Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is admired by many for her lifestyle, including her approach to diet and nutrition, especially during her pregnancies. From her food cravings to her wellness choices, Meghan's pregnancy journey has garnered attention. This article explores Meghan Markle's pregnancy diet and nutrition, examining her food preferences, wellness practices, and expert opinions on her choices.
Meghan's Pregnancy Cravings and Food Preferences
Even before becoming pregnant, it's widely known that pregnancy can lead to intense food cravings. During her pregnancies, Meghan Markle developed specific food preferences. While visiting Canada for the Invictus Games in early February, Meghan and Prince Harry dined at Vij’s, an Indian restaurant in Vancouver. According to Hello! Magazine, Meghan shared with the owner and head chef, Vikram Vij, that Indian cuisine was the only food she craved during both her pregnancies. This revelation sparks curiosity about whether her children, Archie and Lilibet, now share a fondness for Indian food.
Meghan's love for cooking and entertaining is well-documented, and her upcoming Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan," will focus on these passions. She enjoys using fresh ingredients and has a fondness for kale salads and zucchini bolognese. Her "California roots" influence her preference for a clean and simple lifestyle, especially during pregnancy. A source close to Meghan revealed to People that she is mindful of what she puts in her body, on her skin, and even in her cleaning supplies. This approach suggests a focus on natural and wholesome choices.
A Clean Approach to Living
According to a friend in a report from People, Markle's “California roots” are trumping all when it comes to her pregnancy lifestyle, with the royal opting for a clean approach to living. “She’s being mindful of what she puts in her body and on her skin and even her at-home cleaning supplies,” the source explained. “She’s hyper aware of what she’s using. Keeping things simple in every aspect of her life is the name of the game - even after she’s given birth. “She eats cleaner, and she’ll probably make her own baby food,” the friend said.
Meghan's Daily Diet and Treats
While Meghan embraces a wholesome lifestyle, she also allows herself occasional treats. She has described french fries as "its own food group." Meghan is also known to enjoy green juices. Although she abstains from alcohol during pregnancy, she has previously expressed her fondness for wine. Before becoming a royal, she told Best Health, “Of course, I’m going to have that glass of wine-it’s delicious, and I enjoy it. Do the things you enjoy within reason."
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Meghan's semi-vegan or "vegan during the week" diet, along with her favorite foods, have been documented in various publications, including her former lifestyle website, The Tig. This dietary approach emphasizes plant-based foods while allowing for some flexibility.
Addressing B12 Concerns in a Vegan Pregnancy Diet
Many medical practitioners and nutritionists advocate for incorporating more plants into one's diet. However, a vegan diet can raise concerns about B12 intake, as this vitamin is primarily found in animal products. B12 is produced by bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Pregnant women following a vegan diet need to be particularly diligent about taking supplements to ensure adequate B12 levels. There are numerous ways to obtain sufficient B12, even without consuming meat.
The concern over B12 during pregnancy may stem from traditional beliefs and practices. Nonetheless, it is crucial to make informed choices and consult with healthcare professionals.
Meghan's "Woo Woo" Pregnancy Drink: The Golden SuperLatte
Meghan Markle has described her go-to pregnancy drink, the Golden SuperLatte from Clevr Blends, as a bit "woo woo." This latte contains oat milk, coconut cream, probiotics, and adaptogenic mushrooms like ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi.
Meghan noted that mushrooms, key adaptogenic ingredients in the Golden SuperLatte, have a “hippie” reputation that confuses consumers. “Adaptogens are really interesting because [they’re] a little bit vague, but essentially they are a combination of herbs and roots and other plants, like mushrooms,” Dr. Bhuyan added. “They’re supposed to restore balance in our body and help our bodies manage stress,”
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Adaptogens are natural substances believed to help the body manage stress. The superfood latte and tea brand Clevr Blends sells Markle’s beloved Golden SuperLatte. In addition to probiotics and oat milk and coconut cream, the Golden SuperLatte contains the adaptogens ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms are commonly used to treat cancer in Asia, according to the National Cancer Institute. Reishi mushrooms support the function of the adrenal glands. A 2020 study found that reishi treatment reduced stress-induced brain inflammation in rats exposed to low oxygen levels and helped protect against nerve damage and memory impairment. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that may improve memory and cognitive function by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The brew also has cinnamon. Also on the good-for-you ingredient list? Used in Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years, ginger comes from the roots of the Zingiber officinale plant.
Expert Opinions on the Superfood Latte
Sakshi Singh, a nutritionist at Dietetic Place in Lucknow, advises pregnant women to exercise caution when consuming superfood drinks. While some ingredients can be healthy, certain herbs and mushrooms used as adaptogens have not been fully studied for safety during pregnancy. Singh recommends consulting with a doctor before trying new supplements or herbal drinks. Oat milk and probiotics are generally considered safe, but caution is advised with some adaptogens.
Adaptogens are natural substances, often herbs or mushrooms, that are thought to help the body handle stress. Common adaptogens include ashwagandha, reishi, and lion’s mane mushrooms. Some studies suggest they may support immunity and brain health. However, research on their safety during pregnancy is limited. Experts advise that until more is known, pregnant women should use these ingredients only under medical guidance.
The Importance of a Balanced Pregnancy Diet
Research indicates that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Probiotics, found in some superfood drinks, can support digestion and gut health. Turmeric, another common ingredient, has anti-inflammatory properties and is safe in small amounts. However, no single food or drink can replace a well-rounded diet and proper prenatal care.
Challenges in the Journey to Pregnancy
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were expecting their eldest child, Prince Archie, during their royal tour of Australia in October 2018, five months after their royal wedding. Prince Harry revealed in his book "Spare" that he and Meghan were eager to start a family soon after their wedding. However, their busy schedule and Meghan's unexplained weight loss presented challenges.
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"We didn't want to wait. We both wanted to start a family straight away. We were working crazy hours, our jobs were demanding, the timing wasn’t ideal, but too bad. The toll was starting to be visible on Meg; she’d lost a great deal of weight in the last year, despite all the shepherd’s pie. "'I’m eating more than ever,' she reported - yet her weight kept dropping. Friends recommended an ayurvedic doctor who’d helped them conceive. As I understood it, ayurvedic medicine sorted people into categories. We bought two home pregnancy tests, one for a backup, and she took them both into the bathroom at Nott Cott."I was lying on our bed, and while waiting for her to come out…I fell asleep. When I woke, she was beside me. 'What’s happened? She’d waited for me," he penned, before stating their blue lines confirmed the happy news. They went on to share this news with members of the royal family at Princess Eugenie's wedding in October 2018, and Harry later admitted his cousin and her husband Jack Brooksbank were "deliriously happy" for them.
The Gentle Birth Method
Dr. Gowri Motha, a London-based OB-GYN, has developed the "Gentle Birth Method," which has been used for decades to promote joyful pregnancies, births, and calm babies. Motha emphasizes the importance of postpartum support for new mothers.
Dr. Dr. While Motha says women can have chicken broth or a small bite of something crunchy like broccoli, anything more complex - like a chicken breast or a full salad - is too harsh on new mom's digestive system. When Motha came across the technique, she said she was "so excited" and started applying it specifically to women's health after undergoing a training. There's little to no research on the benefits of Creative Healing for new moms, but postpartum massage is known to help regulate hormones, improve sleep, and support breastfeeding. Motha said it's her dream for Creative Healing to become central to US maternal care.