MSc Dietetics
Moloko Mehlape is a registered dietitian in private practice with around nine years of experience in the field. Her special interest lies in nutrition education, sports nutrition, weight, and chronic disease management. She is a philanthropist passionate about making a positive impact in public health through nutrition. Dt. Mehlape has completed extensive formal education and training, and holds qualifications BSc Dietetics (Hons) - Medunsa, MSc Dietetics from the University of Pretoria. She also holds advanced certificates in diabetes care for healthcare professionals - CDE and certificate in Good Clinical practice. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Dietetics. She has written several articles on nutrition and is also a residential dietitian for different radio stations in her city.
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How safe is it to eat raspberries when pregnant? The juicy raspberries with rich sweet taste may make pregnant women crave to have a handful of them to satiate their sweet tooth. They are rich in vitamins(vitamin E, C, and vitamin K), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium), phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Keep reading this post as we talk about the nutritional value, health benefits, and safety of eating raspberries during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Are Raspberries? A raspberry is an edible, delicious fruit, which is available in several colors. Raspberries have two distinct varieties: boysenberries and loganberries. Also, red raspberries are widely popular, and they are easily available in California. The berries enhance the taste of cakes and desserts. You may preserve the berries as jelly and jam. Raspberries are full of nutrients that help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/is-it-safe-to-eat-cake-during-pregnancy_00121740/" title="Is It Safe To Eat Cake During Pregnancy?"] Can You Eat Raspberries During Pregnancy? [caption...
Bacon is the processed and cured meat of pig or turkey seasoned with salts and condiments. Many women are unsure of the effects of eating bacon during pregnancy. Bacon has many nutritional benefits, so it may be consumed during pregnancy. However, you should take care when cooking it and remember to consume it in moderation. Read the post for detailed information on the health benefits and side effects of eating bacon when pregnant, tips on cooking it properly, symptoms of infections caused by eating raw bacon, alternatives of bacon, and pregnancy-friendly recipes. [mj-toc] Can Pregnant Women Eat Bacon? Yes, bacon can be a tasty addition to the pregnancy diet. However, make sure that you properly cook the meat before consumption. Bacon is a staple breakfast in most households, but it is cured with salt, spices, nitrites, additives, and sometimes even sugar to give it a unique taste. Therefore, eating it in excess can be a bad idea, Especially for women...
Many people love cheese and believe that cheese makes their food taste better. It is easy to eat and digest and quite nutritious. Moreover, cheese is a popular snack choice for many parents due to its availability and taste. But is cheese good for babies? Read this post to discover cheese's advantages and potential drawbacks for children. Also, learn the appropriate age and amount and some homemade cheese recipes for kids. [mj-toc] Is Cheese Good For Babies? Cheese can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet for babies and young children as it can provide important nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins (1). Cheese has essential micronutrients, vitamins A, D, B12, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus(2). These nutrients can support the nutritional needs of a growing baby. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/vitamins-while-breastfeeding_00369546/" title="13 Essential Vitamins For Breastfeeding Mother To Meet Infant's Needs"] When Can Babies Eat Cheese? There is no definite recommended age when babies can begin eating...
Cheeses are dairy products that are an excellent source of protein and calcium. Bocconcini cheese is an unripened variant of cheese that is nutritious as well as delicious. However, you may be skeptical about eating Bocconcini cheese during pregnancy. It may be a safe and effective alternative for keeping you full for a long time and suppressing cravings, but certain factors may make it less safe for pregnant women. The primary reason is the presence of microbes. So it is very important to scan through the product label for words such as pasteurized before going for your favorite cheese. But does it provide and enhance maternal nutrition? In this post, we have provided a detailed guide to help you choose the right Bocconcini cheese you may enjoy during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is Bocconcini Cheese? [caption id="attachment_891831" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Bocconcini means ‘little bites’ in Italy. Bocconcini cheese refers to the tiny egg sized Mozzarella cheese pieces, which are native...
