Undoubtedly pregnancy is a period of time full of changes not only physically but also mentally. Mothers-to-be are more aware of what is going on in their bodies and they start searching for the best things that they can offer to this new life they are creating.

Good psychology and good nutrition are the two must haves in pregnancy – that is easy to say but difficult to follow from theory to practice! Many pregnant women suffering from morning sickness and this restricts their diet. Healthy rules sometimes are in conflict with a sick stomach. Also, changing moods due to hormones and restrictions in their pro-pregnancy lifes are not an ideal combination for keeping them ‘in-line’ with what is best for them and the baby.

One of these things is alcohol.

As soon as alcohol gets into our body, it is absorbed by our blood. Even some small quantities on your taste buds. Sharing a common blood system with a fetus makes things complicated. Whatever is in mother’s blood, is in fetus’. This is why substances like drugs, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided by all means. But what can you drink in your home or outdoors without compromising the health of the fetus?

Luckily there are a variety of ‘mocktails’, cocktails without alcohol, in many stores or bars and in Greece is it quite a trend recent years. Lemon, ginger, lime, herbs like mint, fresh juice, and fruits can beat many alcoholic beverages and drinks.

Also, they are a great nutritional addition with just a few calories.

Lemon or lime: The juice can give you a great amount of vitamin C and potassium. Also, lemon juice helps with digestion problems and morning sickness. Antioxidants from the fruit’s flesh, peel, and juice boost the tired pregnant body that is trying to manage all these blessed changes! Ginger: the number one herb for morning sickness during pregnancy! Use freshly trimmed ginger in just plain water and your stomach will be fine! Its spicy flavor can be a little annoying but you get used to it after a while. It is rich in magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, choline, and small quantities of a variety of vitamins. It also fights the flu and enhances the immune system.

Mint: An herb that “goes with any drink,” it offers a refreshing sensation, hence its use in many dental and cosmetic products. Rich in potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, A, and folate, it is a great addition for pregnancy nutrition, with almost zero calories. Antioxidants can help the immune system of pregnant women, which is more vulnerable to diseases.

Mixing these all together can simultaneously bring stomach relief, a physical boost to your body, and a joyful taste for your taste buds!

You may even say “keep your alcohol, I have a better treat for me” after your baby is delivered.  

THE ‘MOCKTAIL’:

Prepare a hot mountain tea (around 300 ml of water) and melt in some honey (a teaspoon or less depending how sweet you like). Trim a piece of ginger (the size of 2 cherries). Take 10-15 leaves of mint. Squeeze in the juice of a lime and half a lemon. Smash the mint and ginger with some peels of lemon and lime. Put them all together in a mixer and after that pour it into a huge glass full of ice (better crushed). Enjoy!

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

Evropi-Sofia Dalampira holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and an MSc in Botany-Biology.