Baby Prep: Eating for Pregnant People | Part 2

I'm here to give you some very good news: You don't have to sacrifice EVERYTHING you love to eat just because you have a bun in the oven.

It always bothered me that Moms-to-be get a list as long as their arm as soon as they conceive, all filled with "don'ts" and "cannots". That just puts a damper on something that's super exciting, and we all know that preggos are already somewhat fragile when it comes to their mood during the course of their pregnancy.

As all food-loving folks probably would, I felt punished by all these restrictions. I knew they were all for the health of the baby, and was totally on board with that, but I thought, "Certainly, there have to be ways to make pregnant eating more fun."

And there are! I've found "hacks" to most of the restrictions and so far haven't felt like I'm missing out all that much.

So here are the things that you'll be told to avoid, and ways to feel like you're still eating like you used to:

Alcoholic beverages

Sorry to tell you this, sister, but there's really no way around this one. You will not be able to continue your wine habit as you did before baby happened... BUT, you have options. Some doctors will tell you that a glass of wine here or there is most likely safe and will not hurt the baby. I've chosen to abstain completely because it's only 9 months, and truthfully, I'd rather consume my "splurge calories" in ice cream form these days.

But if you're craving something to sip on while everyone else is clinking glasses, there are so many fun "mocktail" options you can try that you won't even miss the buzz. {And you definitely won't miss the hangover.} I've been loving homemade flavored lemonades mixed with sparkling water.

Caffeinated beverages {i.e. COFFEE... GASP!}

This was probably one of the hardest things for me because I have a little love affair with my morning cup of coffee, so before I even thought about getting pregnant, I started to wean myself from caffeine so it wouldn't be as rough when it was time to go cold turkey. Decaf and caffeine-free coffees and teas can help ease you into the thought of a hot beverage sans the jolt.

Again, some doctors and books will tell you that a minimal amount of caffeine is still ok throughout pregnancy. I simply switched to decaf {which, by the way, has trace amounts of caffeine, so be aware}, and all has been well with the world. Some women immediately develop an aversion to the taste and smell of coffee at the start of pregnancy, so you may not even want your morning cup. {Hard to imagine, I know!}

All the good cheese {brie, stinky cheeses, etc.}

If you are accustomed to buying your cheese at a fancy cheese store, then you may have to make some changes to your cheese consumption. The problem with these cheeses is the fact that they are often made with unpasteurized milk. However, in the U.S. you have to look pretty hard in most grocery stores for any cheese that is unpasteurized. Most cheeses will be just fine -- just be sure to read labels.

If you can't spend 9 whole months with out imported brie, then know that as long as the cheese is heated until melted and bubbly, the bacteria that it could harbor should be dead and you're welcome to enjoy it.

Cold cuts

Lunch meat can be questionable preggo-fare for several reasons: 1. It can be contaminated with a harmful bacteria called Listeria that can hurt the baby, and 2. It often contains nitrates which aren't good for either of you. But sometimes, you just want a sub or a ham and cheese, so what's a girl to do?

Heat it up. Just like the cheese I mentioned above, the bacteria in deli meats are killed when they're heated until steaming. So make it a pressed sandwich or a hot sub just to be on the safe side. Also, look for nitrate-free brands such Applegate Organic & Natural Meats to ensure that you and the baby aren't getting any chemical preservatives with your lunch.

Raw Shellfish, Raw Fish {Sushi}, Raw or Undercooked Meat

So maybe you can't have oysters on the half shell for a little while, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy cooked versions of the ocean's treasures. Well-cooked seafood is actually very good for you and filled with nutritious things -- especially those Omega-3-rich fish like salmon. For meats, just make sure that they are cooked all the way through to be safe. {I'm a stickler for this sort of thing anyway. Major meat paranoia.}

 Don't miss out on sushi dates with your hubby or the girls, just change up your order -- California rolls, "Tempura" Rolls, and other cooked versions of sushi are still ok. No sake to wash it down, though. ;)

Raw or undercooked eggs {No more "put an egg on it"?!?}

Well, you've known for a long time that you shouldn't be eating that cookie dough containing raw egg, but you did it anyway and you've most likely survived to tell the tale. Now that you're looking out for 2 of you, it's time to be a little more cautious about what you're consuming.

However, here's a little hack that might make your day: "Pasteurized" eggs such as Safest Choice Eggs do not contain the risk of salmonella! That means you can make yourself a delicious, runny egg and not have to worry about contamination, which is music to my ears. Just make sure that the brand you purchase is, indeed, pasteurized and safe for pregnant folk.

Unwashed fruits and veggies

My thoughts on this are very simple: EW. You should always thoroughly rinse your fruits and veggies! Even organic produce can contain bacteria and other yuckies that cause illness, so just use common sense and enjoy your salads, smoothies and big bowls of fresh fruit and veggies as usual. 

