National Nutrition Week 2021 are well-balanced

Being pregnant while a pandemic is on can be distressing. Especially for first-time moms, who are discovering the experience amid a global health crisis. But mothers-to-be have to be mindful of their health, no matter what.

While it is natural for them to worry, doctors say all they need to do is take care of is their diet, and not leave the house unless absolutely necessary. As such, Diksha Chara, an online fitness trainer and a sports nutritionist shares some tips on how they can eat healthy with whatever is available in the kitchen. Read on.

“Indian kitchens and pantry are full of nutritious ingredients and superfoods. Our local vegetables, fruits, spices, cereals, grains, lentils, dairy products, etc., are rich and sufficient enough to maintain a healthy balance of food and health provided the meals are planned properly and long hours of stressful work — along with mindless eating — can cause many lifestyle problems like diabetes, thyroid, hypertension, PCOD, among others,” she says.

“Pregnancy is a beautiful-yet-crucial phase in every woman’s life but ignorant lifestyle habits can impact the health of a pregnant woman. Gestational diabetes, blood pressure, iron deficiency are some of the most common health issues women face during pregnancy. While a part of it is due to the ever-changing hormones inside her body, a lot can be managed with the right dietary habit.

“It can have a long-term impact. It can cause babies to be born lower cognitive functioning, and disruptive emotional issues, too. Women who are deprived of nutrients can have long-term health issues like osteoporosis, anemia, thyroid and diabetes. Mothers who don’t eat well, expose themselves and their babies to long-term health risks,” concludes Chara.