Beware of gaining too much/not gaining enough weight!
Gaining too much weight during a pregnancy will make you susceptible to pregnancy induced hypertension. However, recent trends have been seeing mothers-to-be that are too slim. It is said that not gaining enough weight will result in not only a smaller infant but also makes you susceptible to lifestyle related diseases. In any case, weight control during gestation is very important.
How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy?
The weight a pregnant woman gains until birth mostly consists of the weight of the infant (fetus), placenta, amniotic fluid and blood. A newborn's average weight is approximately 3 kilograms. It is said that a mother-to-be's body stores up necessary nutrients for birth and breastfeeding during pregnancy as well. In recent time, weight gain calculated according to each individual's pre-pregnancy weight seems to be the most ideal.

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Low Salt Recipe
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Ingredients (serve 2)
- 100g (1/2 apple)
- 170g pumpkin
- 20g raisins
- 20g almonds
- 20g salad greens
Dressing:
- 50g plain yoghurt
- 2tsp olive oil
- 1tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- A pinch of pepper
How to cook
1. Cut the pumpkin into 2 cm cubes, place on a heatproof dish, sprinkle with 2 tbsp water, cover with plastic wrap and microwave (600w) for about 2 minutes to heat through. Cut the apple into chunks and roughly chop the almonds.
2. Make the dressing by mixing the yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl.
3. Mix (2) with the raisins, then stir in (1).
4. Serve (3) in a bowl lined with torn salad greens.
Notes:
Apples are rich in potassium. Reduced the salt with a dressing using yoghurt.
Add nuts rich in vitamin E and enjoy the texture of this salad.