Diet, Dieting & Pregnancy

The answer: "No. NOT a restricted diet. HOWEVER, implementing a healthier diet of natural foods will render a healthier mother AND baby - whether breastfeeding or pregnant.

Restricting calories and carbs while pregnant OR breastfeeding places the mother in jeopardy. The body must have 'x' amount of nutrients per day, which is pulled from the foods in the daily diet. When the nutrients aren't supplied naturally, the body goes to other sources that are stored within, and over a period of time, the storehouse may become depleted.

Although pregnancy and breastfeeding may seem like an eternity, it's merely a blip in time and will pass. During this time, try to keep in mind that EVERYONE is actually on a diet - a daily diet per say.

The following diet tips may help with your daily diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding months:

When reaching for a dessert, reach for fruit.

When fishing for fish in your daily diet, avoid swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and shark which may contain a higher level of mercury than other fish. There has been a Fish War in battle for the last few years in the Health World regarding the safe number of fish that one can eat per week. Most fish are high in Omega 3's which benefit the heart. As the war rages, we recommend that you ask your doctor about your safe dose of fish per week during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Skinny vegetables become weighted down in butter, cream sauces and cheese. Season your vegetables with natural spices and ask your doctor about the no calorie butter sprays and any seasonings that you should avoid.

Milk your daily diet for all it's worth! Reach for healthy milk rather than carbonated water, sugary beverages, tea and coffee.

Hide the salt shaker and enjoy foods without adding additional salt. Sodium contributes to swelling due to water retention and creates additional pressure on the mother-to-be.