Category Archives: Ask Holly

Ask Holly, Babies, Nutrition

Ask Holly: Fish For Toddlers?

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Hi Holly,
What types of fish are safe to feed my toddler. I’m very confused by the information out there.

Sarah

NY,NY

Hi Sarah!

I’m glad you asked- fish is such a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids and it’s easy for our little ones to digest.  There is a lot of confusing and conflicting information out there, but if you follow these guidelines, you can relax knowing you’re feeding your toddler well.

  • Do not feed your child  Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
  • The smaller the fish the better: the “bad stuff” we hear about- mercury and PCBs- accumulate in the tissue, and so the higher on the food chain the fish are, the more they will have accumulated.  Two good ones to try:  sardines and anchovies. (My toddler loves sardines on crackers!)
  • Five commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish – only buy these fish if they are “wild caught,” and be sure to check the country of origin.  I only buy fish caught in the USA, usually Alaska.  Avoid farm raised fish-  they are often fed grain (not their natural diet!), antibiotics, and in the case of salmon, paint chips to give its flesh a pink color. (We are what THEY eat, and I don’t know about you, but paint??? No thanks.)

Aim for 2 meals a week of a variety of fish and shellfish, and your child will reap the many benefits of eating fish!

Ask Holly, Nutrition, Prenatal

Ask Holly: Coconut Water During Pregnancy?

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Hi Holly-

I have been seeing coconut water in lots of stores lately and wanted to ask you- is it safe to drink during pregnancy? If so, what are the benefits of drinking coconut water? Thanks.

Jessica S.

Athens, GA

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for your question. It’s one I’m asked often. Yes, it is safe to drink coconut water during pregnancy, and there are many benefits. Here are the top 3, in my opinion:

  • It treats morning sickness by keeping you hydrated- coconut water is full of electrolytes and better than any “sports drink” on the market.
  • It regulates your digestive system- it’s no secret, pregnancy slows everything way down, and coconut water will keep things moving!
  • It contains lauric acid- helpful for baby’s developing brain.

Look for the brands in the aseptic tetrapaks, and drink up!

Ask Holly, Prevention

Ask Holly: How Do I Avoid Stretch Marks?

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Hi Holly- I’m 15 weeks pregnant with my first child, and I really don’t want to have stretch marks on my belly. Can you recommend something for me to use so avoid getting them? Thank you-
April H.
Little Rock, AR

Hi April-
I was so worried about this problem too, since I have bad stretch marks on my legs from growing so quickly in middle school! It’s important to stay hydrated and get lots of omega 3 fatty acids from walnuts, fish oil. etc. I also religiously slathered on some sort of oil or balm every single night. I’m happy to report that I didn’t get a single stretch mark!

Here are 3 types I really like:

  • Earth Mama Angel Baby LLC.
  • Weleda’s Pregnancy Body Oil- search for it at Top Brand Vitamins– they have it for the best price I’ve seen
  • Little Moon Essentials Beautiful Belly Butter I love everything on this site- the owner, Laura is very passionate  about what she does and it shows! and she offers free shipping on orders over $15
Ask Holly

Ask Holly: Is Gluten Unhealthy?

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Given that barley is high in gluten, does that make it unhealthy? I made a delicious pot of barley and immune-boosting vegetables for my daughter, but I’m confused about what’s wrong with gluten? THANK YOU!

Sarah-

NY, NY

Hi Sarah,

Gluten is a protein found in grains, and it is only “bad for you” if you have a sensitivity or allergy to it.  Most people have symptoms and know they have a health issue they can’t identify.  For these people, it’s wise to try cutting out gluten to see if the symptoms go away.  Some of these symptoms are:  digestive disorders like excess gas, bloating and IBS,   Frequent colds and bronchitis, unexplained infertility, fatigue,  and seasonal allergies.  If you and your family aren’t experiencing any of these things, you don’t need to avoid gluten.

Ask Holly

Ask Holly: Dessert Recommendations?

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What do you recommend for dessert that is both healthy and tasty? We have currently cut dessert out but it is no fun…unless you call apple slices dessert which is what we are currently having.

Amelia L.

New York, NY

Hi Amelia!

I agree that apple slices are not fun for dessert! I like a few pieces of dark chocolate. Make sure it’s 70% cacao (or higher) and organic. If it’s at least 70%, there will be a lot less sugar. Theo is a great brand, that doesn’t use any emulsifiers (soy lecithin, etc) only cocoa butter. I toured the factory in Seattle and it was great! Chocolate is high in anti-oxidants and a few pieces should take care of your sweet tooth. Another option is cinnamon raisin mochi (can be found at health food stores). You cut it into bite sized squares, put it in the oven for a few minutes, and it puffs up into this cool pastry type goodness. We add butter and honey…mmmmm.