There’s never a better time to start improving your eating habits than when you are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Good nutrition is important for your baby, and it’s best for both mom and dad to have a healthy, nutritious diet before deciding to start a family. The choices you make and what you eat every day you are pregnant profoundly influence positive fetal and maternal outcomes.

This Isn’t the Time for Weight Loss

This is a great time to focus on overall health, rather than thinking about losing weight, restricting calories or fasting. Most pregnant women need, on average, an additional 300 calories each day to support the growth of the baby while women who are nursing require an additional 500 calories per day to ensure healthy milk production (1). But, not all calories are created equal. To consume and absorb the amount of nutrients required for pregnancy, it’s important to eat as many nutrient-dense foods as possible such as leafy green vegetables, fiber-rich foods, whole grains, and lean protein. All the nourishment your developing baby needs comes from your body, either through the food you eat or the supplements you take. You and your growing family needs nutrient-packed food, not just empty calories like those found in fast or fried food, soft drinks, and candy.

It’s also important for a woman to discuss and monitor her weight and nutritional needs with her midwife or doctor throughout the pregnancy. Good nutrition is directly linked to a higher chance of a normal birth weight, an improvement in fetal brain development, and a reduction in the risk of many birth defects (2). Important steps to a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience include eating a balanced diet, gaining the right amount of weight, enjoying regular physical activity, taking a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement, limiting caffeine, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.

Good Nutrition Is Essential

For busy moms and families, Isagenix has convenient, easy-to-use solutions that may help simplify your life. The safe, high-quality, nutritional products are infused with essential vitamins, botanicals, and other natural ingredients that may benefit busy moms. Isagenix conforms to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and the specific rules and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration. With your healthcare practitioner’s consideration and approval, you may use many Isagenix products while pregnant or breastfeeding.

After pregnancy, and once you have weaned your baby, new moms may benefit from using Isagenix products to release unwanted baby weight and regain energy. Don’t pressure yourself into snapping back to your prepregnancy body too quickly. It’s possible to regain your old muscle tone, or even develop tone you never had before, no matter how old you are, but it takes time (3). A complete Isagenix System, plus a healthy diet including proteins, fruits, and vegetables, will help once you are ready to release that extra baby weight and increase your energy.

Nutritional Support for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to increase their calories, vitamins and minerals, protein, and fiber. Pairing the nutrients in IsaLean Shakes, IsaLean Bars, or Isagenix snacking options with your regular meals is one way to help ensure you are getting calories and nutrients for you and your developing baby. Although these products are generally designed for controlling calories and for replacing meals, these products should never be used as meal replacements or for weight loss during pregnancy.

The following list of Isagenix products may be incorporated into a pregnant or breastfeeding mom’s diet and daily routine. Check with your healthcare provider before using any products or modifying your diet or lifestyle, and ensure your healthcare provider is monitoring your progress.

  • IsaLean® Shakes
  • Whole Blend IsaLean® Shake
  • IsaPro®
  • IsaPro® Plant-Based Protein
  • Plant-Based Whole Blend IsaLean® Shake
  • Whole Blend IsaLean® Bar
  • IsaLean® Bar
  • Plant-Based IsaLean® Bar
  • Fiber Snacks™
  • Whey Thins™
  • Harvest Thins™
  • Isagenix Snacks™
  • Snack Bites™
  • Greens™
  • Celletoi™

Dietary Supplements for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

It’s always recommended to consult with your doctor about your dietary supplement use while pregnant and breastfeeding — this includes Isagenix products. While dietary supplements can provide fast and easy nutritional support, it’s always best to make sure they’re appropriate for both mother and baby during this important stage.

The use of the following Isagenix dietary supplements should be discussed with your doctor while pregnant and breastfeeding:

  • AMPED™ Hydrate
  • FiberPro™
  • Immune Shake Booster
  • Isagenix Fruits
  • C-Lyte®
  • IsaOmega™
  • Collagen Bone Broth
  • Collagen Elixir™
  • Triotic™
  • SmartMix®
  • SuperMix™

What Is Not Recommended?

Because every woman and pregnancy is unique, talking with your doctor about your dietary choices is always the best way to determine what is best for you. There are also certain products and protocols that should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cleanse Days

Intermittent fasting and deep cleansing are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because a regular intake of sufficient calories is needed for supporting infant development and milk production. Many herbs are also not well-studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women or are not considered safe during pregnancy, so be mindful of what you are ingesting during this time.

Complete Essentials Daily Packs and Essentials For Women

Isagenix Essentials for Women™ and the Complete Essentials™ Daily Packs provide targeted micronutrient support for healthy adults and were not designed to meet the very specific needs of pregnant women and their growing baby. Working with your doctor to find a prenatal supplement is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The following products are not recommended for consumption by pregnant and breastfeeding women:

  • Cleanse for Life®
  • Ionix® Supreme
  • IsaDelight®
  • Natural Accelerator™
  • IsaFlush®
  • Renewal Sleep Support™
  • CytoActives™
  • IsaGenesis®
  • e+™ Energy Shot
  • Heart Shake Booster
  • AMPED™ Nitro
  • AMPED™ Power
  • AMPED™ NOx
  • AMPED™ Recover
  • BĒA™ Sparkling Energy Drink
  • XM+®
  • Xango® and Xango® Reserve
  • Adaptogen Elixir™
  • Hair Revival™
  • Nootropic Elixir™
  • Recharge NAD™
  • BĒA™ Biotics

Growing a human being inside your body is a very special and sacred time, yet if you are crunched for time and are hungry, it may be tempting to raid the pantry or grab some fast food. Having your favorite nutritious alternatives on hand, like fresh fruits and vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, an IsaLean Shake, or other Isagenix products can make this time a little easier.

References

  1. Kominiarek MA, Rajan P. Nutrition Recommendations in Pregnancy and Lactation. Med Clin North Am. 2016;100(6):1199-1215. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2016.06.004
  2. Division of Birth Defects and Development Disabilities, NCBDDD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA. 2015
  3. Crawford L, and Senyak S. The New Mom Body Survey: 700 Women Tell It Like It Is. BabyCenter, LLC. San Francisco, CA. 2014

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Andrea Frank Henkart

Andrea Frank Henkart, MA, CNC, is an internationally recognized authority on family health. She has two teaching credentials from UCLA, a master’s degree in family psychology, and has over 35 years of experience as a certified nutritional counselor. She is the author of nine books, including two best-sellers: “Cool Communication: From Conflict to Cooperation for Parents and Kids,” which is co-written with her daughter, Journey, and endorsed by Oprah, Deepak Chopra, and Stephen Covey; and “Isagenix for Healthy Moms and Kids.” Andrea has been featured on hundreds of radio and television shows internationally, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She is fondly known in Isagenix as the resident family expert. A proud mother of two adult children, Andrea is passionate about helping families create health and harmony at home.