Macaroni and cheese recipes for babies can be a good source of complex carbohydrates and calcium. In addition, they make a wholesome meal that is easy to prepare. So, if you are planning to try some classic, much-loved macaroni and cheese recipes for your baby, look no further. This post has ten recommendations for easy and delicious macaroni and cheese recipes that your babies will enjoy. Ten Macaroni And Cheese Recipes For Babies Here are our ten baby macaroni cheese recipes that will surely make your little one drool: 1. Simple Mac N Cheese: [caption id="attachment_1091990" align="alignnone" width="720"] Shutterstock[/caption] You Will Need: A packet of Macaroni 1/3rd cup of grated cheese 1 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1 cup of milk Salt (not recommended before 12 months of age as their kidneys can’t handle) Pepper How To: Boil the pasta as per the instructions on the packet and let it cool. Melt the butter in a pan and add...
After weaning, a baby’s solid food should ideally include food from all major food groups. You can go through some of the best choices of 5 months baby food to introduce to your little one. According to pediatricians, healthy babies should start their solid food diet by five to six months. The meals should have diversity in them. This will help them get the required nutrition and familiarize themselves with different tastes. Since their immune system is still developing, they need the right nutrients for healthy growth (1). Keep reading as we have put together a list of ideas for the best food for your five-month-old baby. [mj-toc] Giving Your Baby Right Amount Of Food Unless your baby has medical conditions that require a specific diet, offering solid foods is suitable at the start of the fifth month (2). Do not expect your darling to lick clean her bowl right away! It may take a while since it is a...
You can safely consume dates during pregnancy in a moderate amount. Additionally, dates nutrition facts suggest that these dried fruits have good calorie content, and a handful of them can provide adequate nutrients to the mother and the baby. Furthermore, it is an ideal snack because its sugars break down to provide the optimum amount of energy without raising blood sugar levels (1). This post will tell you more about eating dates during pregnancy, their safety, and benefits. [mj-toc] How Does Eating Dates Help In Labor? [caption id="attachment_874395" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Studies show that eating dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy can have positive effects on labor and delivery. Evidence from randomized control trials has shown that consuming date fruit could help in the ripening of the cervix, which may reduce the duration of labor, thus reducing the need for [simple_tooltip text="oxytocin" tooltip="A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate contractions during childbirth and lactation "...
The spicy, peppery jalapenos have many nutritional benefits. They are good sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, you may worry about consuming jalapenos during pregnancy due to their high spice levels. They tend to cause abdominal discomfort when eaten in excess, even in normal individuals. Since pregnancy is accompanied by a few abdominal discomforts of its own, an expectant mother could be doubtful to consume this nutrient-rich pepper. However, if you enjoy eating spices and have been craving some jalapenos in pregnancy, keep reading this post for some information. [mj-toc] What Is Jalapeno? Jalapeno peppers derive their name after Xalapa in Mexico and is a significant part of Mexican cuisine. People in Mexico and Central America cultivate the peppers from past thousands of years. However, today you can find jalapeno in Asia and other parts of the world. The two to four-inch-long jalapeno contains nutrients and vitamins, including folic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, which can benefit...
If your baby has completed around six months of breastfeeding, you can begin introducing them to solid food. If you are looking for some solid food ideas, try vegetable recipes such as parsnip baby food recipes. Parsnips are a versatile root vegetable rich in fiber and several nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin C. They can be served as a mash, puree, finger food, or soup. Read on to learn some delicious parsnip recipes that are age-appropriate for your little ones and will stimulate their tiny taste buds. [mj-toc] When Is It Safe To Start Parsnip For Your Baby? Babies can consume parsnips from around seven months of age as a part of their complementary diet. You can feed the baby one to two teaspoons of cooked parsnip along with other foods and continued breast or formula feeding. Remember, introduction to solids should be gradual so that the baby gets ample time to adjust to the taste and digestibility of...
Finding suitable food ideas for your four months old baby may be confusing as this is probably the first time they are being introduced to solid food. As babies turn four months, they become more active and playful. In addition, they start to exhibit more interest in their surroundings. Their stomachs also grow bigger and are ready for more food. Moreover, they seem less interested in milk and are ready to explore new food varieties. If you recognize these signs in your baby, it is an indication that they have reached the developmental milestone where you may introduce them to solid foods. Read the post to find whether your baby is ready for solids and to discover some interesting food ideas for them. [mj-toc] Is Your Baby Ready For Solids? Your baby must have lost the ‘tongue thrust reflex’ by the time they are four months of age. Thrust reflex prevents the infants from choking. It also causes them to...
