Ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy is paramount for the health and development of both the expectant mother and the growing baby. Highlighting the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation, the focus is placed on consuming nutrient-dense foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients crucial for the baby's growth, particularly brain and eye development. Foods emphasized include organ meats, eggs, fish, and dairy products from pasture-raised animals, known for their high levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The approach also advocates for the avoidance of processed and refined foods, encouraging pregnant women to consume whole, unprocessed foods. This ensures an intake of a wide array of nutrients from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Alongside this, the inclusion of traditional fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, and olive oil in the diet plays a critical role in supporting both the baby's and the mother's health, aiding in the development of the nervous system and hormone production.
Another pillar of the Weston A. Price Foundation's nutritional philosophy is the concept of nutrient synergy - the idea that the body benefits most from a varied diet that enables the optimal absorption and utilization of nutrients. For pregnant women, this includes ensuring a diet that not only focuses on individual nutrient-dense foods but also on their combined effect on overall health. This holistic approach to nutrition during pregnancy, underscored by a lifestyle that includes staying hydrated, regular exercise, and stress management, offers a comprehensive guide to supporting a healthy pregnancy journey.
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How do you challenge motherhood?
Do you feel stuck in a rut? Tired of the constant repetition of cooking, cleaning, laundry, chasing the kids, wiping butts, bathing the kids, running errands with the kids, and the never ending and daunting tasks on your ‘To Do’ list? Feeling overwhelmed and moody? This, as it seems, is motherhood.
When did motherhood become such a chore? Why is there a struggle to create a happy and healthy home for your family and when did the squeals of laughter and soft pitter patter of feet on the floor begin to annoy and frustrate you? Are you ready to be light hearted again? To dance and sing and laugh naturally? Want to genuinely smile and love life again?
I challenge you to ‘Challenge Motherhood’. Find out who you have become and how you can improve. Think about what you want to revamp – your mood, mindset, energy? There is always something to learn and something to cultivate. Motherhood lends to a life set on replay, if allowed. But take the time to set goals and create challenges for specific things in your life, and you’ll find that you can break up the monotony. You can learn and grow and have fun again.
Finding Joy
I recently decided that I needed an attitude adjustment. Life has been hard and it became difficult for me to find joy in the little things because I was always so stressed about what wasn’t getting done. I wasn’t able to truly laugh and have fun with my family because I allowed my mind to wander to more stressful things.
I’m training for a 5k road race in November. On my training runs, I’m able to clear my head. After each run, I feel a sense of joy and accomplishment because I’m one step closer to my goal. It makes me a happier person when I set realistic expectations of myself and make a little bit of progress day by day. This is why I create my ‘To Do’ lists, however, I tend to stare at those lists and obsess over crossing out each item. Whatever doesn’t get crossed out gets put on the list for the next day until I, hopefully, can accomplish it and cross it out. It brings me great joy to put a line through my daily chore. Except, lately, my ‘To Do’ list hasn’t been bringing me joy.
Challenge Accepted
Challenge Motherhood. Because motherhood is so much more than cooking and cleaning and playing chauffeur. Motherhood is laughter and love. It’s the season to make memories to treasure for a lifetime. Motherhood is inspiring awe and wonder and cherishing the little things.
- Take the time today and every day to recognize that you are enough. You are not defined by your ‘To Do’ list or how clean your house is. The kids won’t always make those messes and the clothes will always need to be washed.
- Now is the time to step outside and explore with the kids. Learn something new about them and in return, you’ll learn something new about yourself.
- Schedule time in your day to dance. Dancing and singing allows you to express yourself. Have a dance party with the kids before breakfast or when you start to feel stressed.
Share with others how you Challenge Motherhood. Keep yourself accountable by adding your goals and new habits into your daily planner. Share on social media using #challengemotherhood to inspire other mothers.
