Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby Essentials

As a health and nutrition coach, (and now fellow prego), I get asked a lot about nutrition for mommies and their growing babies.  

There are some key nutrient and product recommendations that are NEEDED when it comes to keeping mommy healthy, keeping her body functioning correctly, and to keep nutrients going to that growing little baby of yours.  So much happens in the 40-ish weeks of baby development. It is critical for us, as moms, to fuel not only our bodies, but the bodies of our babies with CLEAN, WHOLESOME foods, vitamins, and key nutrients.

I'll admit, I am in some FB groups and I see pictures of shopping carts filled with Doritos, twinkies, cookies and soda because "the baby is hungry."  It breaks my heart to see this so it is my hope to provide some education and information that can hopefully inspire other moms out there to make better choices when it comes to their health and the health of their baby.

Studies show that a developing baby needs only 100-200 extra calories per day after the first trimester. We are NOT eating for 2. The baby is the size of a pear (or whatever fruit your app says you are on). We should not be eating for two...we should be eating TWICE AS HEALTHY.

And when it comes to cravings, the reason some moms have cravings is because they aren't getting the correct nutrients their body needs at a cellular level.  Nutrients are NOT found in doritos and twinkies so step away from the junk food and do what's best for your body and the body of your baby. 

If you think about it...everything you put into your body is what the baby's cells, organs, muscles, brain, fingers and toes will be developed from so build healthy cells in your body and in the body of your growing baby. The foundation of your child is being laid through the nutrition you give your body and your baby, as well as the environment you create internally.

So this means that not only does your nutrition affect the baby, but that even your stress levels affect the baby. If you are constantly stressed, the baby will develop neural-pathways that thrive off of stress-hormones (which is not a good thing). The baby's system will constantly be on "fight or flight" mode instead of "relax and digest," which is the correct way our body functions. 

Meditation is a great way to help your body be in a calm state.

Here is a FREE guided meditation in case you need one. I hope you enjoy it and that it helps you create a calm mind and body for you and your growing little one!

So now that we have some basic information as a foundation, here are some vitamin and wellness recommendations that I believe have helped me have the healthy pregnancy I have been having. Now, before you go on, this post is not to "sell" you something. It is to give you information on what I, as a trainer and health coach, believe to be some of the best products for moms who want to have a healthy pregnancy and give their bodies the best nutrients possible to grow a healthy baby. It's up to you to decide on whether these recommendations are a fit for you or someone you know. I hope this helps!

I have provided the links to each product (click the title/name of the product for more info and to bring you to the online store if you should choose to add them to your healthy routine for a healthy pregnancy).

Pre-Natal Vitamin - Isagenix doesn't have a pre-natal specific vitamin, but their kids vitamin contains everything mommy and baby needs! It Contains 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of 16 essential vitamins that promote healthy development of cartilage, bones and teeth, and support healthy metabolism and immunity. Contains folic acid as well for healthy growing baby.* 

  • Vitamin C and D for healthy development of cartilage, bones and teeth*
  • Vitamin B for healthy metabolism
  • Vitamins A and C to support the immune system*
  • Great tasting and easy to chew
  • No artificial colors or flavors

IsaOmega - Essential Omegas - This fish oil is second-to-none, sourced from small fish in deep, unpolluted waters and then distilled to produce the most concentrated sources of DHA and EPA omega-3 essential fatty acids. Each batch is thoroughly tested for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium and iron), PCBs and dioxins. This is essential for "mommy-brain" as well as giving your baby the healthy fats he needs to help develop his nerves and brain.

  • Promotes healthy brain development*
  • Supports cardiovascular health*
  • Purest, most advanced omega-3’s on the market
  • Pleasant lemon flavor with no aftertaste

IsaFlushCombines 200mg of magnesium with gentle and effective cleansing herbs and minerals to aid in digestive regularity and improved overall health. A balanced digestive system improves the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. This is essential for pregnancy, as it helps with common constipation. 

