Feeding the Growing Belly

Since the week before I even knew I was pregnant, I’ve been hungry.  I’ll never forget begging my mom to take me to a diner the day before I took my pregnancy test.  After inhaling my meal and part of hers, she was convinced that I was “with child”.  She was right…and I haven’t stopped eating since.

For someone who has always had a small appetite, I’ve had a lot of fun eating while pregnant.  However, it has been a challenge to answer my cravings while simutaneously fulfilling all the nutritional requirements of growing a baby.

Recently, I was sent a free copy of Feed the Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide, and man…I wish someone had handed me this book months ago!  Frances Largeman-Roth, RD – a dietician, mom, and Health magazine editor – wrote the book so that it was completely understandable, totally skim-able, and well worth the read.  It covers everything from what nutrients a pregnant woman needs to how to combat a caffeine addiction.  The book discusses the best diet for morning sickness and the healthiest options for dining out.  The guide also includes:

• a 7-day tear-out eating plan
• stay-fit secrets with yoga poses
• pointers on when to choose organic
• advice on the safest seafood selections
• how to pick foods to get the nutrients you need most

My favorite part of the book is the last section – 65 mouthwatering recipes organized by the cravings a typcial pregnant woman has: Sweet, Meaty, Salty/Savory, Spicy, and Thirst-Quenching.

My tastebuds have been screaming for “sweet” since the end of the first month.  So, the first recipe on my list to try was Chunky Monkey Muffins.  They certainly did not disappoint!  How could you go wrong with a chocolately banana and peanut butter muffin?  As an added bonus, the muffins are loaded with protein, fiber, and also pack in some omega-3’s.  The Peach and Blackberry Crumble is next up in my kitchen.

If you’ve got a bun in the oven, Feed the Belly is the only healthy eating guidebook that you may need.  It would also be a great read for any dad who enjoys cooking…or better yet, enjoys having a happy wife.