I'll be teaching a free prenatal nutrition class at Natural Resources in SF on Saturday August 25 from 2:30-3:30p. Details below and on my Classes page. Please stop by and tell your friends!Prenatal BasicsIn this class, you will learn how your diet impacts your baby's lifelong health. We'll discuss choices you can make to prevent disease, minimize complications and enhance your baby's well-being. You'll also learn what you can eat to help prevent some common prenatal ailments & concerns. This introductory class is fun, educational and interactive - attendee participation is welcomed!
You've probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids and know that they're good for you. These polyunsaturated fats, found in foods such as fish, flax, chia, and walnuts, are also called "essential" fatty acids (EFAs) because our body cannot synthesize them itself - we can only get them through our food. Omega-3s have powerful properties: they are cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, support strong bones, prevent depression and lower menstrual pain.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs in 2-10% of pregnant women. However, in many cases it is preventable. A new study confirms that adherence to a healthy diet is crucial in order to avoid GDM. While prevention of GDM can be helpful in the short term, it is especially important because women with GDM have a high chance (35-60%) of developing diabetes in the future. In addition, their babies are more likely to be obese or develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Untreated GDM can even lead to fetal mortality.
I'm always fascinated by how a mother's choices influence her baby's health. A recent study found that low maternal Vitamin D status may be linked to adiposity (aka fatness) in children. In other words, if you sit out in the sun for a few minutes a day without sunscreen on, you might help your baby stay lean throughout his life! Wow!