Eating well can sometimes be a challenge! This is true more than ever during the first 1000 days that cover pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life. This is a period of great change and new experiences.
What does Eating Well really mean? Eating well means choosing a varied and balanced diet, eating the right quantities of quality foods, and learning to listen for and respect your hunger and fullness signals.
During the first 1000 days of a baby’s life, eating well involves several distinct stages: from maternal nutrition during pregnancy to breastfeeding once the baby is born, to the discovery of baby food and including the little one in the family dinner routine.
Why eat well? Healthy eating is a nutritional lifestyle that promotes good health for the whole family and reduces the risk of obesity and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But that’s not all!
During pregnancy, for example, a balanced diet helps reduce the risk of giving birth to a low birthweight baby. It also reduces the risk of developmental problems during the baby’s first years.
Breastfeeding has a positive effect on your baby’s physical, cognitive, motor, and emotional development. It also provides an extra boost to the baby’s immune system and reduces the risk of obesity among children and teens.
In this section, you’ll discover how you can take charge of your own health as well as your baby’s health.