See, ladies? It's really not so bad! I never wanted to be one of those picky, "Oh, I'm pregnant, I can't eat that." kind of people, and I really haven't had too many situations where I've had to be so far. {Except for one time when I was dis-invited from a pairing party that included wine tasting because of my delicate state.. haha.. couldn't believe it, but it happened!}

My mother-in-law always tells me that she never enjoyed food more than when she was pregnant, and I can see why! Some things just taste so much more delightful, and being "choosy" is actually a great opportunity to try some things you've never thought to eat before! So, enjoy every bite of these 9 months and know that soon enough, you'll be back to ahi tuna and triple shot lattes. :)

Here are some other things you can add to your "yes" list during pregnancy!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't have a medical background. This is simply advice that helped me personally feel better in the beginning of pregnancy. If you have any questions or doubts, seek guidance from your doctor, of course.

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Now that you know that you can still meet with your girls over coffee, you'll need a little snack to go with your cuppa joe! These "Coffee House Bars" remind me of something you'd find in the bakery case at Starbucks --  minus the guilt.

Made with ground almonds {i.e. almond flour. I just like to make my own.}, these tasty bars are packed with healthy fat, folate and all kinds of good stuff for you and baby! {Or just you if there's no baby to feed. They're delicious for everyone!} They have a hint of coffee flavor from the coffee extract and are just sweet enough from the honey and coconut sugar combo. The semi-sweet chocolate chips melt and create sweet, gooey pockets that make them seem like a bakery treat. {If you're trying to keep things dairy-free, you can buy Enjoy Life non-dairy chocolate chips.}

I promise these will take the focus off of the things you're missing from your "can't eat" list, and they'll top the list of things you can!

Healthy "Coffee House" Squares
Inspired by these bars at Tasty Yummies
Makes 9 squares

2 1/2 cups almond flour {I just grind my own almonds}
1 teaspoon baking soda
A good pinch of salt
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil {they will taste more coconutty if you use coconut oil}
2 eggs
1 tablespoon almond milk {or your preference milk}
1 1/2 teaspoons coffee extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips {non-dairy are great if you're trying to keep it dairy free}

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch baking ban with foil and lightly grease.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together almond flour, baking soda, salt and coconut sugar. Add honey, melted butter or oil, eggs, almond milk and extracts. Stir together until well combined.

3. Add chocolate chips to batter and stir well. Pour into greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center doesn't come out gooey.

Remove from oven and cool for about 10-15  minutes for easier cutting.

Baby Prep: Eating for Pregnant People | Part 1

Hello, my friend. If you are reading this, odds are that you are probably pregnant or trying to figure out how to help someone you know who is experiencing some of the joys of early pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, food aversions and constipation. I'm sorry. I really am.

Had you told me a few months ago that I would one day reach a point in my life where the mere thought of Chocolate Silk Pie would turn me 50 shades of green, I would have laughed in your face. {I've had this recipe & post half ready since "Pi Day", but I just.can't.look.at.it.} But here's the thing: Pregnancy is like having your body temporarily hijacked.

The things you thought you knew about yourself and your habits are suddenly turned upside down and rearranged without your consent -- and with very good reason. You're growing a person. Naturally, that's gotta throw a wrench in the system.

The problem, I've found, comes not so much with dealing with these new and unusual symptoms, but with maintaining some semblance of a normal life while you're not feeling your best {and quite often, not even sharing your news just yet}. I mean, it would be great if everyone would just understand that you need to sleep 12 hours a day and maintain a 50 foot distance from all forms of chicken. But unfortunately, that's not the way it works. Life goes on and you must find a way to be functional.

My first encounter with pregnancy nausea came around the 5 week mark. Before that, I was game to eat just about everything. But then... not so much. I did a lot of laying around on the couch keeping my mind off of food -- something very unnatural to me since, you know... food blogger! It was uncomfortable, unsettling and just about as far from fun as one could get.

I've compiled a list of the things that were so helpful to me during the early weeks of pregnancy in hopes that it will save you from feeling like a zombie!

- Sparkling Water
My doctor thought this was weird as bubbles tend to cause even more gas and bloating {and you will most likely have plenty of that without any help}, but sparkling water was one of the only things that settled my upset tummy during those weeks of feeling, well, unsettled. Sip slowly, as you would when your stomach is upset from indigestion.

There are all kinds of naturally flavored sparkling water brands out there {these and these are my favorites}, so if you're kicking a soda habit, it can also help to have a little something bubbly and flavored that doesn't contain caffeine or sugar. Sparkling water can also add some interest to juices and other beverages since you'll most likely be drinking boring things for the next 9 months. It makes it feel a little more festive. So, pour yourself a mocktail and drink up!

