- Wash your hands after playing with pets, especially before eating
- If you have a cat, have other people empty the litter box, and have them do it daily
- Avoid public sandboxes and cover your child’s sandbox when not in use
- Keep cats off of the kitchen counters and tables
- Cook meat well, and wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating
- Disinfect cutting board and kitchen surfaces
- Wear gloves while doing yard work or gardening
Fast Fact: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a total weight gain of twenty-five to thirty-five pounds during pregnancy for women who are at normal weight when pregnancy occurs. Underweight women should gain about forty pounds, while overweight women should gain about twenty pounds. Talk to your doctor or mid-wife about your individual weight gain.
Eating For Two: Whole Grains
If you are not already in the habit of eating whole grain breads, now is the time to start. Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other important nutrients. Here are some delicious suggestions to increase your whole grain intake:
- Whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat bagels
- Whole-wheat or oat bran pita (try toasted pita chips, see below)
- Brown rice or wild rice (mix with white rice until you get used to it)
- Whole grain cereals (shredded mini-wheat cereals come in several frosted flavors now)
- Whole-wheat or buckwheat pancakes and waffles
- Whole grain crackers (like low-salt Triscuits)
- Whole grain muffins
- Oatmeal
- Popcorn
Easy Toasted Pita Chips
- Whole-wheat or oat bran pita pockets
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ground red pepper (optional)
Directions
1. Cut whole-wheat or oat bran pita into wedges.
2. Spray lightly with olive oil; season with salt and pepper (add some red pepper for a spicy bite).
3. Bake at 250° F for fifteen minutes or until lightly browned and crispy. Use in place of chips to dip, or munch on pita chips with soup or salad.
