GMOs: Should You Avoid Them? Plus Pregnancy Snacks!

See what Diana ate while pregnant

Happy Wednesday! Today, we are looking at Genetically Modified Organisms, usually just called GMOs. Find out what they are, the pros and cons, and our opinions on they have a place in healthy diets.

Diana also gives a look at the easy, healthy snacks she relied on when pregnant - share with a friend or family member who may benefit from some healthy, satisfying snack ideas! And read the post over in the Nourished Mama Collective to join in the conversation around snacking and pregnancy.

We want to know: Do labels like organic, or non-GMO influence your food purchases? Share in the comments.

(P.S. Become a paid subscriber to join the full conversation.)

Snacks in Pregnancy

When I’m not pregnant, I’m not much of a snacker, and I never eat in the middle of the night. I like to eat larger meals and don’t typically snack in between them. However, that completely changed in pregnancy! During my first trimester, I needed something in my stomach almost constantly to keep nausea at bay. I also never felt hungrier in my life than in my second and third trimester. So hungry that I would often need a snack in the middle of the night to sleep. I kept up my 6:00 a.m. workouts, and while I never used to eat before exercising, I had to have a little fuel to get me through.

These are the snacks that truly saved me during pregnancy. I don’t think snacks are “bad,” but I do think it’s important to be mindful about what you’re reaching for.

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Snack foods are often some of the most processed items in our diets. My recommendation when snacking is to aim for at least two macronutrients. For example, pair protein with carbohydrates or carbohydrates with fat. This helps keep your blood sugar stable and leaves you feeling more satisfied.

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My Go-To Snacks

• Perfect Bar: I’d usually have half before my morning workout. I keep them in the fridge - they’re quick, easy, and taste great. They’re higher in sugar than most bars, which isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.

• Banana and peanut butter: Name a more perfect combo.

• Sliced cheese and apple: If you find yourself waking up hungry at night, keep prepped apple slices and cheese in the fridge for an easy grab.

• Energy bites: I like to keep a batch in the freezer and pull out a few at a time. My base recipe includes rolled oats, peanut or almond butter, chia and flax seeds, and whatever spices I’m craving.

• Cereal: I’ve never been a cereal fan, but during pregnancy, I couldn’t get enough. I tried to chose brands with minimal ingredients and, when possible, organic options.

• Edamame with soy sauce: Great for when I wanted something more savory. Edamame is a good source of both protein and fiber.

• Greek yogurt dip: Mix plain Greek yogurt with cinnamon and honey and use it as a dip for apple slices.

GMOs: Are They Bad?

Dr. Weil's Take:

When I first wrote about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) more than a decade ago, I urged caution - and I still believe that today. While the technology has evolved, many of the concerns remain. GMOs are no longer exotic: they are deeply embedded in the modern food system. In the U.S., upwards of 90 percent of corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets are engineered to resist herbicides or produce insecticidal proteins.