Healthy Twists on Holiday Desserts for Expecting Moms
November 20, 2017
The holidays are right around the corner, and that means lots of yummy treats waiting to be gobbled up! With a few changes, you can still enjoy holiday desserts and meet your nutritional needs if you are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy. We’ve found some dessert recipes that are healthier versions of holiday favorites to make sure moms and babies stay on the right track throughout the holidays!
Pecan Pie
Get the Recipe from The Healthy Foodie>>
Who doesn’t have fond memories of pecan pie during the holidays? Pecans are a great source vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. One ounce of pecans provides 10 percent of the recommended daily value for fiber. Pecans are also a natural, high-quality source of protein and contain very few carbohydrates and no cholesterol. We found a delicious recipe for a healthier version of the classic pecan pie. Who says you can’t eat desert and still be healthy?
Sweet Potato Custard
Get the Recipe from Rachel Ray>>
These sweet spuds are loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C along with iron, potassium and vitamin B6. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant in the body to combat free radicals and protect our cells.1 It also aids in iron absorption, which is especially important during the second and third trimesters.2,3 Sweet potatoes are also a great source of fiber, which can help combat constipation that is often linked with pregnancy. Here is a delicious, healthy sweet potato custard you can put on your table this holiday season.
Apple Crisp
Get the Recipe from Healthy Living>>
The sweet smell of baked apples brings the holidays to mind for many. One study found that mothers who eat apples during pregnancy may be protecting their children from having asthma later on in life.4 Apples are also high in vitamin C and contain iron. They can help boost iron and curb anemia related to iron deficiency. During pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia is said to be factor in low birth weights, premature births and still births.5 So look to this apple crisp as a tasty and healthier alternative to a traditional, higher-calorie apple pie.
Cranberry Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Get the Recipe from Eating Well>>
While more research is needed, there are some studies that have found that there may be a preventive effect of cranberry ingestion against urinary tract infections during pregnancy.6 Cranberries are also high in vitamin C and fiber. So when you are thinking of what to bring to your next holiday party, remember this super fruit. Here is a wonderful recipe for Cranberry Pecan Cinnamon rolls.
Prenatal Nutrition During the Holiday
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. With these healthy alternative holiday desserts you can keep your prenatal nutrition on track. When diet alone cannot meet nutritional guidelines, a prenatal vitamin can be a helpful supplement. Prenate® Vitamin Family offers a line of prescription prenatal vitamins that help fill nutritional gaps. Each Prenate® contains folic acid, which help prevent neural tube birth defects. Many contain absorbable forms of iron, calcium and DHA that help meet nutritional recommendations for both moms and babies. Talk to your doctor today to see if Prenate® is right for you.
Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.
