Starting a family is such a wonderful experience. It’s also the beginning of a whole new journey of growing a new life in your tummy and then helping to look after a baby when so many changes are happening. It’s no wonder so many new mums are super cautious!
Of course soon- to-be mamas need to do their due diligence on this subject and their doctor and maternity nurse are the first point of call to go for sound advice.
I remember being there. I was in my late 20’s and hadn’t planned my pregnancies so I was even more taken aback. Back then, there were fewer rules. No alcohol was obvious, but I drank coffee, ate raw fish and soft cheeses and who knows what else. Lucky for me, my beautiful daughters were born healthy. But the risks need to be adhered to.
Foods we know NOT TO EAT when pregnant:
1) Raw, runny eggs - the risk of potential exposure to salmonella
2) Unpasteurized foods and drinks - eg soft cheese like brie, camembert, fermented drinks like kombucha (contain alcohol, bacteria, caffeine)
3) Alcoholic drinks - No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy
4) High mercury fish - consumed of mercury during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. Eg shark, swordfish and tuna.
5) Smoked Fish & Pate - Risk to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage
6) Raw fish - eg sushi, oysters, for risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella
7) Deli meats - eg ham, salami. Risk to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage
8) Too much caffeine - avoiding coffee in the first trimester is recommended. There are mixed studies regarding moderate to no use of caffeine during all semesters
9) Undercooked meat - risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella
10) Unwashed vegetables - risk the contamination of toxoplasmosis. Please wash well before cooking.
(please ask your doctor for the full list of foods to avoid)
The thing is, we know that eating well-balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. To ensure a healthy pregnancy eat fresh whole foods. This means eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and your choice of protein (this includes tofu if you’re vegetarian or vegan).
It’s also good to keep up with regular exercise (walking daily for 20-30 mins can be enough) and getting plenty of rest (you’re going to need it).
Smoothie Bombs contain primarily health-supporting ingredients like organic LSA , a combination of almond, linseed and sunflower seed that provides energy providing B vitamins, brain-growing omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E for skin health.
There is also organic coconut which is high in potassium, magnesium and protein and is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium and Vitamin C. We use organic coconut syrup as a natural sweetener along with organic dried fruits like apricots, figs, dates, cranberries, goji berries and sultanas. These contain fiber and a variety of vitamins to support wellbeing.
Superfoods such as spirulina and matcha are highly beneficial during pregnancy and can be found in our Super Green Smoothie Bombs. The Acai powder in our Super Berries Smoothie Bomb is rich in antioxidants and hemp seeds in Vanilla Hemp Smoothie Bomb contains numerous nutrients, including folic acid.
Once your precious baby is born, then things get a little simpler. According to Breastfeeding Australia, ‘A sensible balanced diet is the key. You also do not need to avoid any particular foods.’ They go on to say that excluding commonly known allergens from the mother’s diet when pregnant or breastfeeding does not prevent babies from developing allergies.
During breastfeeding still keep a check on your coffee intake. It’s not yet time to go back to 3 coffees a day but a morning coffee is totally fine, and a morning smoothie using our Iced Coffee smoothie booster is even better :)
We have a wonderful community of mums who enjoy our Smoothie Bombs boosters from pregnancy to breastfeeding and then later on when making smoothies for their toddlers. After all, the whole idea of making family life easier is how these balls of goodness came to be.
Yours in health,
(BHSc Nutritional Medicine)
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials.
References:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/your-baby-arrives/breastfeeding-faqs