Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Congratulations! You’re having a baby! But did you know that your diet and lifestyle during pregnancy can have a very real influence on your baby’s future health? Find out more in the articles below about what you can do to help get your little one off to the healthiest possible start in life.

Spinach Rolls

“Created by my mum as a way to disguise spinach, this soon became my favourite dinner. I have yet to serve this up to someone who doesn’t love it!”

Jessica Schram, Paediatric Dietician, Dublin.

Makes 8 Spinach Rolls; Serves 2.

Tip: Serve with seasonal salad.

Granola

“Busy mums find this no added sugar breakfast keeps them brimming with energy right up until lunch!”

Ellen Roche, Dietician, Kilkenny.

40 servings

Note it is important to allow for the full baking time as a shorter time may result in the granola being too moist, therefore going off within a few days of storage.

Also a great nutritious afternoon snack.

Meatballs and Spaghetti

“It is often difficult to meet iron requirements in pregnancy, immediately after birth and in a toddler’s diet. This recipe provides a good source of Iron while also providing extra nutrients by adding vegetables to the sauce.”

Fiona Dunlevy, Senior Paediatric Dietician, Dublin

Serves 4

A classic dish rich in Iron and Vitamin C and great for the whole family!

Salmon and Asparagus Wraps

“There is something about the Irish palate that loves salmon. It is rich in omega-3, readily available, and very good value. In this recipe I sometimes use monkfish or sea trout instead”.

Neven Maguire, Chef and Father.

Baby – Easy Peasy Homemade Hummus

“Hummus is perfect to use as a dip for small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables, or as a spread instead of butter. Infants love the savoury fresh taste and it’s a great way to encourage them to self-feed which develops their hand and eye co-ordination and feeding autonomy.”

Ruth Charles, Paediatric Dietician, Westmeath

Serves 12, suitable from 6 months on;

Tip! Why not set aside some of this mixture for the adults in the family and spice things up by blending in some chopped red chilli if you dare!