Eating For Pregnancy - A Book Review
This came in the mail last week, with a note from one of the authors. 😍 Back in the spring, I was honoured to receive Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols, which I reviewed here. When the publishers asked if I’d be willing to review another book, I of course said yes.
More knowledge for me and another book to offer clients - what more could I ask for?
So, is it worth your time to invest in Eating for Pregnancy by Catherine Jones and Rose Ann Hudson? Here are three reasons why I feel three reasons why I think you should check out this book:
✔️The recipes look so yummy!
I’ll admit, I love great cookbooks. Even in this age of access, where we can find recipes instantly, I am still drawn to my gorgeous cookbooks. Eating for Pregnancy holds over 150 recipes. The recipes are conveniently organized by the trimesters of pregnancy. And are further segmented by each month of pregnancy.
As I first skimmed through the book, every page I flipped to made me say “yum!”. Gingery Cran-Bran Muffins - yum, I want that now! Capellini with Fresh Tomatoes and Goat Cheese - I’d love that for dinner. And on it went.
Admittedly, not all the recipes appealed to me. I’m a vegetarian, so the recipes containing meat did not make my mouth water. But, the authors have done a great job at marking the included recipes for dietary needs and restrictions. They've included GF - for gluten free, DF - for dairy free, V - for Vegan, and LC for low carb. Another bonus - the authors have also included extra nutritional information for pregnant vegans and vegetarians, including a menu plan.
✔️It’s well laid out and contains incredibly useful information.
As I continued to flip through the pages, I had to question, why are these segmented into the three trimesters of pregnancy? Couldn’t I eat that scrumptious Orzo Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing in any trimester?
And of course, the answer is yes. However, in breaking it down month by month, the authors have highlighted, “certain nutrients that are beneficial at critical points of your baby’s development.” They note that, “every month throughout pregnancy, starting with preconception, we will give you a list of important nutrients, foods that contain those nutrients, and recipes created from those healthy foods. That said, please note that all nutrients should be consumed daily, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. This is really important, and we would not be doing our job if we did not emphasize this point.”
This is totally something I’d have been behind, when I was pregnant. Linking these nutrients to what’s going on in the body, makes it all more tangible and fun. I would argue, it also strengthens your developing bond with your baby as you consciously think about how you’re sharing nutrients with them.
✔️It accessible.
While the authors all work in the medical field, Eating for Pregnancy is not overloaded in jargon. The nutritional and medical information is easy to follow and grasp. The recipes are also appealing to non-pregnant people. This should appeal to those with partners and other children, so that everyone gets fed and gets fed well.
The book is also realistic and not shaming, which are points I am firmly behind. Life is not ideal, not two bodies are alike, and the dyad of baby/pregnant person is unique in its own way. The authors take note of this throughout the book, in various reference points. 👏
My one qualm with this book, is the lack of pictures. Pictures add an incredible amount to our reading experience. This is particularly so with recipes. It would have been wonderful (and added to my “yum” experience) to see some of these recipes in their full form.
❤️ This book review is not sponsored - I was sent this book and asked to write my honest feedback. I receive no commission if you decide to purchase Eating for Pregnancy: Your Essential Month-by-Month Nutrition Guide and Cookbook.