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5 Foods Not to Eat While Pregnant
From the moment you find out you’re pregnant you start to feel protective of your baby, and only want what’s best for him. Eating healthy foods is a great way to ensure your baby gets all the nutrition he needs to grow and develop, but do you know about all of the foods you shouldn’t be eating during pregnancy? Most people know that alcohol, raw meats and unpasteurized cheeses are a no-no, but what about lesser known foods that can pose a risk during those nine precious months?
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- <h1>Deli Meats</h1><br/><br /> <p>In addition to being overly processed and full of <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/what-you-need-know-about-salt/">salt</a>, deli meats may also be contaminated with listeria-causing bacteria, which can cross the placenta and can possibly result in a <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/symptoms-of-a-miscarriage/">miscarriage</a>. It’s recommended that you keep deli meats, including hot dogs, off of your grocery list until after you’ve had your baby. If you start to have a strong craving for a deli sandwich, simply heat the meat until it has reached 165°F, or when it’s steaming hot, as the heat will destroy any lurking bacteria or try a <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/grilled-cheese-sandwiches-apple-chutney/">grilled cheese sandwich</a>. <br /> </p></br><br /> <p><i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnjoh/" target="blank">Star5112</a></i></p>
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- <h1>Fish High In Mercury And Other Pollutants </h1><br/><br /> <p>Large predatory fish such as barracuda, marlin, tuna, sea bass, shark and swordfish contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided during pregnancy, as mercury is a neurotoxin that can affect your baby’s <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/5-brain-boosting-activities-for-toddlers/">brain development</a>. </p><br/><br /> <p>The good news? You don’t have to swear off all fish – it’s are an excellent source of protein and <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/oh-megas/">omega-3 fatty acids</a>. Fish that contain low levels of mercury and are safe to eat often during pregnancy include salmon, rainbow trout, mackerel, sardines and Arctic char. Even though canned tuna has less mercury than fresh or frozen, you should still limit it to 10 ounces (300 grams) per week. </p><br/><br /> <p>In addition to mercury, fish can be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Fish caught in local lakes and streams, like bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye are susceptible, so if you eat fish that you or someone you know has caught, it may be a good idea to contact <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/?lang=En" target="blank">Environment Canada</a> to find out more information. If advice isn't available, limit the amount of fish from local waters you eat to six ounces (180 grams) a week.</p><br/><br /> <p><i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stone-soup/" target="blank">Jules</a></i></p>
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- <h1>Herbal Teas And Remedies </h1><br/><br /> <p>Did you know that you shouldn’t drink chamomile tea while you’re expecting? Most herbal teas are not recommended during pregnancy or <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/the-7-best-foods-for-breastfeeding-moms/">breastfeeding</a>, as the effects they may have on your baby are not well known. Not all herbal teas are strictly prohibited, however. Citrus peel, <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/ginger-tisane/">ginger</a>, lemon balm, orange peel, peppermint and rose hip are all safe to drink in moderation (no more than two-three cups of weak tea per week). If you want to warm up with a drink on a cold winter day, try a cup of homemade <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/pumpkin-spice-hot-chocolate-the-perfect-winter-drink/">cocoa</a>, or simply a cup of hot lemon water. </p><br/><br /> <p><i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/afoncubierta/" target="blank">Antonio Foncubierta</a></i></p>
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- <h1>Sprouts</h1><br/><br /> <p>Fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/nutrition-on-the-cheap/">nutrients</a> and should be consumed daily, but beware of raw sprouts - they can carry listeria-causing bacteria. Alfalfa, raw clover, radish and mung bean sprouts should all be avoided if eaten raw. Sprouts are fine when cooked since the high cooking temperature destroys any bacteria. If you want to add some crunch to your meals, try some shredded carrots or a handful of <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/chewy-chocolate-quinoa-oat-bars-with-seeds-and-nuts/">nuts</a> instead. </p><br/><br /> <p><i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattkowal/" target="blank">Matt Kowal</a></i></p>
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- <h1>Artificial Sweeteners</h1><br/><br /> <p>Most women try to control their <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/weigh-go/">weight gain</a> while pregnant, but be careful around diet products for two reasons: One, they can be replacing some more nutritious foods that you should be having to support your baby’s growth and development, and two, they likely contain <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/setting-the-record-straight-artificial-vs-natural-flavouring/">artificial</a> sweeteners. </p><br/><br /> <p>Some sweeteners, like acesulfame-potassium, aspartame (Equal and Nutrasweet), stevia and sucralose (Splenda) are considered safe when used in moderation; while others, like cyclamates (Sucaryl, Sugar Twin, Sweet ‘N Low), and saccharin (Hermesetas) are not recommended during pregnancy. Always look at the <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/food-label-break-down/">ingredient list</a> to see what the product you’re about to eat contains. If you have a craving for something sweet, instead of going for a diet product, have a piece of dark chocolate or fruit. </p><br/><br /> <p><i>Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/enerva/">Sonny Abesamis</a></i></p><br/><br /> <p><b>Stay healthy during your pregnancy with our list of the <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/10-best-foods-to-eat-when-youre-pregnant/">10 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Pregnant</a></b>.</p>
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