Planning A Family?

Get a head start on healthy nutrition

The most important time to pay special attention to nutrition is during preconception and pregnancy. Eating well while planning to have a baby will not only increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant, but also will lower the risk of pregnancy complications and improve the health of your future child. Here are just a few of the critical nutrients to consume, why they are important, and where to find them:

Folic Acid

Importance & New Findings

Low levels of this B-vitamin can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It’s important for women to consume folic acid before and during early pregnancy. Studies also suggest that folic acid may lower the risk of cleft lip and palate in infants, having a baby with low birth weight, and giving birth prematurely.

Sources
Enriched cereals, breads, pastas, rice, and other grain products are fortified with folic acid. Green leafy vegetables, beans, oranges & bananas are good sources. Taking folic acid containing supplements is also recommended.



GNLD Supplements
Formula IV
Multi
Vitamin B Co. (S/R)

Iron

Importance & New Findings

The amount of blood in the body increases during pregnancy by almost 50%, so you need iron to make more haemoglobin and supply the growing foetus and the placenta. The Centers for Disease Control report that (African American and Hispanic) women, particularly, are at risk for iron deficiency

Sources
Dried beans, fruit, egg yolk, fortified cereals, liver, lean red meat (especially beef), oysters & poultry.



GNLD Supplements
Multi Mineral plus Alfalfa
Formula IV
Chelated Iron

Iodine

Importance & New Findings
Iodine is especially important in women during childbearing years to ensure the best possible brain development of the foetus during pregnancy. According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control, iodine levels are low in women aged 20-39 year

Sources
Iodised salt, seafood, dairy and eggs.



GNLD Supplements
Formula IV
Multi
Multi Mineral plus Alfalfa

Omega-3 Fats

Importance & New FindingsDHA is an omega-3 fat that supports foetal brain and eye development during the third trimester and in infants up to 18 months of life. EPA and DHA may also play a role in determining the length of pregnancy and in preventing post-pregnancy depression

Sources
Found in cold-water fatty fish like salmon or sardines. Because women tend to get inadequate omega-3 from their diet, and due to concerns about mercury content of larger fish, some experts recommend fish oil supplementation.



GNLD Supplements
Pro Vitality +
Omega-3 Salmon Oil Plus
Omega-3

Good Nutrition Can Also Improve Fertility in Men

For men, some nutrients have been shown to affect fertility. One study has linked higher folic acid intake with a lower risk of chromosome abnormality (aneuploidy) in healthy men. Also, those in the study who got more zinc and beta-carotene had fewer instances of other sperm abnormalities. In a new, preliminary study, a diet high in saturated fat was negatively associated with sperm concentration in healthy men, while higher
intake of omega-3 fats was positively linked to sperm quality.

Article from GNLD Lifestyle Magazine Southern Africa 02/13
References in GNLD Lifestyle Magazine Southern Africa 02/13

What's For Breakfast?

Everyone knows the importance of good nutrition and a safe environment. However, so many products today make so many claims that you need to exercise your mind before you make the right choices for your body, your home, and your family.

After an hour or two at work, do you still feel energized and focused, or have you hit a mid-morning slump? How about your children? Are they staying alert and engaged in class, or are they nodding off at their desks? If you're looking for reasons to explain these declines in alertness, begin by looking at the food on your breakfast table. Breakfast is when we're supposed to replenish the important nutrient reservoirs that have been depleted throughout the night. While you are sleeping, your body is working hard to rejuvenate, and in doing so, all available nutrients are being utilized. Break the fast! By breakfast time, the average person has been fasting for approximately 12 hours. Your body is now depleted of important nutrients. It needs macro nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Additionally, your body needs micro nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and an array of phytonutrients.

For You
Your first meal sets you up for a successful day. A nutritious breakfast that delivers a balanced abundance of the nutrients your body needs sets your metabolism for the rest of the day. In addition to providing stable energy levels, it helps keep your mind clear and focused throughout the day and even helps prevent unhealthy cravings, which lead to over-eating and unhealthy snack choices. According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity, breakfasts based on the wrong nutrients can sabotage weight-loss efforts. People who began their day with high-quality protein over refined carbohydrates were able to lose 65% more weight, and also reported higher energy throughout the day. 1

For your Children
For children, breakfast is even more important. A poor breakfast can undermine their health, weaken their immune systems, and disrupt academic focus. Conversely, studies have shown that children who have a nutritious breakfast perform better academically 2 and in general, those who have healthy eating habits when young are more to have healthy diets as adults. 3

So, encouraging a healthy breakfast, and eating one yourself provides important nutrients, establishes healthy habits, and makes you a positive role model!
While we may have many options for breakfast, for most people convenience and speed are the top criteria. In an effort to begin our hectic schedules, we need some version of "fast food." But does "fast" necessitate poor nutrition? The ideal breakfast is rich in protein, balanced with carbohydrates and fats, and provides vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Options for quick and easy breakfast foods are plentiful, but in order to avoid sugar or fat-packed options, review the nutritional value of your choices. Good nutrition and good health deserve more than quick satisfaction. While a breakfast pastry may sound delicious, the 38 grams of carbohydrates (17 grams of sugar) and only 2 grams of protein make this a poor breakfast choice.

GNLD's GR2 Control Meal Replacement Protein Shake is a well-balanced meal in the convenience of one glass! This calorie-controlled shake provides 18 grams of protein-including all 22 amino acids, two grams of fibre, and 11 grams of carbohydrates to promote good health and high energy. It is clinically tested and proven to control glycaemic responsehelping you to avoid the highs and lows caused by many foods. And it's quick and easy! In less than five minutes you can have a tasty breakfast that will get your day off to a solid start. A great breakfast choice for school going kids is GNLD's
Nutrishake. One serving provides 10 grams of complete protein with all 22 amino acids, 8 grams of carbohydrates and only 1 gram of fat. It is enriched with extra vitamins and minerals and your kids will love that it comes in three great tasting flavours – strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. Give your children the best start to their day with Nutrishake!
Your mother was right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast or choosing the wrong type of breakfast will set you (and your family) up for failure. You can begin your day with high calorie, low nutrition choices. Or you can begin your day with a GR2 Control Meal Replacement Protein Shake or Nutrishake, convenient, well-balanced meals that will help you sustain energy throughout the morning.
You Decide.

Percentage daily values are based on a 2000 calorie per diet.Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Click here to view the newsletter!   References: 1. Vander Wall JS, et al. Egg breakfast enhances weight loss. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Oct; 32(10) 1545-51. 2. Kleinman RE, et al. Diet, breakfast, and academic performance in children. Ann Nutr Metab. 2002;46 Suppl 1:24-30 3. Story M. The third School Nutrition Dietary assessment Study: findings and policy implications for improving the health of US children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Feb; 109 (2 Suppl):S7-13. Chart: http://www2.kelloggs.com/Product/Product Detail.aspx?brands+154&product=450&cat= http://www2.kelloggs.com/Servelmage.aspx ?BID=54792&MD5=5fc893c4f75604d9d74fe d591e54d39d Article from GNLD Lifestyle Magazine Southern Africa 04/11