Healthy Holiday Eating for the Pregnant Woman

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Concerns about weight gain and food borne illness may have you worried about eating at holiday parties. With a little planning and knowledge, you can enjoy parties this holiday season without gaining excessive weight or exposing your baby to dangerous bacteria found in many common foods. Rather than focusing on one day, such as Christmas, focus on healthy eating throughout the season.

Foods to Avoid at Parties:

* Stay away from undercooked meats, which can contain harmful bacteria that are dangerous for you and your baby. * Avoid soft cheeses, such as brie, limburger, blue, and goat cheeses. These can contain listeria. * Don't eat raw cookie dough. This contains eggs, which can harbor salmonella. * Egg nog also contains raw eggs. Consider soy egg nog or use an egg substitute, which has been pasteurized. * Stay away from raw seafood, such as fish and shellfish. These can contain bacteria and parasites. * Avoid alcohol which has not been proven safe at any dosage. Instead, try virgin drinks that don't contain alcohol. * If you are prone to heartburn, avoid spicy foods.

You can enjoy holiday treats and sweets in moderation. Sample the desserts and foods, but don't gorge. Eat a few cookies each day, rather than the entire plate. Chocolate contains caffeine, which is not a good choice in pregnancy. Keep intake of chocolate to a minimum.

Most doctors recommend that pregnant women eat six small meals each day, rather than three large meals. Eat a small healthy meal or snack before you leave home. This will help you fill up on nutritious foods. You won't be as hungry when you arrive at the party. Once there, you can sample less healthy foods without going overboard.

At the party, fill up on nutritious snacks and hors d'ourves. Most parties have fruit or vegetable trays. Hang around here before you hit the fried foods or dessert table. Don't overeat. Stop eating as soon as you feel full and you won't go too far. To balance out your diet, be sure to continue taking your prenatal vitamins.

Other Healthy Choices:

* Drink water, milk or fruit juices. Avoid alcohol. Stay away from soft drinks, which contain caffeine, sugar and empty calories. * Keep up your exercise routine. If you are especially tired, don't feel guilty about skipping a day or two. Take a walk after dinner to help burn excessive calories and stay healthy. * Avoid smoke filled rooms. If the party is held at your home, kick the smokers outside. Second hand smoke is dangerous for both you and your growing baby.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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