Pregnancy and raw foods... some suggestions?

[Erika]

My sister is pregnant and she normally eats really poorly but since her last pregnancy ended at only 22 weeks, she wants to try to do some things different this time around.

When my mom and my sister saw me, they noticed how much weight I had lost and started asking about my diet. I explained a little bit of it to them and then I made them a green smoothie. They liked it to my surprise. These two are kind of lazy though and probably wouldn't go out of their way to learn how to or bother to make them for themselves. They are still very much in the mindset of order it and go.

My sister asked me if there is anything specific that she might want to eat during her pregnancy. I suggested some ginger for her morning sickness but other than that, I don't know much about it because I've never been pregnant. She said that she doesn't just want to know about herbs and such but real food also. You must keep in mind that my mother lashed out at me about how horribly fattening avocados are lol.

Any suggestions would be great. Also my sisters teeth are weak so chewing very hard items are a no go for her.

Thanks everyone,
Erika

[rawstrength]

I think spirulina would be an awesome food to have during pregnancy, especially because of the EPA/DHA. It is very mild and she could incorporate it into her smoothies. Encourage her to eat all the soft fruits and vegetables she wants.

[Raene]

This isn't exactly food-based, but I highly recommend the book Women's Herbal for the Childbearing Year (or something like that). It mentions what herbs to take if you've previously miscarried and also says to drink lots of raspberry leaf and nettle teas. These are helpful for strengthening the uterus, are full of vitamins, and raspberry leaf helps tone your uterus so you don't have hemorrhaging after the birth.
I'd say green smoothies would be fabulous, but I've heard that cilantro is a no-no during pregnancy, so I wouldn't include that.
Good luck to her!

[Erika]

Thank you. I'll be sure to let her know about these ideas. I don't think she will add the spirulina into her smoothies but she might be willing to swallow it in a pill lol. As for the teas and such, I think I could get her to do that... I'll let you know.

Thanks again,
Erika

[Vegan Princess]

I love to add hemp seeds to my green smoothies. You can't taste them in a green smoothie. They're also good for making a milk - sort of along the lines of almond milk except you don't have to strain it. So they are good blended with water a banana and cacao powder - yummy milkshake. They are high in protein and more importantly, high in omega 3s and DHA. DHA is essential for baby brain growth. Good luck to your sister!

Cindy