Your search for delicious yet healthy pasta recipes for toddlers ends here. Pasta is Italian food that has several varieties. You can use those varieties to make delectable, age-appropriate dishes for toddlers and older babies. Generally, pasta is made of unleavened wheat flour. However, to make your toddler's pasta dish healthier, you can pick pasta made of other nutritious ingredients, such as whole grains, millets, and pulses. In addition, you can add different nutrient-rich ingredients like dried herbs, seeds, vegetables, meat, fish, etc., to pasta to make the dish attractive and flavorful. So, are you ready to tango with your children using pasta? Let's try some tasty and nutritious pasta recipes for toddlers! [mj-toc] Delicious Pasta Recipes For Toddlers If you are into healthy eating and want to make your toddler imbibe that behavior, check some of the nutritious meals with considerable amount of protein given below: 1. Baked Pasta: [caption id="attachment_123378" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes, baked pasta is...
Pregnancy is the time when women have several food cravings and love to try different types of foods. Knowing some nutritious yet delicious recipes for pregnant women could help satisfy the cravings and ensure good pregnancy health. With the wild cravings and unpredictable meal timings, it may get challenging to stick to a healthy and balanced maternal diet during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it would be best to choose a well-balanced diet to ensure a healthy and stress-free pregnancy (1). So, how about picking some healthful yet delicious recipes, focusing on prenatal nutrition, to pamper your taste buds when pregnant? Read on as we bring a collection of simple and [simple_tooltip text="scrumptious" tooltip="Delicious or extremely pleasant in taste" ] recipes to try when you are expecting. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), good nutrition helps meet the body's extra demands during pregnancy. ACOG reminds us to eat twice healthy instead of "eating for two" to maintain a healthy...
Making French toast for kids can be the simplest way to satisfy their taste buds and keep them filled. These toasts are delicious and can be a great breakfast or snack option for a picky eater. French toasts were initially created to use stale bread but gradually became a gourmet food. These toasts are the simplest recipes that can tempt your children. Moreover, they hardly take any preparation time, making them perfect for the days when you are occupied with work. Read on to find some nutritional facts about French toast and easy recipes. [mj-toc] Easy And Quick Recipe To Make French Toast For Kids Making French toast cannot get easier than this! This classic easy french toast recipe for kids will not just save you time but will also ensure that your little one enjoys a wholesome meal! [caption id="attachment_338873" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You Will Need: 1 egg 1 Tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon Powder 1/4...
Edamame is a healthy, proteinaceous food known for its amazing health benefits. Hence, many expectant moms consider adding edamame to their diets during pregnancy. While it is a great source of nutrients and proteins, you may have certain concerns regarding the safety aspects of including this food item in your pregnancy diet. Read on as we tell you whether it is safe to consume edamame during pregnancy, its nutritional value, potential health benefits, possible side effects, and how to consume it. [mj-toc] What Is Edamame? Edamame refers to soybeans that are not fully ripe. Edamame is harvested when the beans are yet to reach their full maturity. It is widely eaten in Japan but has recently become a popular snack food across many other parts of the world. Since edamame is less mature than soybeans, there are differences in the nutritional content of both foods. However, both are healthy sources of protein and other essential nutrients. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/benefits-of-hummus-during-pregnancy_00354019/" title="Is It...
Apples are the most popular and nutritious fruits available in all seasons. Most parents plan to include apple puree for babies when weaning them off. Also, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics, you can use apple juice to treat the baby with constipation after their first month (1). However, you should give the whole fruit to the baby only after six months; that is when they begin eating solid foods. Browse through this post as we discuss the right time and ways to include apples in your baby's diet, their benefits, and safety measures to note before feeding apples to babies. [mj-toc] When Can Babies Start Eating Apple Puree? Babies can start eating a variety of fruits by the age of six months (2). Therefore, you can serve apple puree to the baby from six months (3). Cooked and pureed form of apple is the best way to introduce the fruit. It lets babies enjoy the several health-promoting properties...
Zucchini for babies can be safe from the age of eight months or more, depending on when your baby begins to eat solids. These are also called courgettes, and it is classified as fruit in botanical sciences. However, in cooking practices, zucchini is considered a vegetable from the Cucurbitaceae or squash family. Although this has been used in recipes of various cultures, a recent hype was given as a superfood for babies since it is packed with nutrients and various compounds with medicinal properties (1). Keep reading this post as we tell you about the safety and benefits of zucchini for infants. [mj-toc] Is Zucchini Safe For Babies? Yes, zucchini is safe for babies. However, it is generally not recommended as baby’s first solid food. If you are planning to introduce it to your baby, then consult a dietitian first. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/baby-weaning-foods_006615/" title="Top 10 Healthy Baby Weaning Foods And How To Start Them"] When Can You Introduce Zucchini To Babies?...
