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Fabulous Fruit!

A Pregnant Girl's Best Friend

By Crystal Patriarche

If you dislike fruit or find you get an aversion to fruit during pregnancy, there are alternative ways to get the needed nutrition. "Eat more vegetables," says Ellis. "But usually fruit is OK because it doesn't have strong smells that some vegetables do that might cause nausea and an aversion."

Dried fruit is a good alternative because it provides many healthy nutrients that you and your baby need, according to the National Dried Fruit Association (NDFTA). NDFTA says that dried fruits provide "little packages of concentrated nourishment when used for snacking and are ideal to assuage hunger pangs. Dried fruit is high in fructose (natural sugar) and often sweeter than in their fresh form ... good to give you that extra boost of energy when feeling tired and far better than sweets."

Dried fruits like apricots are high in potassium, iron and vitamin C, all important nutrients when you are expecting.

Another trick if you dislike fruit is to blend it in with other foods so you barely know it's there. For example, blend orange juice, yogurt, ice and fresh bananas or strawberries for a delicious and refreshing fruit smoothie. Mash banana into your peanut butter sandwich or pancakes to get an added dose of nutrition. Dipping sauce can help, too. If you dislike apples, try dipping them in a caramel sauce for a sweet treat.

"The good thing about fruit is that it provides a feeling of fullness without a ton of calories," says Ellis.

Want to see more?

• Two of Everything, Please: Debunking the Myth of Eating for Two
• Pregnancy Nutrition From A to Z: A Comprehensive List of Nutrition Issues for Moms-to-be
• The Importance of DHA: An Overlooked Nutritional Need for Mom and Baby
• Liquid Health: Smart Nutrition for Thirsty Moms
• You'll find delicious fruit recipes here!
• A Vitamin a Day Keeps What Away?
• Talk about it!

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