The Health Plan

Diet for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

Cod Liver Oil to supply 20,000 IU vitamin A and 2000 IU vitamin D per day

1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows (learn more about raw milk on our website, A Campaign for Real Milk, www.realmilk.com)

4 tablespoons butter daily, preferably from pasture-fed cows

2 or more eggs daily, preferably from pastured chickens

Additional egg yolks daily, added to smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, etc.

3-4 ounces fresh liver, once or twice per week (If you have been told to avoid liver for fear of getting "too much Vitamin A," be sure to read Vitamin A Saga)

Fresh seafood, 2-4 times per week, particularly wild salmon, shellfish and fish eggs

Fresh beef or lamb daily, always consumed with the fat

Oily fish or lard daily, for vitamin D

2 tablespoons coconut oil daily, used in cooking or smoothies, etc.

Lacto-fermented condiments and beverages

Bone broths used in soups, stews and sauces

Soaked whole grains

Fresh vegetables and fruits

AVOID:

• Trans fatty acids (e.g., hydrogenated oils)
• Junk foods
• Commercial fried foods
• Sugar
• White flour
• Soft drinks
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Cigarettes
• Drugs (even prescription drugs)

This is the diet recommended by the Dr. Weston A. Price website, which you can view here. It doesn't seem to hard, but I realize I am supposed to be eating all of that right now in the early stages of development. Fish, liver and fish oil ain't ringing a bell you know?

So, I need to transition myself slowly I think. I have allowed a good bit of processed food to enter the diet, but sometimes you just need some help. I am hoping, by next week if not before, to go back to picking up raw milk again. I don't know if I can drink a whole quart of it a day, but I can at least drink two cups or so.

I already eat eggs and butter and coconut oil, just not in those amounts. Seafood, well, I don't know what to do about that one. I'll have to check out the frozen fish sections of the stores around here. I can get canned tuna and salmon, but I don't know if I can handle the smells right now. I haven't made homemade bone broths in awhile either, which isn't hard, just a little time consuming since it has to simmer for a long time, then you strain it, then chill it, then skim off the fat, then store it.

The soaked whole grains haven't been regular either, except for oatmeal. I am still making kefir and started kombucha again. I try to buy organic possible, however our budget has not allowed for it until now. The good quality beef and lamb is also not really available, to my knowledge, unless I buy a live one,LOL.

I am also researching what herbs to include as well. I may be going through a temporary anemia spell. Apparently as your blood volume increases, the plasma increases and your need for iron increases. I haven't been very consistent with taking my vitamins because sometimes they affect me badly, so an herbal infusion may be better. So, the main herbs you need are:

Red raspberry leaf- strengthens and tones uterus
Nettle- high in vitamins and minerals
alfalfa- the same
Peppermint-for easing digestion and for taste

There are others that are good too, but most blends I am seeing online contain these ones.

This diet would be good for anyone and the herbs good for women to drink whether pregnant or not.

The other thing is picking out some pregnancy workout videos. I am determined to not be fat this time. My joints have been aching and I am sitting/laying down a lot. I want to be able to wear a swimsuit and not be ashamed. So, I have found a couple that should help- one is pilates and another is a strength building workout. Like I said, I can at least tone the limbs if not the belly :)

Laundry calls!