Looking back, I have to say, I was at my healthiest when I was pregnant. I led an exemplary healthy lifestyle and it probably had everything to do with the fact that I was responsible for the life forming in me.

 

So what did I do while I was pregnant? 

 

Well, alcohol was off the list immediately. I also cut out caffeine and that included sugary soft drinks. I popped calcium supplements in the afternoon and a fish-oil capsule after dinner every day.
 

Every morning, the first business of the day was to eat a hearty breakfast and I always had wheat crackers on standby for pecking anytime. My only weakness was perhaps Nasi Padang with extra belachan chili during lunch - I blame that on cravings. 
 

I cut out the junk as I couldn't bear the thought of all that processed food going to my baby. I made it a point to drink more milk, calcium-fortified juices, loads of veggies and tofu and healthy broth alongside my well-balanced dinner. I also ate more fruits, drank more water and exercised! I was doing yoga - shoulder stand and downward dog all the way till I was 38 weeks. And I was huge!

 

I felt great for most of the 40 weeks of pregnancy, never once fell ill, not even the flu. And at the end of it all, I gave birth to a healthy, chubby little baby boy.

 

I continued this healthy streak well into my maternity, especially during the months of breastfeeding - I was still responsible for keeping healthy to produce sustenance for my baby. It's funny how you'd do it for the sake of a child, but you'd find every excuse to slack if left to your own devices.

 

Well, research has shown that children learn by example and their eating habits are directly influenced by the household. Now that should be reason enough for me to keep up those good health habits if I don't want a tubby child who fusses for McDonald's Happy Meal all the time!