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Between morning sickness, food cravings, and fatigue, it’s not always easy to eat healthy during pregnancy. Yet studies show pregnant women are consuming too much added sugar. In fact, it’s something some experts are sounding the alarm on, dubbing the problem, “secondhand sugar.” So how much sugar is too much during pregnancy? 

In this episode, I sat down with Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer, journalist, nutrition and fitness consultant, author of 9 cookbooks, and Food Network expert. We talk about the health effects of too much sugar during pregnancy, how to deal with sugar cravings, how much sugar is too much, and easy ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. Plus, Dana talks about the “dessert flip” and shares her favorite recipes and delicious, low-sugar ideas.  

Welcome 

3:17 Let’s first talk about your story!

7:18 Why do some women get sugar cravings during pregnancy?

10:07  What are the reasons women should limit the amount of sugar consumption during pregnancy?

17:09 How much sugar is too much sugar during pregnancy?

19:22 When you’re battling morning sickness, and you just want to eat comfort food, how can pregnant moms satisfy their sweet tooth but also limit sugar?

23:05 How do you easily convert grams into teaspoons of sugar?

25:01 What are some realistic tips for limiting sugar during pregnancy?

30:04 What are some low-sugar swaps? 

32:39 What about coconut sugar—is that better than regular sugar?

33:40 What are your favorites recipes from your book, “The Whole 9 Months,”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Julie mentions a 2020 study that suggests pregnancy weight gain can negatively impact breastfeeding and another study about overconsumption of sugar during pregnancy, which experts have coined, “secondhand sugar.”

Julie talks about fairlife milk for making homemade banana ice cream. 

Dana is the author of 9 cookbooks, including the “The Whole Nine Months.”

Learn more about Dana Angelo White on DanaWhiteNutrition.com

Follow Dana Angelo White on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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Author Details
Julie Revelant teaches parents how to raise children who are healthy, adventurous eaters. Through blog posts and videos, her goal is to shift the conversation from short-term, problem picky eating to lifelong, healthy eating and healthy futures. Julie has written for FoxNews.com, FIRST for Women magazine, WhatToExpect.com, EverydayHealth.com, RD.com, TheBump.com, Care.com, and Babble.com.