Ideas for the transition back to Veganism while pregnant.

[45h13y]

I haven't a clue where this post will fit into recipes, but I've been a member of this community since 2004 and all of the advice is nothing less than fantastic. I'm currently 3 months pregnant, and a vegetarian of about 10 years. I ALSO have a gluten allergy! No fun when you're pregnant and want to eat pita bread with your hummus

Comments

[areyouxp]

it's probably best to NOT be vegan while pregnant. allow at least for some eggs and dairy. veganism is fine for full-grown adults; it's not healthy for the growing fetus, or a growing child.

[surlynymph]

Based on what information?? I've already talked to my doctor about this before even getting pregnant and she has no worries as long as you eat all of the right foods (she is even omni.) I also know people who were vegan during their pregnancies and had beautiful, healthy babies.

[_sithkitten_]

this is really NOT true. Totally....NOT TRUE. Not if you are a responsible parent with half a brain.

My sis was vegan before during and after he pregancy and her baby is WONDERFULLY healthy as is she.

I also know PERSONALLY people that were raised vegan their whole lives, and others who are raising their kids the same.

Just like ANY vegan diet, if you eat a healthy balnced diet...it is 100% healthy for all stages of life.

[uppity_heathen]

bull.

I had an amazing vegan pregnancy. My baby was born chubby and perfect. She could roll over when she was 3 days old. She is still ahead in all her milestones.

The ADA says veganism is fine for pregnancy and for small children. My OB and my daughter's doctor both support my choice to be vegan and raise her vegan. My OB told me, "The vegan moms I see always have healthier pregnancies and perfect babies." FTR he is omni.

It is because of bad advice from ill-informed or assuming people that discourage women from having healthy vegan pregnancies. Instead we should be telling her clear nutrition advice like "get enough b12" not "eat eggs and dairy."

[prettyhowtown_]

raw nuts for protein, especially walnuts because they've got lots of omega-3 fatty acids.

eat your greens; they're a good source of protein as well, though not very concentrated. they also have lots of other baby-healthy nutrients. eat a variety of greens so you don't throw your mineral balances out of whack!

hemp seeds have TONS of essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber. definitely add hemp to your diet, whether it's a protein powder or the seeds themselves, or even store-bought hemp milk.

now, interestingly, a lot of the fresh foods you could be eating that would benefit both you and your baby can be blended into a smoothie form. drink it on-the-go, quick and easy prep! berries, greens, and bananas make fantastic, for delicious smoothies. you can barely taste the veggies if you use enough fruit and add a little sweetener such as agave nectar or stevia. hemp proten can give a little boost to the nutrient value of the smoothies.

[45h13y]

yum! i love almond, rice, and hemp milk. trying to stay away from *too* many soy products. thank you!

[prettyhowtown_]

oh! my favorite cheese is cashew-sunflower seed cheese. or, you could just use one or the other.

soak the nuts or seeds for at least four hours to overnight. drain, put in a blender with a little water, lemon juice, maybe some tahini (lots of calcium in that tahini) and nutritional yeast. spice it up any way you like, especially with garlic, soy sauce, mrs. dash spice blend, etc. blend in blender or food processor. really delicious.

[45h13y]

MMMMM! tahini is LOVE. i drain falafel and carrot salad in it. totally craving this now!

[_sithkitten_]

This is THE best resource for advice on vegan baby/family stuff.

http://vegfamily.com

Make sure to also talk to a nutritionist who knows and is trainned with vegan pregnancies.

GOOD LUCK and good choice :D