Ask the Nutritionist

My husband doesn't think I am eating healthy enough for my pregnancy - he believes in the three square meals a day philosphy. I am a grazer. So he asked me what I ate yesterday at work....here is my list from memory:

Bowl of cereal
Banana
Orange
Cereal Bar

Salad for lunch with chips
Yogurt
Couple pieces of chocolate
Half a muffin

Steak stir fry
Bunch of water
Large glass of milk (plus my prenatal vitiamin)
Chocolate chip cookie (after dinner)

I thought that was a decent day of eating???? He did not!

Your husband is right.  You are close, but not there.  I recommend that you purchase the book called Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy by Elizabeth Somer, then make copies of the diet charts they have that you can post on the fridge so both you and he can see what you have eaten for the day to make sure it was adequate.  On a quick go-over your diet looked low in grains, a little low in dairy, low in protein. However, since you didn't give me quantities, it was somewhat hard to tell.  I would substitute for the chocolate and cookies some whole wheat bread or brown rice. Add some protein to your lunch salad.  Make sure the milk on your bowl of cereal comes to 8 ounces or supplement with some calcium rich orange juice.

It doesn't matter if you have three squares or are a grazer. What matters is what you eat and that you eat regularly.  In fact, the further along you are in your pregnancy, the easier it is on you to have several small meals rather than three large since your stomach will be unable to hold as much due to the space the baby will be taking up.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy!