A Cookbook Just for Us

Cathe Olson’s The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook is possibly the sole vegetarian cookbook created for pregnant and lactating women, and after receiving several recommendations about it from my blog, I decided I needed to get a copy and test it out.

As it turns out, it may just be as good as everyone says. It has over 300 recipes, with a wide variety from teas to tonics, to tofu scrambles and mango sorbet. And even better, it goes beyond recipes, containing useful nutrition information such as a list of “super mommy foods” and a compilation of common pregnancy ailments (with suggestions for prevention and treatment). Also, a user-friendly appendix includes recipes that are high in protein, iron, and calcium, for when you want to focus on getting more of these key nutrients.

I’ve only had the cookbook for about six weeks now, but I’ve already got some favorite recipes tagged. The Tofu and Udon Noodles with Sesame-Peanut Dressing is creamy, filling, and protein packed (and also a big hit with my husband); the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas (I made the carrot variation) is a delicious way to eat some greens, and the Banana-Molasses Muffins made a perfect late morning snack. Mmm, I already have visions of making more, but with some added apples to get my fruit fix.

For the links go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/149

Alive and Well

I survived my amnio, a little embarrassed about the angst I had leading up to it (because of how easy it was), but relieved I didn’t fill the room with blood-curdling screams. I actually came out of the procedure with a much greater appreciation of today’s technology. There’s nothing more surreal than watching a living thing inside of you, doing its thing—especially when its laying out a yoga move.

These Genes Won't Budge

If you’re discovering motherhood a little later in life like me, you may be going through some of the more diligent testing for chromosomal and genetic birth defects. A woman’s risk rises significantly from the age of 35 on, which is why many doctors suggest additional testing for those who fall into that category.

The most common genetic test is known as an amniocentesis (or amnio for short). It’s a fairly simple procedure as far as medical procedures go; however, it does pose a small risk to the fetus. The benefit from the procedure is a nearly conclusive report as to whether or not the baby has spina bifida, Down syndrome, or other chromosome problems. With the results you can make an informed decision about what to do next if defects are detected.

I’m having my amnio done on Wednesday, after which I plan to take it easy for the suggested 24 hours. (As long as I don’t look at the needle, I should be fine.) Check out these links for more information on genetic testing: ACOG, March of Dimes, UPMC.

Rounding Second

At my last doctor’s visit I got a pat on the back for gaining weight in my first trimester, and now my belly is following suit by rounding out. The combination of the two has brought a sad reality to my life—the jeans I love are too tight.

Luckily, I found the organic Bella Band just in time. It’s a great accessory that allows you to wear your jeans or pants unbuttoned (and even partially unzipped), by covering up the exposed area and keeping them up. Certainly a reason to celebrate, since a postponement of maternity clothes is as sweet as free-dress day at private school.

FYI - You can find the Bella Band at www.ingridandisabel.com.

Burgeoning Belly and Bounty

My nausea has faded with perfect timing. Not just because it occurred at 15 weeks, but because it’s harvest time in my backyard garden. So far I’ve reaped basil, parsley, mint, lemon cucumbers, and sugar snap peas: a good combo for a tasty salad.

The sugar snap peas are growing like crazy right now—soon I'll have enough to make VT’s Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon-Mint Vinaigrette. It’s a tasty (and healthy) recipe, and already has 1/3 cup of pistachios in it for some decent protein content, but if you want to up the ante, tossing in some cubes of tofu would taste pretty good too.

Judging from the number of flowers I already have on my cucumber vine, I’m expecting a horde to pop out in the coming weeks, as my belly does the same. If you’re Jonesin' for vinegary food like I am (a.k.a. pregnancy pickle fetish), the Fresh Cucumber Pickles from our May issue are easy to make and had everyone coming back for more at our in-house tasting. And they weren’t even pregnant!

You can find these and more great VT recipes at vegeatriantimes.com.

A Galore of Info

I recently stumbled upon the Fit Pregnancy Web site, a comprehensive source of everything pregnant (with an impressive advisory board, I might add). The site has info on pretty much anything you can think of, including birth preparation, relationships, and fatherhood.

They have a pregnancy calendar that’s especially fun, and easy to use. You just type in your due date and instantly read all about your progress and what’s happening this week. I also liked their Essential Gear Guide tab, where I found a list just for me: “the minimalist’s list.” The mention of newborn clothing was especially helpful, as I continue to wonder, “How many clothes does an infant need?”

To hear Fit Pregnancy's answer go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/143

Workin' It Out

I’m typically a regular exerciser, but in the last 14 weeks, I was just too tired to do much of anything outside of work. The good news is the energy has returned in the second trimester, and I am once again back on the water and trails.

