Having gained 35 pounds during my pregnancy, I am now waking up to the fact that at some stage fairly soon I would like to start losing some weight. What a drag that’s going to be. On the sugar front, I thought I was rather clever for having found Agave syrup, a “natural” sweetener produced in Mexico that comes from the same plant as wonderful Mezcal tequila. The plant produces a syrup that is sweeter than honey but it’s truly outstanding property is its glycemic index of…

Filed under: Nutrition | 2 Comments »

This looks like a delicious recipe. I found it in Cookie magazine this month…. Actually, there were a few cool articles in the magazine. They recommend serving the crackers with a fruit spread, almond butter or for an extra dose of fatty acid, an omega 3 rich pumpkin butter. Hmmmm…

1/3 cup whole flaxseed
1/4 cup ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal (available in healh food stores)
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsallted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
About 7…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

Both of these recipes appeal to my tastebuds as hearty restorative meals post pregnancy. After delivery and labor many women suffer from anemia and chronic fatigue which can lead to all sorts of other health complications. In Chinese medicine, chicken (especially when it is cooked for a long time in broths) helps to build the blood and restore energy. Salmon and seaweed are also extremely high sources of protein and minerals. Seaweed in particular is an excellent source of potassium, iron, and iodine which if deficient all…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

I have always suffered from leg cramps and restless legs, particularly when driving as a passenger in a car. I remember one long painful trip in India when my legs seemed to be on fire driving up to the Himalayas in a jeep for 24 hours. It was absolute agony. Then during my first pregnancy I started to get restless legs that would keep me up half the night along along with night-arresting legs cramps (I would literally wake up with one leg in spasm and hop around the room…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

Nearing the very end of my pregnancy, I am feeling the need to talk about Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis). Look how pretty and delicate it is. The flowers open in the evening and close up during the day (I wonder if my labor will start at night, it’s obviously on my mind) and are strongly scented with a wonderful perfume. The oil is extracted from the seeds which contains 9-10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Some…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

I feel like I want to make a revision to this blog. I am not convinced following any diet during pregnancy is easy nor is it realistic to imagine only eating an additional 200 calories a day!! I mean that would equate to eating one extra yogurt and a piece of fruit (and that’s not a banana)!! Still, I think Dr. Gowri Motha makes some interesting points by exploring alternatives to conventional obstetric practice. With clients like Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle Macpherson, her program includes…

Filed under: Nutrition | 2 Comments »

You hear it all the time, eat lots of leafy greens. They are packed with just about every mineral, vitamin and antioxidant and I believe they keep your skin feeling fresh and full of oxygen. I try to think of them more as a medicine when I can’t be bothered, but I do believe they have a very positive impact on the body. Many varieties, especially the cruciferous (cabbage) family ie. kale, contain unique enzymes that protect against cancer and the more bitter they are, the more…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

I know I have talked to you about the importance of eating Essential Fatty Acids during pregnancy. For those of you who haven’t read this blog.

I just read an article in HealthDay News that talks about the importance of Omega 3 and cites fish oil as particularly effective because of the way it is broken down in your body. I consumed a lot of fish oil and flax seed during my previous daughter’s pregnancy and there is no question her hand-eye coordination is fantastic. The kid was holding…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

This isn’t the only time you are going to hear me ranting on about Dr. Dean Raffelock and his wonderful work…. particularly his great postnatal supplements which can also be taken during pregnancy. My first encounter was when I stumbled upon his book, “A Natural Guide To Pregnancy and Postpartum Health” (check out my book section). Everything he said spoke to me, because I truly believe that food and supplements are essential fuels for you and your growing baby (yes, I know I am laboring this point).

Dr. Raffelock has earned…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »

A friend of mine has just found out she is pregnant. This isn’t her first kid but it’s been a while and if the truth be known, she is not that concerned with nutritious food. Some people think I am over the top but I really do believe you are what you eat…. and I believe food is a vital fuel which not only powers you through the day but also fundamentally impacts your emotional wellbeing.

The pregnancy period, which technically should start a couple of months before conception and can…

Filed under: Nutrition | No Comments »