• Home
  • My Mission
  • Select Your Pregnancy Lifestyle
    • Plant Based Pregnancy
    • Gluten Free Pregnancy
    • Dairy Free Pregnancy
    • Eating with Gestational Diabetes
  • Smoothies & Juices
  • Freebies and Downloads
  • Latest Posts
  • Lets Connect

Fact or Fiction – Debunking Nutrition Myths

by
The Pregnancy Pantry
Fact or Fiction – Debunking Nutrition Myths

What is the strangest myth you have heard about nutrition in pregnancy?

Eating Spicy food will result in your baby being born with red hair – Yes really.

The problem with internet searches these days is that there is an unbelievable amount of information out there that it’s hard to sort through the fact from the fiction.

It can be pretty scary when we discover that we’re pregnant and all of a sudden we’re hit with this overwhelming barrage of advice.  Stay away from alcohol, avoid soft cheese, reduce your caffeine intake and don’t frequent sushi bars! Sounds familiar right?

There was one piece of advice about peanuts, where pregnant women were advised that if they had a family history of allergies such as hay-fever, eczema or asthma that they should avoid peanuts completely and then in 2009 this advice was retracted due to insufficient evidence that eating peanuts had any influence on the outcome in increasing a baby’s risk of developing an allergy.

It just so happens that peanuts are an excellent addition to our diet when we’re expecting as they’re a fantastic source of plant based proteins, fibre, magnesium and essential folate, also known as B9.

In fact there have been many studies over the years that now show that avoiding foods that have the potential for allergic reactions don’t reduce our baby’s risk of developing allergies in later life.

To highlight just how confusing the internet can be when it comes to the foods we eat; below are just a few examples of some common foods highlighting both the positive and negative information about each that can be found in newspaper and Internet articles.

This gives you an idea of just how much misleading information is currently out there and why its no wonder that with so much varying information and advice given that we may become so confused and just ‘give up’ on following advice.

Soya products:

Positive Information

Thought to give protection against prostate cancer and offers protection against heart disease and helps to reduce cholesterol levels. Studies show it can reduce the risk of breast cancer as well as preventing bone loss in older women and promoting male fertility.

Negative Information

Disrupts sex hormones and disrupts thyroid gland, contains compounds that prevent nutrients being absorbed. Soy allergy can be common in children and can lead to anaphylactic shock as well as some studies showing an increased rate of breast cancer when consumption of soy products is high

Eggs:

Positive Information

Contain healthy fats and are low in saturated fat and shown not to increase cholesterol as well as being a good source of vitamin D and may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Negative Information

The fats in eggs can harm the liver as well as increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, cancer and arthritis.

Oily Fish:

Positive Information

Oily fish contains omega 3 fats which offer protection against heart disease, keep the blood vessels healthy and lowers blood pressure, as well as lowering the risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s and depression. Benefits have been seen in the brain development of babies born to mothers who eat fish.

Negative Information

Toxins such as mercury in oily fish can damage the nerves and lead to cancer. Studies have shown toxins in oily fish can be harmful to brain development in babies when pregnant women eat it.


Some of the most popular misconceptions debunked

Brie and Grapes

Soft Cheese

Ask anyone that knows me and asks what my favourite food is to eat; they’ll tell you – CHEESE. So the one thing I needed to be 100% sure of when I was pregnant was to ensure which cheeses I could keep on my shopping list. The key when sourcing soft cheeses is to make sure they’re pasteurised. Which is basically a process of heating that kills off any pathogenic bacteria leaving it safe to eat. Soft pasteurised cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, ricotta, halloumi and goats cheese that have the rind removed are all safe to eat. As are soft cheeses such as blue cheese, brie and camembert as long as they’re completely cooked and steaming hot.

smoked salmon cream cheese and crackers

Smoked Salmon

I massively craved smoked salmon during my second pregnancy. Turned out to be a ridiculously expensive craving, but the body needs what the body needs – right. Salmon is an excellent source of DHA, Vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, protein, and Vitamin D, all essential vitamins and nutrients needed during pregnancy. Smoked salmon and sushi are safe to eat IF they have been frozen and then defrosted before eating. This kills any bacteria and parasites and thankfully most sources that you buy from the supermarket will all have been previously frozen.

