When it comes to what foods are safe to eat during pregnancy, it is easy to feel like there are almost everything is off-limits. It seems like your body is playing one big trick on you by giving you compulsory cravings and then restricting what foods you can actually enjoy. I, for example, have been craving all types of seafood dishes-trout, shrimp, fried cod, crab legs, calamari…you name it, I want to eat it. I now have a daily struggle to try to keep my seafood consumption to the suggested amount of only two servings a week due to the possibly dangerous of mercury. As an avid sushi lover, life has been hard.
Click here for a link that breaks down mercury content in different fish and shellfish.
During the past few years, the list of “no-no’s” is growing by leaps and bounds because of developing research. Here is my modified list of the latest foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- Raw or undercooked eggs and meats (danger of food poisoning)
Mr.Tomato (from our garden)
- Cookie dough, homemade ice cream and salad dressings (may contain raw egg)
- Unwashed raw fruits and veggies (bacteria)
- Unpasteurized milk, juices, and fruit shakes
- Soft Cheeses (bacteria-include brie, roquefort, etc.)
- More than two servings of seafood (mercury)
- Shark, swordfish, tuna steaks (high levels of mercury)
- Lunch meat, smoked meats, and hot dogs (nitrates and exposure to raw meats)
- Foods that are allergenic (peanuts, gluten, etc.)
- High sugar foods (may cause gestational diabetes)
- Sprouts (high occurrence of bacteria)
Ok, you’ve taken away all the good stuff. So then what the heck can I eat?
My suggestion is to take it all lightly. Some things, like avoiding raw meat, is a given but don’t let your new diet consume your life. Just pay more attention to what you do eat and do your best to make most of your dishes at home to ensure food handling safety. Take it one step further by picking fresh (and organic) vegetables from your own home grown garden. My son is always eager to help me plant the trays with all the unique seeds, (a great project to do with the kids to get them excited for spring) and he loves to watch as the plants sprout and continue to grow over time. Check back soon for project ideas and seed starting instructions!
gardenmamma 