Nutrition & Well Being

There is never a better time to care about your eating habits then when you are creating a life. Good nutrition contributes to yours and your baby's overall well being. The good food you eat now will contribute to a long and healthy life for your little one, and have you feeling better physically and mentally when you need to most. Here is a guide that will help you along the way!

Drink Filtered water (and lots of it!). Ever wondered why tap water tastes like a pool? It has many possible contaminates including mercury, fluoride and aluminum. Drinking filtered water decreases the risk, is cheaper and more environmentally responsible than bottled water. On a side note, cold/hot water will shock the system. Room temperature water is quickly absorbed by the body giving you the most benefit when drinking it.

Eating organic foods is always ideal, it is especially important when you are pregnant. The hormones, pesticides, genetic modification and additives found in or on our fruits and veggies is harmful to our bodies on so many levels, let alone the effects on a developing human. It is understandable that none of us can go 100% organic due to cost and availability, but it is important that we at least educate ourselves on the issue. If you can not afford organics, you can still choose to eat healthy options from the choices you have available to you. Avoiding processed foods and focusing on protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables is key to a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Breaking unhealthy eating habits now is a great step towards becoming a healthier parent who will pass along better eating habits to their children. This isn't only about mom, it's about everyone in the home. It is always easier to change habits when those around us are supportive and participating in positive change. Encourage your support system to join you in your quest to becoming a healthier person. Let them know that their support and encouragement is vital to your success.

Since isn't always easy to buy organic, here is a list of which fruits and vegetables absorb more of whatever they are exposed to and which ones are OK to compromise on.

Dirty Dozen

Apple
Cherry
Grape
Nectarine
Peach
Pear
Raspberry
Strawberry
Bell Pepper
Celery
Kale
Lettuce
Carrot
Spinach

Clean Sixteen

Banana
Kiwi
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Watermelon
Asparagus
Avocado
Onion
Sweet Corn
Sweet Peas
Sweet Potato
Cabbage
Eggplant
Tomato
Broccoli

Also, check out your farmers Markets and Buy Local! It's not only 1,000 times fresher - it's usually quite a bit cheaper, too! Buying organic and eating healthy foods does not have to be more expensive if you are smart about what you buy. Choose the things that are most important and stick with that.

Meat and Dairy

Meat and dairy are two of the most important things not to compromise on. The growth hormones, steroids and by-products are simply not safe for constant consumption.

Meijer's has a great Organic line and it's often cheaper than regular name brands. I always visit the meat counter and buy the "Laura's Lean". You may not know this, but Naturewell meat only meets a 120 day affidavit. Therefore they can pump the cattle full of whatever until 120 days before they kill them. This is a prime example of why to read the labels or research your food. You may have already been paying .30 extra per pound for Naturewell and thought you were getting something you weren't. Laura's Lean usually runs around $3.99 a pound....but how much would you pay for one hamburger while out to eat? Meijer Organic Milk is $5.69 and their free range, organic eggs are $3.36 (currently) I also get eggs from Harvest Health that are from the Rakowski Family Farm. They are free range and never exposed to antibiotics, hormones or steroids and are only $2.19 a dozen. Plus, you can bring the carton back to Harvest Health for re-using!

Another great way to incorporate organic into your life is by buying frozen! When you buy frozen Organic fruits or veggies, consider this - they are frozen right after harvest, which means they are not loosing their freshness and nutrients on the journey to your local grocery store. This is an excellent option for those of us in the colder states when fresh fruits and veggies aren't available all year round. Meijer Organic frozen veggies are currently $2.49 a bag and often go on sale.

Yes, it may cost more to eat these things, but - think about what you are getting (or more importantly what you are not getting). It is to the benefit of yours and your child's health to eat food that is food.

The Truth About Ingredients:

It's important to read labels and know what you are putting in or on your body, pregnant or not. Avoid these ingredients and take time to learn more by researching this further as this is a generalization.

IN FOOD

MSG (monosodium glutamate)

Modified ingredients (GMO's)

Aspartame/Neotame (artificial sweetners)

IN PRODUCTS

All Sulfates

Mineral Oil

Parabens — Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl

Phthalates

Synthetic Colors

Synthetic Fragrances

Here is a partial list of foods that contain MSG. The list was compiled by Shoshanna Allison, M.T.P.:

Food Additives That ALWAYS Contain MSG

Monosodium Glutamate [MSG]
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein [HVP]
Hydrolyzed Protein; Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
Plant Protein Extract
Sodium Caseinate
Calcium Caseinate
Yeast Extract
Textured Protein (Including TVP)
Autolyzed Yeast
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
Corn Oil

Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG

Malt Extract
Malt Flavoring
Bouillon
Broth
Stock
Flavoring
Natural Flavors/Flavoring
Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring
Seasoning
Spices

Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins

Carrageenan
Enzymes
Soy Protein Concentrate
Soy Protein Isolate
Whey Protein Concentrate

So, get a piece of paper and write down these basic things to watch for and keep it with you in your purse or wallet. When in the grocery store, use it to reference the things that you have learned here!

Remember what your mom said, you really are what you eat! Here's to a healthier you!!

For More Information, Please Visit:

Everything you need to know about preventing and treating Pre-Eclampsia

Birthing Naturally Complete Nutrition Advice

Finding Organic Food/Products Anywhere in the US

A Guide To Michigan's Organic and Local Farms

West Michigan Farmers Co-op

Fulton Steet Farmers Market (Grand Rapids, MI)

Harmful Ingredients Info (cancertutor.com)

Truth In Labeling

Herbal Allies For Pregnant Women