MSc, RD
Jennifer House is a registered dietitian with 15 years of experience and currently owns a private practice First Step Nutrition in Calgary, Alberta. Whether dealing with picky eaters or starting a baby on solids, Jennifer helps parents decrease food overwhelm through online programs. She is the creator of the Solid Steps to Baby-led Weaning e-course, End Picky Eating group coaching program, and author of "The Parents' Guide to Baby-led Weaning" and "Babyfood in an Instant Pot."Jennifer is a member blogger and regional media representative of Dietitians of Canada, chair of the DC Consulting Network, the College of Alberta of Dietitians, and the board member of the Calgary Breastfeeding Matters Group.
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Every food should be consumed within limits during pregnancy. Similarly, while you can safely have vinegar during pregnancy, knowing its proper usage is important to avoid possible complications. Vinegar adds tanginess and a kick to your meals. With its high [simple_tooltip text="antioxidant" tooltip="Compounds that inhibit oxidation and delay cell damage" ] content, vinegar can contribute to a healthy baby and pregnancy. However, consuming too much may induce certain side effects, especially in the later trimesters. So, if you have been adding vinegar to most of your dishes and want to know if you can continue to do so while pregnant, read on. This post tells you about the benefits of vinegar for pregnant women, its side effects, and the types of vinegar you can consume. [mj-toc] Is Vinegar Safe During Pregnancy? It is better to consume vinegar in limited amounts when expecting as there is no scientific evidence to prove the safety of vinegar during pregnancy (1). In most cases,...
For women who are used to starting their day with a hot beverage, switching to a natural, healthier alternative such as peppermint tea during pregnancy could be a great option. Moreover, caffeine is said to have negative effects on baby development, limiting the intake of caffeinated drinks during pregnancy is best. In addition, peppermint tea is a herbal drink that could offer significant medicinal benefits to expectant mothers. Keep reading to learn whether it is safe to drink peppermint tea during pregnancy, its potential health advantages and side effects, and how to make peppermint tea. [mj-toc] Peppermint Tea During Pregnancy Most herbal teas are a safe non-caffeinated replacement for caffeinated beverages for pregnant mothers. Caffeinated drinks increase the risk of low birth weight or [simple_tooltip text="miscarriage" tooltip="Unexpected loss of a fetus." ] in the newborn baby, and hence consuming them limits during pregnancy is recommended. Peppermint is a hybrid, a perfect blend of spearmint and watermint. It also boasts of a...
Imitation crab can be a delicious, inexpensive substitute for crab, offering a similar taste. However, if you are craving this while pregnant, you should know that consuming imitation crab during pregnancy has its share of negative and positive effects. The nutritional value of this pseudo-crab meat accounts for both its pros and cons. The high phosphorus content contributes to a healthy heart, whereas on the other hand, excess consumption may lead to a stroke from its high sodium content. Hence, knowing the right amount and way to consume it is extremely important. Read on to know about the consumption of imitation crab while pregnant, including its benefits and drawbacks, tips for safe consumption, and some delicious recipes. [mj-toc] What Is Imitation Crab? [caption id="attachment_882256" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] An imitation crab is a form of Japanese fish cake made from blending a white fish called Alaskan Pollock with flavorings, colorants, and ingredients. Making imitation crab involves rinsing, skimming, grinding and...
Pregnant women may have some unique cravings - chewing on some yummy drumsticks and enjoying a bowl of piping hot drumstick soup also make it to the list. But how safe is it to consume drumsticks during pregnancy? While it is known that drumstick is a healthy vegetable to include in one’s diet, it is important to confirm their safety for expecting mothers. Continue reading this post for detailed information on the nutritional significance, safety, and health benefits of drumsticks for pregnant women. [mj-toc] What Is A Drumstick? Drumstick, also widely popular as moringa oleifera, is a tropical plant belonging to Moringaceae family, which originates in the sub-Himalayan forests of India. A drumstick plant is around 1.5 to 2 meters tall and bears dark green long, slender, three-sided edible seed pods. Each pod is about six to eighteen inches in length with a drumstick-like appearance and tapering ends. Each pod contains fleshy pulp and round pea-sized seeds (1). [mj_protip type="Did...
