Pregnancy is the most ecxiting moment for any women.Something great is happening all over your world and of course your body.This is the perfect time to improve your nutrition(actually if you have been trying to concieve you should been doing this since before).Maybe you have heard that pregnant women should eat for two.But the question is:Is that true?Not really.As long as you keep a balanced and healthy diet -including whole grains,plenty of proteins,fruit,vegetables and liquids(nothing is better than water).That  is enough for both,mother and baby.If you are average weight you need 300 extra calories.Don't hesitate in gaining weight(or lose it)in your first trimester,later in pregnancy you may even need more calories, about 500 extra calories.Eating more calories can lead to excesive weight gain for both.Eating too few calories during second and third trimester can slow the  growth of their babies.It is very important to discuss your caloric needs with your practitioner and it is even more important if you are underweight,overweight,teen(you are still growing and you have unique nutritional needs)or carrying multiples(you will have to add about 300 extra calories for each baby).But eating healthy does not mean plain lettucce or boiled carrots without any flavor.NOOO there is more fun ,textures,aromas and flavor waiting for you.So put hands on nourishing you and your baby and have fun cooking.Enjoy!

I personally love this one for breakfast or as a snack.The papaya is in the group of yellow fruit and is rich in vitamin C(you need at least 3 vitamin C servings per day).Both of you need vitamin C for metabolic processes,tissue repair,wound healing,also for growth and developement of strong bones and teeth of your baby.Unfortunatelly we can't store vitamin C so we need a supply every day.On the other hand,almond milk it is not only delicious it is also nutritious and rich in protein and minerals for your baby's cell developement.Besides that almond milk increase the production of breastmilk and is lactose (sugar milk)free.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup Papaya,peeled and seeded

1/2 cup Almond Milk

to taste Honey

as needed Ice

PROCEDURE

Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.Serve imediatelly.

TIP:If you can't find almond milk switch for regular milk or evaporated milk.Regular  milk has almost the same richnes,proteins and minerals.

 This refreshing smoothie is full of vitamins C,B,A and E,also have high doses of carotenoids,folic acid and riboflavin.Vitamin A is responsible for healthy skin,eyes,bones and baby's cell growth.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup Papaya,peeled

1/3 cup Strawberry,washed

1/3 cup Mango,peeled

1/4cup Pineapple,peeled

to taste Honey(moderate)

as needed Ice

as neede Water

PROCEDURE

Put all the ingredients in the blender and mix until smooth.Serve and drink cold.

TIP:If you can't use fresh fruit use frozen fruit or frozen fruit pulp.

This is a healthy and interesting way of eat quinua.Quinua(keenoaa)is a grain from the Andean,South America.It is very healthy and rich in nutrients,iron,minerals,zinc,selenium,magnesium and vitamins B,and you need all this for almost every part of your baby's body.Salmon in the other hand is a great source of lean protein,omega-3 and fatty acids -for your baby's brain.12 oz. of fish per week is enough and safe.Also you can eat sole,tilapia,halibut,cod,anchovies,sardines.Do not eat fish such grouper,mahi mahi,tuna steaks, and swordfish.

INGREDIENTS

2 cup Quinua,washed and soaked

5 oz. Salmon Fillet,without skin

to taste Salt and Pepper

as needed Vegetable Oil

1 each Egg(for eggwash)

1 cup All-Purpose Flour

PROCEDURE

Wash the quinua 7 times and leave soaking for one day.Once is ready to use.Boil in salted water until al dente and drain.Cut the salmon fillet of a size of a french fry.Season with salt and pepper.Heat the vegetable oil at medium to med-high.Make an eggwash with the egg and a little bit of water(about 2 oz. just to make it runny).Prepare the fish in the following order.Put the fish in the eggwash,then the all-purpose flour,eggwash again and finally the quinua until completelly covered.Fry until golden and nice.Serve and eat hot.

TIP:Do not eliminate all fat from your diet at all.Fat is vital for the developing baby.Don't be fear of fat -instead choose the right ones.You need about 4 servings of fat par day.

 This is anew version of Rissotto but we switch arborio rice for quinua.Quinua must be thoroughly rinsed,because its natural coating has a bitter taste if not removed.Some like to leave soaking for several hours,but others for  24 hrs.The delicate flavor of dill and the creamy and soft taste are amazing!

INGREDIENTS

1oz. Garlic,minced

1/4 cup Onion,small diced

1 cup Quinua,washed and soaked

as needed Vegetable Broth

1/3 cup Heavy Cream

1 cup Parmessan Cheese

1 oz. Butter

2 oz. Dill,chopped

to taste Salt and Pepper

PROCEDURE

In a saucepan put a bit of oil and heat at medium.Add the onion and garlic and sweat.Stir .Add the quinua and stir well again.Add the vegetable broth and cook until is al dente,aprox.15 minutes.Add the heavy cream and stir.Add the cheese(at the end!!not before) and finish with butter and dill.Season to taste.Serve and eat imediatelly.If you like the grain softer add more vegetable broth.

TIP:Wash the quinua very well and soak for one day.Once you drain it.Cover with the cooking liquid(water,broth,stock)amd cook like rice.