In my early years, fast food was a staple—I often enjoyed a McDonald’s Happy Meal at least once a week. I vividly recall celebrating my fifth birthday at a McDonald’s, and I can remember attending two other birthday parties at the same place. Food was a source of praise and reward in my family; phrases like, “If you behave today, you can have ice cream,” or “It’s your birthday; indulge yourself,” were common. My mother owns a festive Christmas sweater that reads, “Christmas calories don’t count!” My husband and I chuckle at its sentiment, yet it encapsulated the food-driven ethos of my upbringing. “Eat up! It’s Christmas!” or “Go ahead and enjoy as much candy as you want—it’s Halloween!” were mottos I grew up with.
Every Friday night meant pizza for dinner until I left for college, a tradition my parents continue to this day. The majority of our meals revolved around ground beef, featuring dishes like spaghetti with meat sauce, tacos, and meatloaf. Vegetables were often an afterthought, typically drenched in ranch dressing. Interestingly, my mother had strict rules against sugary cereals and sweets, leading me to eagerly consume these treats at friends’ houses.
Food was a source of comfort, a means of coping with stress. I would often witness my father, after a long day, pour himself a drink and indulge in hearty meals to ease his worries. At a family gathering as a pre-teen, I asked my father what traits I had inherited from him; his response was simply, “My appetite.”
Upon entering college, I felt lost in the cafeteria, struggling to find a balance in my meals. I often resorted to combinations of mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and frozen yogurt. Friends would sometimes encourage me to explore healthier options, and gradually I learned to create enjoyable salads. However, living close to parties and fast food options led to years of weight fluctuation.
Now that I am pregnant, my relationship with food is undergoing a transformation. While I have always been conscious of my eating habits, the journey from being a chubby child to an overweight adult has left me with persistent thoughts about food in relation to my body. I have memories of my mother instructing me to “hold that tummy in” before taking pictures. The prospect of my expanding belly feels foreign; the idea of my midsection being celebrated and touched is daunting, given my complicated history with food.
I understand that pregnant women should consume approximately 300 more calories daily than they did pre-pregnancy. However, my pre-pregnancy eating habits were inconsistent at best. Should I add 300 calories to days when I restricted my intake to about a thousand? Or to those times I indulged in carbs and alcohol, planning to diet later? What if I occasionally purged some of those calories?
My priority is the health of my baby, and I want to provide a wholesome start to life. Yet, reconciling my past food-related struggles with the nutritional needs of pregnancy is challenging. For those who are navigating similar issues, resources like this couples fertility journey can be helpful, as well as Kindbody for further insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
Additionally, sites like Intracervical Insemination offer expert advice on related topics, providing valuable information for expectant mothers.
Summary:
An unhealthy relationship with food can profoundly impact a woman’s experience during pregnancy. From childhood food patterns to adult eating habits, the emotional connection to food can complicate nutritional choices during this critical time. As expectant mothers strive to prioritize their baby’s health, they may find it challenging to reconcile their past experiences with food. Resources are available to support women in navigating these complexities while ensuring a healthy pregnancy.