- Ginger Beer/Ginger Ale
Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and is often promoted as a great tool for keeping queasiness at bay in early pregnancy. The downside: Supposed "Ginger Ale" {the soda} is mostly corn syrup and yuckiness and very little real ginger, so not much help there. Look for a natural brand of ginger beverages, such as Reed's or Fever-Tree -- or make your own. Just don't overdo it because there's a fair amount of sugar in the store bought kinds. Ginger chews, candies, teas, and tablets work, too.

Note: Although its name contains the word "beer", ginger beer is non-alcoholic and safe for consumption during pregnancy!

- Applesauce
Here's a little fun fact for ya: I can't swallow pills. Like, I put them in my mouth, take a swig of water and find that the water goes down the hatch while the pill is left hanging out on my tongue. Crazy, I know. Anyway, I found a few years ago that I could swallow tablets and capsules easier when I hid them in a spoonful of sugar applesauce. Don't ask me why, it just works. Before I even got pregnant, I began taking prenatals and found that they were made for horses. They were gigantic and I was terrified of having to take them daily for what seems like an eternity. Enter applesauce. Done & done. {Tip: Buy the organic, unsweetened kind so you're not ingesting unnecessary pesticides and sugar.}

- All-natural snack bars
So, I love KIND bars anyway {and more recently, I discovered Taste of Nature bars which are similar}, but pregnancy made me love them even more. Because when you're pregnant, they {meaning, the all-knowing powers-that-be} suggest eating little bits throughout the day so you're never really empty -- that's when nausea can feel its worst. These bars are portable, healthy, full of nutrients and really yummy. They contain real ingredients so you don't have to worry about chemicals and weirdness, which is nice because you have more important things to worry about.

Even when you don't feel well, they're still easy to stomach. And even though they're a little expensive, that's truly priceless.

- Sprouted Grain Breads
Guess what? Even though you're not drinking any alcohol right now, you pretty much feel hung over ALL.THE.TIME. And what happens when you feel hungover? {I wouldn't know, I drink moderately. Wink.} You want to eat like a 5 year old. Grilled cheese. Pancakes. French fries. But you, my dear, do not have the metabolism of a 5 year old. And if you start giving in to every whim to eat these things in your first trimester, your scale will be yelling at you by the time week 14 rolls around.

For some reason, though nothing else seemed remotely appealing to me, I was craving bread when I felt gross. But bread really isn't that good for you. Empty calories. However, sprouted grain breads like Ezekiel 4:9 bread contain more nutrients than their very processed counterparts. So, if you want some toast, by all means, go for it --  but try to make it a healthier option if possible. {I also baked my own bread, but I doubt you want to go there.}

Hang in there. Soon you'll find that you're {hopefully} feeling better and you'll be able to eat like a normal person again. My nausea lasted 2 or 3 weeks and then disappeared. {Some people never feel sick; some feel sick until the start of their second trimester; some feel sick the whole 9 months. I'm crossing my fingers and toes for you that you'll be one of the first two!} Things will be looking up {as opposed to down into the toilet bowl} before you know it!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't have a medical background. This is simply advice that helped me personally feel better in the beginning of pregnancy. If you have any questions or doubts, seek guidance from your doctor, of course.

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If chewing doesn't sound appealing, you may want to go the liquid route for your food intake at the times of the day when your nausea is at its peak.

Many women find that cold or semi-frozen beverages and fruit smoothies help them feel better when their tummies are boycotting solid foods. This Mango, Banana & Ginger Lassi is such a delicious way to get some goodness in there without gagging.

Both banana and ginger happen to be good for times of stomach distress -- the ginger soothes and alleviates while the potassium in the banana helps to balance the stores that may have been depleted if you've been sick to your stomach. The probiotics {natural bacteria that help boost the good bugs in your digestive system} in yogurt also help regulate what's going on in your stomach.

The best part is the fact that you simply toss the ingredients in the blender and let it do its thing... because I know you don't feel like cooking, mama. Take a shortcut and buy frozen mango chunks so you don't have to deal with that pesky pit. I also like to buy large bunches of ripe bananas, cut and freeze them so that they're ready to go when I want a cold, thick smoothie.

Feel good knowing that you're putting nutritious things in your body while baby grows, even though your body is bucking the system. And for heaven's sake... step away from the mac & cheese!

Mango, Banana & Ginger Lassi
Yields 1 serving

1/2 a mango {or about 1/2 to 3/4 cup mango chunks}
1 medium ripe banana
1/4 to 1/2 cup your favorite milk {I tend to use almond}
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt {vanilla would work well, too}
Handful of ice cubes
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger {or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger}
{Optional} Pinch of ground cardamom

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender. Blend until smooth.

Pour into a glass and enjoy... or at least try to! :)