Give In To Small Indulgences

Now that you've read the lecture on healthy eating, it's time to talk about indulgences. Pregnancy shouldn't be 9 months of food prison. Of course you can indulge in treats like ice cream, cake, chocolate, potato chips, and tortilla chips once in a while. When you do, really make it count by eating mindfully. If you sit in front of the TV eating chip after chip, you barely notice that you're eating, and before you know it, you've mowed through the whole bag. But if you measure out a serving of chips and, without the TV to distract you, pay attention to the crunch and the taste and the delicious saltiness of each chip, you'll appreciate them more. Chances are, you'll derive more enjoyment from one serving of a treat eaten thoughtfully than several servings carelessly wolfed down.

Make your indulgences special -- so you'll enjoy them more and need them less. If you're going to have a small piece of chocolate, splurge on the good stuff. Head to the gourmet store to buy a truffle. If you're craving cheese, bring home your favorite cheddar or Monterey Jack, rather than finishing up the cold, leftover pieces of grilled cheese sandwich from your 2-year-old's lunch plate.

Originally published in You & Your Baby: Pregnancy.

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