Cheese and deli meats

Deli Meat

Despite popular belief, you can eat many different types of deli meat. Just opt for those that are pre-packed and not from the cold meats counter in your supermarket. This is to avoid any risk of cross contamination. Cured meats, such as salami, pepperoni, chorizo and prosciutto can all be eaten if they are cooked thoroughly.

Pineapple

Pineapple

I’ve lost count of the amount of internet search results that state you can’t eat pineapple during pregnancy – I love pineapple so much and the good news is that if you love it too – eat away.

Pineapple and primarily the core contains Bromelain which is a protein-digesting enzyme which, you guessed it – aids the digestion of protein and is therefore an excellent food for easing digestive problems. It’s also packed full of vitamin c and small amounts of vitamin A and B complex. To check your pineapple is ready to eat, a ripe pineapple will allow you to pull a leaf from the crown with ease. Just stick to the fruit and don’t take pineapple in any supplement form.


Share the Love
error
fb-share-icon
Tweet
fb-share-icon

Related


Beetroot Brownies
Five Ways That’ll Make you Fall in Love with Brussel Sprouts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The Pregnancy Pantry

Join our tribe today and join hundreds of like minded plant based mama's to be.

Get the latest recipes and healthy tips delivered straight to your inbox! 

Never miss a recipe and receive updates on the latest offers, freebies and more. 

By signing up you'll be receiving, hints and tips, guidance, recipes our latest posts and more.  I've never eaten spam; so I can promise you your inbox won't either. 

We value your privacy and will always ensure your personal details are kept safe. You can unsubscribe anytime. 

For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

TRENDING ON THE PREGNANCY PANTRY RIGHT NOW

  • When Breastfeeding Doesn't go to Plan
    When Breastfeeding Doesn't go to Plan
  • Chocolate Protein Smoothie
    Chocolate Protein Smoothie
  • Early pregnancy symptoms by days past ovulation
    Early pregnancy symptoms by days past ovulation
  • The Best Milk Boosting Smoothies
    The Best Milk Boosting Smoothies
  • If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain
    If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain
  • Beetroot Brownies
    Beetroot Brownies
  • Keeping The Balance
    Keeping The Balance
  • High Fiber Berry Blast
    High Fiber Berry Blast
  • Digestive Boosting Granola
    Digestive Boosting Granola
  • Carrot and Ginger Tonic
    Carrot and Ginger Tonic

thepregnancypantry

Pregnancy Nutrition & Health ✨
😫😫The struggle is real......
.
.
.
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀
#babyonboard #pregnancyproblems #pregnantlife #thepregnancypantry #fitpregnancy #pregnancyfitness #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyquotes #trimester #impregnant #pregnancy_lifestyle #pregnancyannouncement #pregnant_world #pregnantwomen #babybelly #babyiscoming #pregnancy #pregnantbelly #babyontheway #preggolife #thebump #pregnancyhumour #happypregnancy #duedate #readytopop #mamatobe #pregnancybump #thirdtrimester #pregnancymemes
QUESTION 🙋‍♀️ Any mums to be out there th QUESTION 🙋‍♀️ Any mums to be out there that are newly vegetarian or vegan and wondering how to dodge the inevitable question of 

“ Now that you’re pregnant 🤰 where are you going to get all your iron from if you don’t eat meat?” 🙄 

⭐️Amazingly 2020 became the year that every one of the top UK supermarkets had their own vegan range and every one of the top UK restaurants and food-to-go outlets had a vegan (or plant-based) offering. ⭐️

YES 🙌 

So, yes it is possible to manoeuvre your way through pregnancy and still maintain a plant based diet, BUT we just need a little more PLANNING 

Iron is a fundamental mineral needed for the normal growth and development of your baby and women can often suffer from iron deficiency during pregnancy. ⠀⠀

If you are concerned about your Iron levels during pregnancy, please consult your doctor or midwife, who will be able to carry a blood test to determine if you’re deficient.  For those following a vegan lifestyle I’d definitely advocate for getting your levels tested, especially if you are recently new to a vegan lifestyle. 

