Fresh Focus #7: Pre-Pregnancy Nutrition

In this season of the series we are covering the entire maternal diet…from what to eat when you are thinking of starting a family to feeding your newborn!   How exciting to think about becoming a momma! As you are thinking about starting a family and making that decision to try to get pregnant, we want to help you prepare now to allow for a smoother transition to a healthy pregnancy.   There is a ton of information out there and trust me, it can be overwhelming and confusing.  I want to be the first to tell you that you definitely do NOT have to wait until you have that little bundle of joy to start eating well for YOU.  Now is the time to review your eating habits.  It is both beneficial and easier to overhaul your habits prior to becoming pregnant.    It is always a good idea to add in nutrient dense meals and snacks for everyone.  In this episode we review 10 Tips that can be followed. Whether you are planning for your first time or if you are an experienced mom wanting to expand your family. Healthy tips prior to pregnancy·         Getting off birth control and ensuring essential nutrients ·         Assess your current weight. ·         Assess your current meals and snacks·         Ensure Healthy Hydration·         Ensure healthy supplementation  ·         Daily Exercise·         Reduce Stress·         Get enough Sleep·         Start healthy eating practices now·         Take Care of YOU! The Marion VA dietitians are here to help you answer your nutrition related questions.   Stay tuned for the rest of this podcast series to gain more valuable to ways be and stay healthy.  Resourceshttps://www.move.va.gov/docs/Resources/BMIchart.pdfhttps://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/outreachmaterials/reproductivehealth/pregnancy.asphttps://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/OutreachMaterials/GeneralHealthandWellness/maternity.aspBio:  Beth Blair, RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.  She serves veterans out of the Evansville Healthcare Center within the Marion VA Health Care System. She received her education from Western Kentucky University and completed Dietetic Internship at Indiana University Medical Center.   She has been at the VA for over 8 years.  She enjoys teaching the MOVE! Weight Management Program and helping veterans focus on attainable goals to help jump start their health and wellness journey