Christmas is a time of the year full of meals, dinners, farewells and celebrations in which you can easily catch a few extra pounds. In just 15 days you can get to gain between 2 and 3 kilos of weight, so do not go over meals, especially if you are pregnant.
Excesses in Christmas meals are difficult to control for anyone, so we will give you some tips to enjoy these dates without gaining weight, as well as to control the dangers of some foods.
Limit quantities
It is preferable to chop a little of everything, varying in meals than eating a lot of one thing. So you can try everything, but controlling the portions. Avoid large amounts, not only because of the possible weight gain, but also to facilitate digestion.
If you eat small light rations throughout the day they will be easier to digest than a dish too abundant. Remember that during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, the digestion of the pregnant woman becomes slower and heavier.
You can, but with control
The nougat, marzipan and Christmas sweets are a pleasure that cannot be denied, but you must know how to control.
Also avoid foods high in fat, as well as those that are too salty (avoid adding extra salt to the dishes) and sugary. He prefers homemade dishes to industrial ones.
Forbidden food
Ham is a classic at this time, as well as sausages, but remember that in pregnancy you should not eat raw meat because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, if you have not passed the tests. However, the latest studies rule out the relationship between ham and toxoplasmosis and ensure that well-cured ham (over 18 months) is safe in pregnancy.
A food that is prohibited in pregnancy is raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, as well as smoked fish. No sushi if the fish has not been previously frozen properly (at -20ºC for days), ceviche or any dish that includes fish or seafood without cooking in its preparation.
In Babies and more18 foods that are prohibited during pregnancy and may harm your babyIt also matters the way you cook food
Plan a Christmas menu with healthy options, both in the chosen dishes and in the way to cook them.
Prepare varieties of salads. There are some very creative recipes that add a touch of freshness to the dishes.
Choose also roasted vegetables, an ideal choice as a side dish, and when choosing meat dishes, choose the least fat such as turkey, chicken or fish cooked grilled or roasted, before others like the lamb, for example, since they are easier to digest.
Eggs are also a food that you must cook safely, avoiding leaving them without curdling, as well as tortillas with liquid eggs inside as much as we like them. It is also important to store already cooked foods that carry eggs in the fridge.
Zero alcohol
We have already warned several times about the risks of alcohol in pregnancy. There is no safe dose of alcohol. There are those who believe that "total, nothing happens for a drink", but each woman assimilates a glass of alcohol differently, therefore the recommendation is not a drop of alcohol.
Instead, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help digestion.
Other recommendations
- Avoid binge eating, eat slowly and chew food well.
- Pause and get up from the table between plates to facilitate digestion.
- Avoid carbonated drinks.
- At the end of the meal, a digestive infusion such as chamomile or anise is better than coffee.