Because iron found in plant based foods isn’t absorbed as easily as that found in animal products, we need to make sure we include a full range of green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, seeds and iron rich fortified cereals. ⠀⠀
Vitamin C has also been shown to enhance the absorption of iron from plant-based sources. ⠀⠀

Vitamin C is a fat-soluble vitamin and is not stored naturally in the body so regular consumption of vitamin C rich foods throughout the day will aid in your body’s ability to absorb iron. ⠀⠀

The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 27 mg per day for pregnant women. ⠀⠀

Excellent sources of plant based Iron include:
⠀⠀
Pulses (such as beans, peas and lentils) ✔️ Green leafy vegetables (such as watercress) ✔️
Wholemeal, seeded and wheatgerm bread✔️
Quinoa✔️
Iron-fortified breakfast cereals✔️
Dried apricots and figs✔️
Sesame and pumpkin seeds✔️ ⠀⠀

#plantbasedlifestyle #plantbasedliving #plantbasednutrition #plantbasedfoods #plantpowered #plantbasedchef #healthyveganlife #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianlife #plantbasedpregnancy #mypregnancyjourney #mommatobe #babyontheway
Give me a 🙋‍♀️ if you’re running yourse Give me a 🙋‍♀️ if you’re running yourself in to the ground right now❓

Are you 
▪️Homeschooling
▪️Working from home, 
▪️Trying desperately to stay on top of the washing, ironing and generally keeping the house from looking like a total 💩 storm and failing miserably.... ? 

We’re all juggling so many balls at the moment, teacher, carer, parent, worker - the list is endless. I’m back at the match sticks in my eye scenario of last lockdown 😴 

We all know that eating well and staying active is important for both our physical and mental wellbeing. 

BUT for many (me included) daily routines are all over the show right now and our eating habits are sadly one of the first things to take a hit when routine flies out the window. 

When we’re pushing ourselves to the brink we need to fuel not just our bodies but our brains too with a constant supply of energy.

And because a drip to a constant supply of caffeine is a no go- we need to put aside time to ensure a supply of nutrient dense snacks is at our disposal to make sure we have the fuel to keep going, and tackle year two maths 😫😫😫

Stay safe ladies, I’d love to hear from you in the comments, let me know of any survival tactics you’re using  and help a girl out please. 

Lots of love xx 😘
.
.
.
 #healthyfoodchoices #nutritiontips #goodnutrition #nutritioncoach #eatforhealth #vegetarianfoodie #veggielife #plantbasedlifestyle #plantbasednutrition #plantpowered #plantbasedpregnancy #plantbased #plantbasedfoodie #nutritiontip #healthynutrition #pregnant #pregnancy #healthypregnancy #thepregnancypantry #pregnancynutrition #pregnanthealth #pregnancyfood #goodfoodgoodmood #babybump #pregnancylife #pregnantlife #nourishyourself #pregnancyfoods #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyproblems
⭐️⭐️FREE GIVEAWAY ⭐️⭐️ Most of us ⭐️⭐️FREE GIVEAWAY ⭐️⭐️

Most of us have a general idea of what our immune system is, but not so much what our immune system is comprised of, which can make it difficult to maintain our body’s ability to stay healthy. 

THIS IS WHY I CREATED THIS 20 PAGE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO IMMUNITY 🤩 

Your immune system is your body’s defence system to fight bacteria and germs that can make you sick or worse, cause disease. 

When it comes to staying healthy, or shortening an illness, having a strong immune system is important.

TODAY YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE FOR FREE 🙌 

“Discover The Ultimate Immunity Guide and the Quick & Easy Ways You can boost your immunity TODAY Achieve More Energy, Strengthen your system to fight off illness and bacteria and Ensure your immune system is FIGHTING FIT Starting the Today!”