After your doctor, the best resource for information on exercising during pregnancy is probably the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They are used as a reference for most writings you’ll find on the subject.

The ACOG is highly supportive of women exercising during pregnancy, and states the many benefits of doing so, including reducing backaches, constipation, and swelling; increasing energy; improving mood and posture; promoting strength and endurance; and helping you sleep better.

I don’t know about you, but that’s a long list of motivators for me.

For more, go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/141

Cleaning Your Atmosphere

Whew, I’ve made it through my first trimester and my nausea is dying down. Things are looking up! I also have more energy, which means I can go back to helping out around the house.

I am sticking with chemical-free cleaning products to keep my pregnancy as free from toxins as possible. Fortunately for me, VT just did an article on natural cleaning products in our May/June issue. We found some really wonderful stuff out there that not only works great, but smells nice too. You can check out these brands we mentioned: ECover, Method, Biokleen, Earth Friendly Products, Dr. Bronner’s, Mountain Green, and Eco-Me, and if you have any faves of your own, by all means share.

The Preg Veg: Speaking of Stuff

My sister-in-law is a great bargain hunter, so when she told me about the book Baby Bargains I knew it was worth looking into. She promised that it had all kinds of ways to save on everything I needed for my baby, including advice on what I may not need, as well as how to get the most bang for my buck when I did buy.

Well, I did get the book, and I have to say I was impressed. For less than $20 you get a well-organized guide that covers a wide range of must-haves from cribs to diapers to strollers...

for the rest of the low down on Baby Bargains go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/137

The Preg Veg: Go Green with Maternity Clothes

Most of my pants have started feeling too tight for comfort, and as much as I’d like to, I can’t avoid the inevitable topic: maternity clothes.

With all the other stuff I’ll need to buy, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend beaucoup bucks on a wardrobe that I’ll only be using a handful of months. The solution: used clothes. They will not only save me money, they’re also the greenest choice around

First, I’ll hit up my friends and family for anything I can use, then I’ll check out some sites on the internet. Like eMommie, which is nicely organized and has a good selection. I may require a more upscale look for my sister’s wedding,...

read on at www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/136

To Cook or Not to Cook: That is the FIrst Trimester Question

5/8/09

I normally love to cook, finding it artistic and rewarding (especially when it’s delicious!), but with my current fatigue and nausea, motivation to plan and prepare food has pretty much gone out the window. I fall even deeper into cooking lethargy when I spend time making something, only to find out afterwards that I can’t eat it (not because it’s bad, mind you, just because it doesn’t suit my pregnant palate). Hopefully, my mistakes will save you some time.

Through trial and error, I’ve come to find truth in TB2 (the blander the better) for guaranteed pregnant edibility. And the easier the recipe, the more doable it is (considering the energy factor). Meals like plain rice and black beans; vegetable broth with noodles and broccoli; hummus with carrots and pita bread; avocado and tomato salad; and lentils and rice, maybe cooked with a bouillon cube for a little flavor, are just what the doctor ordered.

For more ideas on preg-friendly munchies, check out the Vegetarian Resource Group’s advice...

read the rest at: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/134

The Prenatal Vitamin Thing

The echo I heard during my initial doctor visits and disclosures of my motherly state to friends and family was, “You’re on a prenatal, right?!”

“Ah… of course,” I would utter.

My first try was Country Life’s Maxi Pre-Natal Veggie Capsules, which packs in all the essential vegetarian prenatal elements, including DHA; however, the fact that you have to take six pills three times a day, didn’t mesh with my bouts of nausea.

Next I looked into...

for the rest go to www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/132

The Preg Veg: Tips, Trials, and Tribulations (Installment #1)

Welcome to my pregnancy! I’m still feeling it out, but two things are certain: It’s going to be completely veg and as green as broccoli. I hope you join me on my journey, and that it makes yours a little easier!

First Things First

I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 15 years, through which time I’ve had to hear (on numerous occasions) about the perils of vegetarian pregnancy from my omnivorous family and friends. This is why, when I saw those two pink lines staring back at me on the pee stick, I felt compelled to find a good resource to back me up.

A bit of internet research lead me to Dr. Holly Roberts’s book Your Vegetarian Pregnancy. It covers vegetarian health and nutrition, starting even before the pregnancy begins, and ending with post-birth advice like nursing. Roberts addresses every key nutritional element needed during pregnancy, including giving a rating of how vegetarians fare compare to meat-eaters, and giving examples of food sources for each one (as well as talking about what to look for in a vegetarian prenatal vitamin).

For the rest of the blog go to www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/131