The food a mother eats may play a role in childhood obesity, according to a study at Dublin University College. Specifically, the study looked at the glycemic index of the snacks eaten by pregnant women in late pregnancy. Researchers found women who ate high glycemic index snacks in the last trimester were more likely to have babies that would later develop childhood obesity.
Other studies have linked dietary factors and maternal weight gain with childhood obesity. This is one of the first to begin to look at specific factors related to snacking and eating patterns with the child’s weight later.
Those who have read much about nutrition and weight loss have likely come across information about the glycemic index of foods. This is a scale that shows how a specific food reacts in the blood sugar. Foods with a higher score on the 0-100 scale raise the blood sugar more dramatically than foods with a lower index.
High glycemic index foods have been linked to weight gain and difficulty with weight loss. The lower numbered foods have a less dramatic effect on the blood sugar and are linked to healthy weight or weight loss. Many diets use the glycemic index in selecting menus and making food recommendations.
High glycemic index foods include the usual suspects of white bread, candy and chocolate. Limit high index foods like waffles, donuts, as well as rice, potatoes, pasta and watermelon. Choose low glycemic index snacks that are nutritionally dense, such as vegetables, fruits, meat and yogurt for snacks and in meal planning.
This information may be useful for pregnant women in meal and snack planning. While going on a diet is not advisable during pregnancy, healthy eating and good food choices can help curb weight gain and prevent complications related to excessive weight gain. Talk to your doctor before making big changes in your diet.
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