  • Safely improves digestion*
  • Encourages regularity*
  • No harsh laxatives
  • Naturally soothes intestinal discomfort*

Multi-Enzyme ComplexHealth starts in the gut. Features a full spectrum of digestive enzymes with a broad pH range to ensure complete digestion and absorption of nutrients. Great for vegetarians, athletes, women (during times of bloating), older adults and people eating an enzyme-deficient diet. Gut health is the foundation of nutrient absorption for mommy and baby.
 

  • Helps break down hard-to-digest foods
  • Helps increase absorption of nutrients

Mars Venus SuperCleanse - essential for gut health. This powerful combination of probiotics and prebiotics aids the body in gut health, inflammation reduction, and natural energy. It is safe and effective for pregnancy.

  • Mars Venus Super Cleanse™ A digestive aid and energy booster*

IsaGreens - Features chlorella and spirulina. Antioxidant-rich ingredients, like ginkgo biloba leaf, green tea extract and grape seed extract, help fight free radicals, which can potentially endanger cells and weaken your immune system.

  • Complement your recommended daily intake of 3-5 vegetables
  • Gluten-free 
  • Great source of colorful phytonutrients

IsaFruits Loaded with essential nutrients to promote health and mental performance.* Superfruits like açai berry, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate and wolfberry are cold-processed to keep the primary active ingredients intact. Add to water or your favorite shake.

  • Helps fight effects of free radicals on cells and immune system*
  • Sweet, fruity flavor with just 25 calories and 1 gram of sugar 
  • Healthy alternative to soda and juice
  • Great source of colorful phytonutrients

Replenish - A refreshing sports drink to rehydrate, re-energize your body for performance, and replace nutrients and electrolytes that can be lost during exercise. Just 35 calories per serving, perfect for anyone, anytime.

  • 100% RDA of Vitamin C plus a full B-Complex
  • Glycogen blend of fast-absorbing carbs for performance
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners

IsaLean BarsGive yourself a great-tasting, nutrient-rich meal you can have on the run! IsaLean Bars are a delicious, easy and perfect for that quick meal on the go. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie meal, but don’t want to sacrifice taste, IsaLean Bars are an great option. These are very helpful to have on the go...especially in the first trimester when we always need something on our stomach to keep morning-sickness away!

  • 18 grams of high-quality, undenatured whey and milk protein 
  • Great for a meal on the go
  • Helps satisfy cravings to maximize weight loss
  • 6 great flavors to choose from! Chocolate Cream Crisp, Chocolate Peanut Crunch, Lemon Passion Crunch, Chocolate Decadence, Natural Oatmeal Raisin and new Nutty Caramel Cashew

IsaLean Shakes - A balanced 240-calorie, meal replacement clinically shown to support healthy weight loss and lean muscle growth with 24 g of high-quality protein. Doctors suggest that pregnant women get at least 75 grams of protein per day. This is a convenient way of getting the recommended amount of protein without having to pack a chicken-breast in your purse all the time. These shakes are organically-based, well-balanced, are soy-free (and there is a dairy-free shake option), and they taste great! Plus, they are helpful for those times when there isn't "much room left" in your stomach in that 3rd trimester, but you know you still need to eat something that has good nourishment.

  • 23 vitamins and minerals
  • Protein, energy-fueling carbs, and good fats
  • High-fiber content and active enzymes aid digestion

So, like I said, this post is not to "sell" you something. It is to inform you, as a smart woman, about things that can help fuel your body and give it the nutrients it needs to properly grow a healthy baby!  It's up to you to decide what is the best fit for you and your baby. For me and my baby, I am confident that Isagenix is a great fit!

The links to the above products do lead to my personal online-store. If you are interested in ordering, feel free to check out the links. I'd be happy to be your product and nutrition coach!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me...I'm happy to answer any questions you may have!



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.