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Veggie Pregnancy

"I do feel that spiritual progress does demand at some stage that we should cease to kill our fellow creatures for the satisfaction of our bodily wants."

- Mohandas Gandhi



Articles & Recent News

2.18.11 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important nutrient for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Omega-3 fatty acids help in developing your baby's retinas, neurological function, and nervous system.

Women who have an Omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy have a greater risk of developing preeclampsia, pre-term labor, and postpartum depression. Omega- 3 deficiency also increases your risk of having a low birth weight baby and a C-section.

The problem is that when you read most pregnancy books and magazines they focus on fish as the primary source for Omega-3 fatty acids. This makes no sense considering that there are plenty of great (safe) vegetarian sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and the mercury content in fish can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Here is a list of vegetarian/vegan sources of Omega-3 fatty acids:


2.13.11 - Stay On Target

Researchers found that women who gained more than the recommended amount of weight during their pregnancies had a 40% increased risk of cesarean section.

There have also been some studies that suggest that women who are overweight have longer labors.

The March of Dimes website is very helpful. It breaks down how much weight you should gain depending on what weight category you were in before pregnancy.

2.4.11 - Spice It Up!

A study conducted by the USDA and Pakistani researchers found that diabetics who consumed 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon daily for two months reduced their LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 27% and their triglycerides by as much as 30%. Their blood sugar levels also decreased by up to 29%.

This may be a good, natural alternative for women with gestational diabetes who are trying to lower their blood sugar.

I try to sneak cinnamon into my diet wherever I can. I put it in protein shakes, hot chocolate and my granola.

1.29.11 - Super Foods For A Healthy Pregnancy & Lactation

What you eat makes a big difference in how you feel physically and emotionally while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your diet also directly affects the health of your baby. Vegetarian women must take extra care to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need in order for mother and baby to thrive.

I experienced a major difference between my two pregnancies. During my first pregnancy, I frequently ate out because I did not feel like cooking. Although fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains made up a large part of my diet, I did not pay attention to protein and fat. Consequently, my blood sugar levels were unstable, causing me to be forgetful, lightheaded, moody, and tired. I was consistently underweight in my pregnancy and I went into labor six weeks early. Fortunately, my baby and I were fine.

My second pregnancy was much better. I rarely dined out. (I did have a toddler, after all.) I studied books on pregnancy nutrition and came up with a good eating plan. I regularly ate concentrated protein foods like tempeh, tofu, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and homemade yogurt. I also ate a lot of dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains & cultured foods.

I thrived during this pregnancy. My weight gain was always right at the recommended levels. I had energy; I was clearheaded; and I felt good. I kept a food log that my midwife reviewed at every prenatal appointment. She was so impressed that she passed the log on to her other vegetarian clients to give them ideas for nourishing meals.

My second daughter was born close to her due date. There was some stress on the baby during the birth because of a minor complication, so when my daughter emerged she was slightly blue, but within seconds she returned to normal color. My midwife said my baby was able to recover so quickly because she was well nourished.

1.16.11 - Is White Rice Healthier Than Brown Rice?

Did you know that white rice has 10 times as much folic acid as brown rice?

I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's true.

1/2 cup cooked white rice has 46 micrograms of folic acid versus 4 micrograms in 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice.

Brown rice does however, have more fiber, so it's best to eat brown and white rice to get the benefits from both.

So, have that vegetarian sushi with white rice and use the excuse that you need your folic acid!

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Recipe Spotlight

Vegan Granola

It will definitely help if you are craving something crunchy and sweet, and it's PACKED with fiber and nutrients (LOTS of omega-3!) that are great for pregnancy.

  • 2 cups oats
  • 3/4 cup walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon flax seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (good source of calcium and iron!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4-6 tablespoons of butter substitute, such as Earth Balance
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup of dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries (optional)

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