Is pizza safe during pregnancy? This question may be running through your mind if you are pregnant and are contemplating eating one. Pizza is a delicious dish that many prefer due to its appealing texture and taste. However, eating it regularly during pregnancy may not be a good idea. Pizza, made with refined flour, raw meat, and an overdose of cheese, may not be a healthy option as it can cause stomach infections. However, consuming small amounts of homemade pizza made of whole grains and vegetables may not be as harmful. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Pizza During Pregnancy? It depends on the kind of pizza you want to have and how often you wish to have it. If a pizza is made with uncooked or contaminated ingredients or prepared in an unclean environment, then you should avoid eating it. Also, a pizza has a lot of calories and overindulgence in it can lead to excess weight gain, which...
Oysters are a rich source of nutrients and [simple_tooltip text="Omega-3" tooltip="Healthy fats that are beneficial for our heart, brain, and many other ailments. " ] fatty acids. Having oysters during pregnancy can also help in the healthy growth of the fetus as they contain a high amount of zinc and protein. But one important thing that you should keep in mind is that not all oyster preparations are safe to be consumed while pregnant. For example, they can sometimes be served in the raw form, which is not recommended for consumption by expecting mothers. Read on to know more about the benefits of having oysters, their possible side effects, and when you should avoid eating them. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Oysters When Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_891646" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You can consume oysters only if they are fresh and thoroughly cooked. Oysters are mostly served in raw form but that could be dangerous to pregnant women (1). Therefore,...
Duck meat is a delicacy that is savored all around the world. However, if you are a meat lover and pregnant, you may be questioning the safety of every meat, including eating duck meat during pregnancy. Duck meat is rich in protein and has been known to impart several pregnancy benefits. When cooked properly and consumed hygienically, it can help you lead a healthy pregnancy by improving your metabolism besides other benefits. If you are craving duck meat while pregnant, read on to know about its safety and beneficial properties. [mj-toc] What Is Duck Meat? Lots of individual worldwide enjoy duck meat as a delicacy. History reveals that humans have consumed duck meat for more than 4,000 years, particularly in Yuan dynasty in China. The style of cooking duck meat varies from region to region. Also, duck meat is highly nutritious and offers several nutritional benefits to expecting mothers (1). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/healthy-foods-for-your-third-trimester-diet_00109586/" title="16 Nutritious Foods To Include In Your Third Trimester...
Fish oil for babies could be an effective way to supplement omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Fish is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Generally, babies can eat fish as soon as they start eating solids. However, if they can’t eat it for some reason, you may consider giving them fish oil instead. Read on to know more about the safety of fish oil for babies, the right age when babies can eat fish, its possible health benefits, and side effects. [mj-toc] Is Fish Oil Safe For Babies? [caption id="attachment_887671" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has marked fish oil “generally recognized as safe (GRAS)” food (1). The safe intake limit is three grams a day for adults. In general, babies under the age of one year need 0.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day (2). Consult a pediatrician/dietitian to determine the safe intake limit for infants. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/salmon-for-baby-safety-age-benefits-recipes_00766903/" title="When...
Almond milk is a derivative of powdered or pasted almonds. This paste or powder is combined with water and then strained to obtain milky white, nutty-flavored liquid (1). Almond milk for babies is a good alternative for infants who are allergic or intolerant to animal milk. This milk is commercially available in different variants but with added ingredients such as micronutrients (calcium and vitamin D), thickening, sweetening, and flavoring agents, and preservatives. Most people use almond milk as a substitute for animal milk in preparing sweets and savories. But you may wonder if almond milk is safe for a baby? Read this post to explore the nutritional value of almond milk compared to cow\'s milk. Also included in this post are a few healthy almond milk recipes for toddlers. [mj-toc] Can Babies And Toddlers Consume Almond Milk? Babies older than 12 months should drink fortified or whole cow milk (2). However, you may serve fortified almond milk to your toddler...
