As a woman, you are given the opportunity to bring life into the world. To raise children with love, passion and understanding as they grow into toddlers, teenagers, young adults and beyond. But before giving birth and helping your children grow into strong, healthful humans, you need to provide the both of you with vital vitamins and nutrients during the pregnancy. As Olin Idol, one of our respected health experts, asks in his book "Pregnancy, Children and the Hallelujah Diet,"
"How can a young couple that desires to have healthy children best prepare their bodies for the awesome responsibility of pregnancy? And how can they nourish that child for optimal development?"
The answer: Get fully on the Hallelujah Diet at least six months prior to conception and following it throughout pregnancy and lactation.
Will I receive the necessary nutrition?
Following a diet during pregnancy can be intimidating for some women. The concern comes from not eating certain foods that are generally thought to provide essential nutrients for the baby, such as meats and dairy products for calcium and protein. It's interesting, however, as the American Dietetic Association pointed out, that a diet lacking those food groups is healthy for anyone, even pregnant women. The statement reads:
"Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence … "
"God always intended for humans to thrive on his original diet."
That's because it's possible to obtain all necessary protein, calcium and other vital nutrients for reproduction by consuming a 100-percent primarily raw plant-based diet. After all, God always intended for humans to thrive on his original regimen.
Genesis 1:29 "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
But how will I receive the essential nutrients?
Because the Hallelujah Diet excludes meat and dairy from its guidelines, there's a concern with how you'll receive essential nutrients during pregnancy. However, our primarily raw, plant based diet offers ample opportunity to acquire the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Protein plays a key role in developing the fetus. Fortunately, it's easy to meet requirements on the Hallelujah Diet, as leafy greens, legumes, organic whole grains, nuts and seeds are all excellent sources of protein. They also help meet the metabolic and energy needs of the body.
Calcium is vital for the skeletal growth of the baby. You can obtain the needs through many calcium-rich foods, such as collard greens, turnip greens, kale, broccoli, almonds and figs.
Iron is essential during pregnancy as both the mother and infant are creating new blood. Therefore, it's crucial to always meet daily iron requirements. Sources include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beets, lima beans, lentils, almonds, pears, dried prunes, peaches and raisins.
B12 is essential during pregnancy as a plant based diet does not contain this vitamin and many people lack adequate intestinal flora to produce optimal levels. We highly recommend the Hallelujah Diet B12/B6/Folate.
Folic Acid is necessary for growing tissue during pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast, brown rice, legumes, lentils, root vegetables and dates are great sources.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are vital for optimal brain development in the fetus as well as maintaining structure in the membranes. Sources of plant-based essential fatty acids include ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil and raw walnuts. Fish oil, which supplies EPA and DHA, is critical to include during the third trimester when the infant's brain is rapidly growing. We recommend Pharmax Finest Pure Fish oil due to its purity and potency.
Iodine is important as it has a major impact on the infants overall health and IQ.
There's no reason to worry about nutrient deficiency during pregnancy when you're following the Hallelujah Diet and include the essential supplements. Those are just a few of the many vitamins and minerals the Hallelujah Diet can provide you and your baby during this remarkable stage of your life and beyond.