If you enjoy a delicious meal of lamb chops occasionally, you need not stop eating lamb during pregnancy. Lamb is an excellent source of protein and vitamins that can keep you and your baby healthy (1). It protects you from illnesses while enriching you with nutrients. However, every food should be taken in moderate amounts to avoid any side effects. Read this post to learn more about eating lamb, including its benefits for pregnant women and precautionary measures to take during its consumption. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/manage-protein-rich-foods-intake-pregnancy_0096816/" title="How To Manage Protein Rich Foods Intake During Pregnancy?"] [mj-toc] Health Benefits Of Eating Lamb During Pregnancy [caption id="attachment_890643" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Apart from being extremely tasty, lamb is also known to be high in nutritional content. Here are some of the health benefits of eating lamb: Being a good source of protein, it contributes to the increased protein requirement in pregnancy. This helps in the growth and development of your fetus (1). Lamb...
Ramen noodles are a type of Japanese noodles enjoyed worldwide. You may crave ramen noodles while pregnant due to their flavor, wide variety of recipes, and minimal cooking time. But many women may have concerns about eating these noodles during pregnancy, especially if they ate them as a staple meal before becoming pregnant. Is it safe to consume them during pregnancy, and could they affect your baby? Read through to know about eating ramen noodles during pregnancy, including their benefits and side effects. Read through to know about eating ramen noodles during pregnancy, including their benefits and side effects. [mj-toc] What Are Ramen Noodles? Ramen noodles are popular in Japanese culture and cuisine; they are easy to prepare, tasty, and a comfort meal, often mooted as a healthy food option. They are affordable, convenient, and satisfying. The noodles contain several nutrients that provide many health benefits. You can also add a variety of spices, vegetables, soup, broth, and other food...
If your child loves oranges or orange-flavored foods, or if you want them to savor them more, here’s an interesting way to do so. We are here with some fun facts about oranges for children to help them develop an interest in the [simple_tooltip text="citrus fruit" tooltip="Fruits having a rough and thick texture on the outside and pulpy on inside" ]. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy body. They taste delicious and refreshing, and we have included some recipes you can try as well. So, read on to learn more. Also, you can try the quiz at the end. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Give Oranges To Kids? Yes, your children can eat oranges regularly. Eating oranges for kids is not only safe, but is also highly nutritional and beneficial for their health. While choosing quality oranges, make sure you choose firm, dense, and evenly-colored oranges for kids. Also, you can store fresh oranges in a...
The body’s nutritional demands escalate during pregnancy and lactation, making it vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. Malnutrition during pregnancy may result in various maternal complications such as anemia, premature delivery, or [simple_tooltip text="postpartum hemorrhage" tooltip="Heavy blood discharge from blood vessels after childbirth" ]. In addition, it may adversely affect the developing fetus, increasing the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality (1). Therefore, a balanced diet is essential to ensure the safety and health of the mother and developing baby. Continue reading this post, where we explain the causes of malnutrition during pregnancy, how it can affect you and your baby, and how to prevent it. [mj-toc] What Is Malnutrition In Pregnancy? Malnutrition is a serious condition that occurs when an individual’s diet contains insufficient nutrients that do not meet the requirements of her body. It can cause damage to the vital organs and can adversely affect the functioning of the body. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/2nd-month-pregnancy-diet-foods-eat-avoid_00115/" title="2nd Month Pregnancy Diet: What To...
