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During pregnancy, we get information about what to expect, what tests we need, and what’s safe and what’s not. Yet when it comes to what to eat while you’re pregnant, healthcare providers usually don’t have much information to provide and what women do get is often confusing, and may even be misguided. 

In this episode, I sat down with Aimee Aristotelous, a certified nutritionist specializing in prenatal, gluten-free, and ketogenic nutrition, and author The Whole Food Pregnancy Plan, among several other books. Aimee is also a go-to media expert and has been featured in a variety of outlets including HealthPeople, and HuffPost. 

We talk about why the information about what to eat while you’re pregnant isn’t necessarily rooted in science and how that may be contributing to pregnancy risks and complications. 

We also chat about everything nutrition during pregnancy, including the nutrients and superfoods to focus on, how many extra calories you actually need, and how to deal with food cravings and morning sickness. 

Welcome 

3:15 Why is it important to eat healthy when you’re pregnant?

5:06 Can your diet affect your propensity for developing postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety?

5:48 In your book, The Whole Food Pregnancy Plan, you say that nutrition guidelines that are often delivered by doctors and dietitians may actually be contributing to obesity and gestational diabetes rates—explain!

9:23 How many extra calories do pregnant women need in each trimester?

10:03 What are the key nutrients women need? 

14:10 What should women limit or avoid?

20:20 What are the best pregnancy superfoods? 

22:14 How can women cope with nausea and morning sickness?

24:25 How can women deal with food cravings and food aversions?

26:48 What are the best foods to eat or avoid for heartburn, constipation, and gas?

28:05 What are some guidelines for pregnancy nutrition?

29:43 What are your favorite recipes from your book, The Whole Food Pregnancy Plan?

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Aimee mentions that the U.S. is the only developed country where maternal mortality is on the rise, this 2020 study found.

Aimee talks about the book “Sugarproof” and Julie mentions that Drs. Goran and Ventura were on an episode of “Food Issues”

Aimee mentions MyPlate.

Julie mentions that vitamin B6 was like “magic” for her morning sickness. 

Learn more about and purchase books by Aimee Aristotelous on Amazon. 

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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.