What's for dinner?

We all know that eating the right foods is crucial during pregnancy. Good eating habits should last for a lifetime.

A good friend of mine loaned me a book (The Maker's Diet, Jordan Rubin) recently that explores the range of popular diets as well as the benefits of eating organic foods. I realized that I had become so used to over-processed food in the "American diet" that I didn't realize what real food is anymore. Americans just continue to buy white bread and slap it with deli meat that is full of nitrates and then place a big handful of potato chips on the side for good measure. And don't forget the diet soda! Then we wonder why 20 years down the road we are overweight and have heart disease.

I realized that if women start eating a healthy diet during pregnancy then it is likely going to stick with them for a lifetime. I have been putting together a list of the most popular issues that expectant mothers want to know about healthy eating. There are many topics covered in this series on pregnancy nutrition including special diets, figuring out weight gain based on BMI, a daily pregnancy diet plan and what cravings mean. To get answers to your questions about healthy eating, check out All About Pregnancy Nutrition.

Many women can also benefit from eating easily-digestible foods during childbirth. Contrary to what many people think, eating will not make you get sick. You can just as easily feel nauseated on an empty stomach. For a list of the favorite labor comfort foods, see Eating During Labor.

I have to report that my family has had a fairly easy transition to organic food. We are about 90% organic in our diet and when we can't find organic, we buy foods that are not processed. You know, the kind of food that only has three or four ingredients in the list! They still miss the old peanut butter on occasion. However my youngest daughter who is 16 discovered a hidden benefit to eating healthier. She lost 6 pounds.

Brenda