barefoot vegan sept_oct issue.pdf

Recent research has also shown that when mums eat a
high fat and/or high sugar diet during pregnancy it can
result in their baby being predisposed to obesity and their
children having metabolic syndrome (the precursor to
diabetes type 2). To state the obvious, it’s important to
not under eat or overeat during pregnancy! And it’s
important to eat the right types of foods.
How much energy does a woman need
during pregnancy?
(Calories are sometimes called kilocalories or Kcals.)
A woman who is not pregnant needs approximately 2,100
calories per day. A pregnant woman needs approximately
2,500 calories per day. A breastfeeding woman needs
approximately 3,000 calories per day
Increasing your nutrients for pregnancy
During pregnancy, your daily nutrient requirements do
increase - but you don’t need to eat twice as much! The
growing baby gets all his/her nourishment from mum
through the umbilical cord, so diet is very important. If
mum is lacking in any vitamins and nutrients her baby
might lack them too.
Iron, B vitamins (especially folic acid) as well as beta
carotene, C and D, calcium, zinc and protein are all
needed in greater amounts. It’s not surprising - you’re
making a whole new person.
Protein
Protein is needed for growth, repair of tissue and
protection against infection and is high in all types of
pulses and seeds. The humble soya bean, particularly
when eaten as edamame, is very high in protein –
comprised of all the protein building blocks (amino
acids). Quinoa seeds also contain all essential amino
acids. Use as you would rice.
Preeclampsia, causing reduced blood flow to the placenta
and premature delivery, has been attributed to
insufficient protein so it is prudent to increase your
intake. The good news - medical studies on 775 vegan
mothers showed them to be less prone to preeclampsia.
Fats
Avoid saturated animal fats and go for unsaturated types -
the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. These
have many functions and are a main constituent of the
brain and eyes. The developing foetus needs a constant
supply of omega-3 and this can only come from the
mother!
One of the best oils to cook with is virgin olive oil - high
in omega-9, a beneficial, non-essential fatty acid. As for
*Going Nuts?
Pregnant or lactating women from allergyprone
(atopic) families - should avoid eating
peanuts and nuts entirely as sensitisation to
them can occur in the womb and later
through breastfeeding. Children of atopic
mothers shouldn’t be given them until at least
three years old or when recommended by a
doctor. But for the majority of infants, nuts are
an important addition to the diet and can be
introduced from six months old in the form of
smooth nut butters. Whole nuts should not be
given to children under five years of age due to
the risk of choking.
getting omega-3s from fish - don’t! Pregnant women are
strongly advised by government to limit their oily fish
intake because of contamination with pollutants that
can damage the nervous system, affect development
and create learning problems. Avoid cod liver oil as it
contains excessive vitamin A which can damage your
unborn baby.
Calcium
A mineral needed for healthy nervous systems, blood
clotting and bone and tooth formation in mother and
baby. Surprisingly, cow’s milk does not guarantee
strong bones – in fact, it can cause osteoporosis. (See:
www.vivahealth.org.uk/bones)
Iron
The need for iron increases during pregnancy because
both mother and baby are creating new blood. About
one-third of pregnant women are mildly anaemic. I was
the first mum-to-be of twins who doctors at my hospital
found high in iron! I beamed “it’s because I’m vegan!”
Zinc
Probably plays the biggest role in reproduction. A
deficiency increases the chance of miscarriage. Needed
for hormone balance, development of the egg,
successful fertilisation and implantation.
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