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During pregnancy, it is not only important to eat well, but also to handle your food properly. Here are some tips to make sure all your meals are safe.

Wash Up

Wash your hands with soap before you handle any food and again after touching raw meat, fish or poultry. Also, wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them.

Think Nutritious

When eating, always consider whether what you are about to eat will benefit your baby and try to avoid those foods that are low in nutritional value. Remember that although two foods have the same amount of calories, they do not necessarily have the same nutritional value. A doughnut with 300 calories is not as beneficial to you and your child as a bran muffin with the same amount of calories. When faced with similar decisions, try to choose the foods that are the most nutrient-dense.

Here are some good guidelines to follow in this regard:

always choose lean meats over fatty ones
try to reduce the number of fried foods you consume, opting for broiled foods instead
decrease the amount of butter or margarine you spread on your bread
if sautéing, use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil rather than greater amounts of vegetable oil

Utensils and Freshness

Always use a clean cutting board and knife. Wash them well after using them for raw meats, fish and poultry. Refrigerate any uneaten or unused food promptly.

Small Meals

Eat frequent small meals if you are plagued with nausea problems, heartburn or reduced stomach space later in pregnancy. This can also help level out blood sugar levels, making you feel a bit better during the day. You should never skip any meals. Remember, if you are skipping a meal, so is your child.

Variety

Variety is very important as it helps ensure that you’re gathering the daily doses of recommended vitamins and minerals every day. It also helps prevent boredom with your diet which can lead to straying. Variety is the spice of life, after all.

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