Wellness

Festive season food tips for mummies

Festive season usually involves a lot of rich foods and lavish preparations. It’s hard to resist and fight off cravings. You can still eat and be merry, but in moderation and balance. All you need to do is to follow some healthy eating tips that will lead you to have a safe pregnancy and also enjoy your holidays with family and friends simultaneously.

Festive year-end celebrations are just round the corner and this usually means lots of gatherings and bonding over good food. If you are an expectant mum this season, other than abstaining from your usual glass of wine or spirits, you should try to avoid high risk foods and calorie rich treats by taking note of these dietary tips.

Avoid high risk food
Pregnancy dials down your immunity and hence makes mums-to-be more vulnerable to food-poisoning. Bacteria in raw or not properly handled food can make you sick and even harm your baby. Some foods to avoid will be:

Unpasteurised dairy products. Soft cheese (Brie, Feta, Blue-cheese), non-bake cheese cakes, chocolate lava cake, meringue pies, soft-boiled eggs in Caesar salads and eggnog.

Rare or partially cooked meats and poultry. Smoked meat like carpaccio, ham and paté. Meat served at the carving station in a buffet line is risky as it is usually left to stand for a long period of time. Choose meat that are freshly prepared and well cooked.

Raw or partially cooked seafood. Sashimi, raw oysters, smoked salmon, trout or even caviar.

Choose nutrient dense food
Choose nutrient rich food that are loaded with goodies like whole or multi-grains, vegetables and lean meat or fish. If you are at a buffet line, start your meal with a bowl of warm soup coupled with a slice of whole-grain bread then head for the à la minute food stations like the pasta station so that you can enjoy a plate of freshly cooked pasta loaded with your favourite vegetables. You can also choose dishes that are braised or baked over deep fried ones. Make sure you load your plate with a good portion of vegetables.

Eat small meals often
Instead of having heavy meals, graze with healthy snacks throughout the day. We know it is easy to overeat during the festive season, so bear in mind to choose healthier options and moderate your portion to enjoy a variety. If you are in your 1st trimester and can’t eat well due to nausea or in the last league with an affected appetite due to heart burn, remember to take it slow. Choose lighter and less oily food options like unsalted nuts, wholegrain bread rolls, clear based soup (eg: minestrone or chicken soup), steamed dim sums, salads or dried fruits. Avoid snacking on high calorie
items like, cheese tarts, creamy pastas, roast pork belly, caramelized nuts, fruit cakes or ice-creams etc.