Partying and Pregnancy: Healthy Eating on Special Occasions
Never mind being the life of the party — is there even a point in going to the party when you're pregnant? Absolutely — if you go prepared.
1. Pregnant and Eating On the Job
2. Traveling and Eating During Pregnancy
3. Eating Out During Pregnancy
4. Partying and Pregnancy: Healthy Eating on Special Occasions
'Tis the season for your sister's homemade eggnog — but are raw eggs off your Christmas list this year now that you’re pregnant and drinking for two? Are friends celebrating the New Year with steaks cooked rare? Did Grandma outdo herself with her Thanksgiving spread (complete with seven pies) this year? Holidays, and their often less-than-healthy traditions, always pose a challenge when you're trying to eat well — and that goes double when you're trying to eat well for two. Here are a few adjustments you can make before heading out on the social circuit or going to Grandma’s house for a holiday feast.
How to Party While Pregnant
Order a mocktail: There's no need to be a pregnant party pooper just because your drink options are a bit more limited than they used to be. Just belly up to the bartender and order yourself a drink as sparkling as your personality. A glass of bubbly cider, a cranberry spritzer (you can pretend it's a cosmopolitan), a no-tequila sunrise, or a virgin anything are great substitutes for alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. Just clutching that mock cocktail in your hand will make you feel like you're joining the party in spirit (if not actually in spirits).
Scan all the offerings at a buffet: Ready to make a beeline for the buffet? Go for it, but try to do a thorough end-to-end assessment of your options before you dive in. Piling your plate with things like creamy penne and caramel cheesecake before locating the poached salmon and fruit bowl will throw you off your pregnancy diet. Enjoy yourself, but try to continue eating well by balancing the savory treats with healthier options.
Choose healthy hors d’oeuvres: Eager to sample some hors d'oeuvres? Keep an eye out for nutritious selections (they're there somewhere): crudités, nuts, cheese cubes (skip the soft stuff) and whole-grain crackers, cooked shellfish, or the grilled chicken skewers they're passing out.
Do the best you can at a sit-down dinner: Attending a seated dinner? Have a seat and make the best of what's passed your way — and make up the nutritional difference later with some vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables.
Pack a snack: In case "cocktails" means nothing more substantial than the olives you're able to swipe from the bar, always leave home with something tucked inside your evening bag besides your lip gloss. Try pocketing a small bag of nuts you can discreetly nibble on to keep you standing until you sit down for dinner.
Bring gifts that you can enjoy: Come bearing hostess gifts that benefit you the most. Try bringing a bottle of sparkling cider or a giant (and very festive) fruit salad. A platter of crudités (including your favorite dip) and a tray of stuffing you made yourself (surprise — it's made with wheat berries and wild rice!) are great gifts too. You can even make a pitcher of eggnog without the eggs and the rum (and with lots of calcium-rich milk instead of cream).
Be an assertive guest: Ask the chef to cook your steak until there's not a trace of pink. Tell Grandma that one sliver of seven pies is just about all you can handle. Keep in mind that while the holidays are definitely a time to splurge, eating sensibly is one (new) tradition you shouldn't break.
Don’t miss a meal: It's tempting to skip breakfast (and/or lunch) so you can stuff yourself with stuffing later on — but your baby, as always, needs regular feedings around the clock (and around the calendar).
Keep your spirits high: Don't worry — you’ll be able to toast with real champagne instead of fake bubbly and stuff yourself silly in due time. For now, party like a pregnant rock star and know that the heartier the holiday meal, the heartier the heartburn (and hangover!).
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