Here’s What You’ll Learn...
✅ The Importance of Immunity 
✅ The quick and easy way to get vital nutrients into your body
✅ The Best Foods to eat for optimum health 
✅ Vitamins and Nutrients to support a health pregnancy 
✅ Maintaining Optimal Health for a Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyle 

This essential guide has helped me and is now yours to download FOR FREE. Just hit the link in my bio today and start your journey into 2021 the right way. 
.
.
 #expectingmom #nourishyourself #healthypregnancy #healthyeating #thepregnancypantry #pregnancynutrition #pregnancylife #pregnancystyle #prenatalnutrition #pregnanthealth #nutrition #pregnancyfoods #healthynutrition #goodnutrition #pregnancyhealthtips #healthyfoodtips #happypregnancy #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyproblems #fitpregnancy #healthmatters #foodmedicine #integrativenutrition #eatwholefoods #healthyfoodadvice #healthyfoodguide #immunityboost #nourishtoflourish #vitaminsandminerals #immunityboosting
WHERE DO WE GET MOST OF OUR VITAMIN D FROM❓ ANSW WHERE DO WE GET MOST OF OUR VITAMIN D FROM❓
ANSWER ➡️ ☀️
⁣
🤔 Okay so here’s a question.
⁣
What happens when it’s winter, freezing cold 🥶 and we’re in the middle of a pandemic and our daylight activities have been restricted 🚫 ⁉️
⁣
As we’re now finding ourselves indoors more than usual and since our main source of vitamin D is sunlight, we need to ensure we’re getting the right levels through supplements and food sources. While it's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, it can be found in foods such as:
⁣
📌Oily fish 🐟 
⁣
📌 Eggs 🍳 
⁣
📌Some breakfast cereals🥣 
⁣
📌 Margarine 🧈that is fortified with vitamin D
⁣
📌 Yogurt 🍦 that is fortified with vitamin D.
⁣
Vitamin D during pregnancy is very important for bone development but our needs cannot be met through diet alone. 
⁣
Those that  are at particular risk of low vitamin D status and should supplement  include:-
⁣
▪️all pregnant and breastfeeding women
⁣
▪️infants and children under 5 years old
⁣
▪️people who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound, confined indoors for long periods 
⁣
▪️people from minority ethnic groups with dark skin such as those of African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin, who require more sun exposure to make as much vitamin D
⁣
It is currently recommended that all pregnant (and breastfeeding) women should take a supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day. 
⁣
Check your vitamin to make sure you’re getting enough and if you have any concerns speak with your midwife or ddoctor who may be able to test your levels.
⁣
Stay safe lovelies xx 😘 
.
 #expectingmom #nourishyourself #healthypregnancy #VitaminD #VitaminSupplements #thepregnancypantry #pregnancynutrition #pregnancylife #prenatalnutrition #pregnanthealth #pregnancyfoods #healthynutrition #pregnancyhealthtips #pregnancyhealth #prenatalhealth #feelgoodpregnancy #healthypregnancydiet #pregnancyproblems #babyontheway #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyfitness #naturalhealth #pregnancyfood
WHO CAN RELATE TO THIS RIGHT NOW? 😫 Yep, it’ WHO CAN RELATE TO THIS RIGHT NOW? 😫

Yep, it’s just another day standing in front of the fridge wondering what to eat next 😬

FOR THE HUNDREDTH 
TIME TODAY

.
.
#pregnancy #pregnant #babybump #momtobe #pregnantbelly #healthypregnancy #pregnantlife #thepregnancypantry #pregnancylife #preggolife #thebump #mommytobe #eatingfortwo #pregnancyjournal #pregnancyjourney #happypregnancy #pregnancyfoods #pregnant_world #pregnancylifestyle #pregnantandperfect #babyonboard #momlife #pregnancyhumour #pregnancymemes #pregnancyquotes #pregnancyproblems #isolationeating #comforteating #lockthefridge
Find me on Instagram

HOME

ABOUT

CONTACT

LATEST POSTS

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

© ThePregnancyPantry2020
  • Juliet Pro by LyraThemes.com
  • Home
  • My Mission
  • Select Your Pregnancy Lifestyle
    ▲
    • Plant Based Pregnancy
    • Gluten Free Pregnancy
    • Dairy Free Pregnancy
    • Eating with Gestational Diabetes
  • Smoothies & Juices
  • Freebies and Downloads
  • Latest Posts
  • Lets Connect