Shrimp is a soft-textured shellfish rich in vital nutrients, such as lean protein, selenium, and several B vitamins, such as vitamin B12. It also contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. But while shrimp is generally considered a healthy choice for seafood lovers, you might want to know — can pregnant women eat shrimp? Knowing this is crucial as certain types of fish and shellfish may contain high amounts of mercury. Keep reading to know about the safety, possible health benefits, and necessary precautions pregnant women should follow to eat shrimp while pregnant. [mj-toc] Safety Of Shrimp In Pregnancy [caption id="attachment_893149" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), shrimp is low-mercury seafood rich in protein and low in saturated fats, making it a healthy choice for pregnant women (1). Pregnant women should consume well-cooked shrimp since raw or undercooked seafood can contain harmful pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses....
Chicken is a versatile food that’s easy to cook and customize. There are several healthy chicken recipes for kids to provide high-quality, [simple_tooltip text="lean protein" tooltip="A protein source with less saturated fat and calories" ] and several vital nutrients, such as [simple_tooltip text="selenium" tooltip="A trace mineral that helps the body make special proteins called antioxidant enzymes that prevent cell damage" ], vitamin B6, [simple_tooltip text="omega-3 fatty acids" tooltip="Healthy fats that have numerous health benefits including supporting the heart and brain" ], and zinc (1) (2). Chicken is also low in saturated fat when compared to red meat. Read this post to explore some easy-to-make, kid-friendly chicken recipes to make preparations that your child can enjoy across meals. [mj_protip type="Did you know" title="Did you know?"]The consumption of chicken in the US has been steadily increasing each year since 1960, and it is among the country's most widely purchased food items (3).[/mj_protip] [mj-toc] Tasty And Healthy Chicken Recipes For Children Here are...
Brownies, cookies, cakes, and pizzas are favorites for most children. But one thing that they enjoy more than eating is baking and cooking in the kitchen. Baking recipes for kids can encourage their creativity and imagination. To give you some ideas to get started, we bring you some irresistibly delicious and sweet baking recipes that are simple and need a few ingredients. [mj-toc]Delicious Baking Recipes For Children Before you begin, remember to assign your child age-appropriate tasks and walk them through all the safety and cleanliness tips. 1. Peanut butter and oats cookies [caption id="attachment_822924" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You will need: 1½ cups chocolate chips 1 cup instant oats ½ cup whole wheat flour ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) ½ cup coconut sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1½tsp vanilla bean paste ½tsp baking soda ½tsp baking powder ¼tsp salt 1 egg How to make: Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Line...
People of all ages usually enjoy desserts. However, when it comes to children, relishing desserts knows no ritual, tradition, or time. They simply love eating desserts because they are sweet and delicious. So here we bring you some easy-to-make, attractive, and flavorsome dessert recipes for kids from countries such as the US, Italy, India, Mexico, and Indonesia, to name a few. These recipes are simple yet so delectable that your children will surely enjoy eating them. [mj-toc]Scrumptious Desserts For Children Here are some delectable desserts you and your child can make together at home. American and Caribbean dessert recipes 1. Apple pie [caption id="attachment_798503" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You will need: For the pie base: Double crust pie pastry 1 egg white (beaten) 2tsp coarse sugar 1tsp unsalted butter For the filling: 6 cups of apples (peeled and sliced) ½ cup dates puree 3tbsp flour 1tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp ground cinnamon How to make: Preheat the oven to 425°F...
As children experience a growth spurt, so does their appetite. Snacks are a part of your child’s diet routine, and not all are bad. Regular healthy snacking can help children fulfill their nutritional requirements to support their growth and development. However, most packaged snacks are highly processed and rich in sugar, refined flour, and artificial preservatives. Here, we bring you a list of healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make healthy snacks for kids. [mj-toc]30+ Healthy Snacks For Kids Protein Snacks 1. Chia seed bites [caption id="attachment_799851" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Chia seeds are considered a superfood for adults or children. These protein-rich little bites of chia seeds, coconut, almond or peanut butter, oats, and honey could make a super delicious and healthy snack. They can easily be refrigerated and grabbed after or before your kid’s play session. The chia seed bites contain no gluten, egg, dairy, or corn. 2. Celery with peanut butter and raisins [caption id="attachment_799852" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] If...