A couple of months ago, a little pink line, completely changed our lives. Turns out the pregnancy test was right after all and I was on my way to create a new life inside me!
But for every bit of joy and enthusiasm I felt, there was an equal bout of horrible nausea and fatigue I had to deal with during my first trimester. Getting to work felt like such a task and the smell of greasy lunches in the office cafeteria would make my stomach flip.
Luckily I was spared the saga of “eating for two” from my family, doctors and nutrition counsellors. Instead, they had loads of sensible advice to offer – about what is good to eat and how it would help make a healthy, happy baby. I found that the trick to tackling my nausea was to eat smaller, lighter meals. Basically just snack away all through the day instead of pigging out at one meal time. French fries and Maggi noodles weren’t on the menu though! But I was soon armed with a bunch of easy snacking options that were easy to rustle up and oh-so-tasty!
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Nuts and Seeds:
My favorite mix includes roasted almonds, cashews, pistachios and dried figs. A handful of these are packed with Vitamin B and E, protein and essential minerals like potassium, zinc and phosphorus. All of which go a long way in making a healthy baby! I also loved the pre-packaged seed mixes (available at Nature’s Basket) – a yummy combination of toasted pumpkin, watermelon, chia and flax seeds. Sprinkle a tablespoon into your bowl of muesli or onto hot buttered toast – SO good!
Masala Buttermilk:
Bangalore has been having a freak spell of awful weather. It’s hot, dusty and it hasn’t rained in AGES! And trust me, the combination of heat and a rapidly bloating body isn’t one bit pleasant. I admit I often day-dream of gulping down an ice cold beer but I’m being a really responsible mommy-to-be and steering clear of all alcohol. Which is why, buttermilk is my new best friend. Spice it up with a blitz of ginger, green chilli and a tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves, and you’ve got a lovely, masaledaaar beverage to help beat the heat!
Coconut (in every form):
One of the perks of living down South, is the sheer abundance of coconuts. I found a new best friend in Thangaraju, my local coconut seller- who stores his coconuts in an abandoned bathtub at the corner of our street! He plies us with regular installments of nariyal paani, malai and hard coconut that I love eating chunks of or ground into a spicy chutney. A few superstitious aunties told me coconut is great during pregnancy as eating white things will ensure a fair child! Let’s discount that shall we, and remember that coconut aids digestion, keeps infections at bay and helps fight constipation.
Lotus seeds (Makhana):
Low in saturated fats and packed with vitamins and minerals, these seeds taste great when roasted with a dash of ghee and sprinkled with salt and pepper. The seeds also help in regulating blood pressure and prevent bloating.
Chia Seeds:
A chia seed pudding is my latest find courtesy a friend’s Instagram post and I am madly in love with it! Chia is rich in protein, calcium, and Omega 3 fatty acids. I usually soak a tablespoon of chia in 100ml of coconut milk and leave it to chill overnight till it sets. Topped with fresh diced fruit and flavoured yogurt or a drizzle of honey, this is a power-packed breakfast, mid-morning or tea time snack!
There’s no one-diet- fits -all rule for every mommy to be. If you’re unable to think of healthy alternatives, find a nutritionist on UrbanClap who can tailor an eating guide for you. Don’t stress about cheat days either – a little bit of chocolate or ice cream never hurt anyone 🙂 Have a healthy, happy pregnancy and enjoy every bit of eating for your little one too!
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Have a healthy, happy pregnancy and enjoy every bit of eating for your little one too!
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