Coconut water for babies is ideally introduced after the first six months. Apart from having rejuvenating effects, a tender coconut drink is known for its high nutritional and medicinal benefits (1). Though it is a popular health drink loved by adults, especially athletes, most parents wonder if they may give this drink to their babies. Read on the post to explore the benefits, some important measures, the right age, and ways to begin feeding coconut water for babies. [mj-toc] Is Coconut Water Good For Babies? According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, coconut water is considered safe for children in general (2). There is no research to note the use of coconut water specifically for babies. However, coconut water is rich in [simple_tooltip text="electrolytes" tooltip="Minerals present in blood and bodily fluids that carry an electric charge and are crucial for essential body functions." ], carbohydrates, and [simple_tooltip text="amino acids" tooltip="The building block of life whose molecules combine to form...
If you have an eight-month-old at home, here’s everything you need to know about 8th-month baby food and recipes. Planning nutritious meals for your child is important because as babies grow, their activities increase, and so does their energy requirement. Offering several food options is necessary for infant nutrition, as a diverse food makes their regular diet complete. If you are not sure how to add variation to your baby’s food, we have compiled a list of food items and recipes that are easy to prepare and will be loved by your child. It also gives you some information on the amount of milk your baby needs at this age and how you can create an effective diet plan for them. So, read on to know more. [mj-toc] Best Foods For 8-Month-Old Baby You may have read up a lot about the foods to give your baby this month. Introducing new foods to your baby is an essential part of...
Parents are often worried when their babies have sleep interruptions. Several factors might be responsible for this phenomenon, the most important one being hunger. In such times, most parents consider adding rice cereal to the bottle. Many believe that rice cereal thickens the formula and helps keep babies’ stomachs full for longer durations, facilitating a sound sleep. However, there are no research-based studies to support this belief. Moreover, there are several short and long-term safety concerns about this feeding practice. Learn more about the safety of adding rice cereal to your baby’s bottle, the associated health problems, other alternatives, and more in this post. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Add Rice Cereal In Baby’s Bottle? [caption id="attachment_882893" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages adding rice cereal in the bottle unless directed by a pediatrician (1). Experts believe that rice cereal in the bottle is a potential choking hazard, especially for young infants whose oral motor...
If you are a tea lover yourself, you might want to know if tea for toddlers is a safe choice. Tea is a popular beverage that is available in many types. The most popular tea is the one made with the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, herbal teas are available and made with different plant parts such as roots, leaves, flowers, or barks, which are often used as herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. Some of these teas are used for therapeutic purposes, especially for treating or managing ailments such as colic and diarrhea. However, limited clinical evidence exists on the general safety and efficacy of teas for toddlers. Read on as we share an overview of the possible benefits and side effects of tea for toddlers with some precautions to observe while offering it to them. [mj-toc] Is Tea Safe For Toddlers? According to the NHS, tea (Camellia sinensis) isn’t suitable for babies and young children (1)....
If your baby has already completed nine months and you are looking for some ninth-month-baby food options, you are at the right place. Motherhood is a special phase of happiness and challenges. Though staying up all night, constantly feeding the baby, and changing diapers may seem like never-ending tasks, time flies faster than you realize, and babies grow up in no time. As your baby turns nine months old, they are ready to explore new varieties of food. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers continue breastfeeding for two years or more. According to the American Association of Pediatrics, mothers should consider breastfeeding for at least one year (1). Hence, as you start introducing new foods to your baby, do not suddenly stop breastfeeding them. This may harm your baby or make them susceptible to infections. Instead, slowly introduce them to new food and see which ones your baby loves. Read this post to learn how to wean...
Cupcakes come in various tastes, textures, ingredients, and sizes. If you want to treat your little one to this delicacy, you need good cupcake recipes for kids to try out. Cupcakes can be a great side dish for breakfast and easily be carried for lunch to school. You can also prepare them to serve as desserts or treats for festivals and special occasions. They do take some effort to make, but once you get started, you can easily customize your cupcakes for newer flavors every time you try. In this post, we have rounded up amazing cupcake recipes for you to make at home. Chocolate Cupcake Recipes For Kids Chocolate is everyone’s favorite. So let’s start with a few delicious chocolate cupcakes. 1. Chocolate Cupcakes With Caramel Frosting [caption id="attachment_405699" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] A creamy, chocolatey cupcake for kids. You Will Need: 2 cups flour ¼ cup cocoa 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract...