Curriculum Topic: Individual Activity
Activity Type: Healthy Birth Practice 1, Pregnancy
Purpose: Quotes to Remember :
“One for the road” – Never leave home without a snack for the road. Take such things as trail mix (nuts, seeds, raisins); string cheese sticks or cheese and cracker packs; carrots, banana, grapes, or apple; granola or power bars.
“A colorful plate is a healthy plate” – If you have a plate with different colors of foods, you will most likely have a variety of nutrients as well – green, yellow, red fruits and vegetables, brown or white protein source, white or brown grains, etc. But remember that brown bread does not necessarily mean whole grains.
“Eating for two” – Get plenty of calcium to grow bones and teeth for baby and to keep calcium stores for mom’s healthy bones. Remember that caffeine decreases the absorption of calcium for mother and baby. Take iron supplements to assure adequate iron intake for healthy blood for two. It is difficult to get enough iron in even a wellplanned diet. Protein is necessary for the baby’s growth and brain development. In general, good nutrition increases the likelihood of a good birth-weight for a healthy baby and well-nourished tissues with increased energy for mom.
Instructions:
If you reach students before or early in pregnancy, nutrition deserves a significant portion of your class time. But even if they are in the third trimester when you meet them, healthy habits for the remainder of pregnancy is an important topic. Baby’s brain is growing; protein and fats are important; holding back on nutritious foods due to weight gain is unhealthy; and other hints for third trimester nutrition can be integrated with snack time, openers, puzzles, and quizzes.
Talking Points:
-Beneficial weight gain – see chart of weight distribution on the Healthy Eating Quiz Handout. Researchers believe that a child’s food preferences begin in the womb. Pregnant women can begin early to encourage healthy food choices for their children by choosing healthy foods rather than “junk” foods.
-Refer to and discuss the graphic for ChooseMyPlate. English and Spanish versions on line at www.choosemyplate.gov Instead of using a plate, the Canadian Government has a rainbow guide to healthy eating. Download a free color copy of this useful guide at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php. Ask class to suggest healthy snacks and easy nutritious meals
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit
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