what foods to eat in order to get enough. I don’t really get out much, so I’ve teamed up with the Doc to give you some yummy ideas of foods you should look for to keep us well nourished and prepared for my debut!
Here is what I’ll be needing the most:
(a) healthy proteins
(b) B vitamins & especially folate (B9),
(c) healthy fats ( like omega-3),
(d) plenty of fiber
(e) iron
(f) and don’t forget the calcium.
With the help of my buddy, Dr. Roselynde Bryant, I have identified 5 foods, accompanied by delicious recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and meet our nutrient needs.
#1 Fish:
Salmon is a great source of protein and healthy fat (omega-3) Wild, Alaskan salmon is the best choice, but you should eat no more than 12 oz per week. You can have it grilled, baked, or add it to some fresh greens as a salad topping! Check out this mouth-watering recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/super-simple-salmon/….
#2 Beans & Peas:
Don’t be fooled by size, these tiny things pack a powerful punch (kind of like me!). They are a great source of fiber, calcium, iron, and folate. I know the pressure of carrying me may slooow things in the bowel department, but with adequate daily eating of fiber there’s a better chance of keeping things in smooth transit. Besides, I’m going to need all the room I can get. Here is a tasty white bean dip recipe that you should try: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/white-bean-dip-recipe.html
#3 Nuts:
Walnuts are a great source of protein and Omega-3. You can sprinkle atop a fresh salad or add into this trail mix recipe for a great on- the- go snack. Mix walnuts with dried figs, sesame seeds, & pretzels for a dynamic snack.
#4 Veggies:
When it comes to vegetables, mom, eat the rainbow! You should definitely give sweet potatoes a go. They are full of vitamin C, folate (B9) and fiber. They’re a powerhouse of nutrition. This recipe is definitely worth a try! http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/sweet-potato-pie-smoothies/
#5 Remember I mentioned salads?
Well, using dark, leafy greens such as kale and spinach will give us lots of nutritional bang for your buck! They contain minerals like calcium, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium & vitamins C, K, E, and B.
I realize that you are busy making preparations for me and doing other things so the recipes are quick to assemble and some can be made ahead of time and eaten throughout the week. I want things to be convenient for you mom, we need your rest.
Happy Mothers’ Day, mom. You’re the best!
Love,
Your loving, genius baby
As you are in preparations to pamper your new arrival, don’t forget to pamper yourselves with the above foods and recipes.
It’s been my pleasure to relay this message to you moms-to-be, stay tuned for more messages in the near future.
Until next time, have a happy, healthy pregnancy!
