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D.I.S.H Eating for our Future 2003
(Delicious, Inexpensive, Simple, Healthy)
National Mother & Baby Week 2003 saw the launch of a nationwide campaign to promote good nutrition in pregnancy.
The first stage of this campaign – D.I.S.H - concentrated on Coventry and the West Midlands. It was targeted at both expectant mothers and opinion formers, including midwives and other health professionals. Baby Lifeline is working closely with medical experts, dietitians, public health representatives and researchers to promote the healthy eating message on a long-term basis.
Why this campaign started in the West Midlands:
· Coventry has one of the worst perinatal death rates (ie the number of stillbirths and deaths occurring in the first week of life) in the West Midlands.
· Neonatal mortality rate is the same now as it was in 1993 – a surprising figure considering the tremendous advances in the care provided by neonatal intensive care units.
Many of these deaths are unexplained, but research shows that good nutrition in pregnancy can make a significant and life-long difference.
Mothers are less likely to have:
· Premature labour
· Blood pressure problems (pre-eclampsia)
· An under-nourished baby, prone to poor health later in life
· Problems associated with obesity
Key Campaign Messages
Good nutrition means healthy eating:
· Fish twice per week, including oily fish such as tinned sardines, mackerel or salmon once a week.
· 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
· Plenty of milk, cheese or yoghurt to give calcium – low fat if you want to reduce calories
· Wholemeal bread and cereals which are high in fibre
· Healthy snacks such as fruit, rather than crisps, chocolate or pop
·If you were overweight before you became pregnant , low fat foods are healthier
In addition some nutritional supplements are a good idea – discuss them with your doctor or midwife first:
· Folic acid from before conception
· Calcium and vitamin D from 3-4 months, unless your dietary intake is very good
· Fish oils from 3-4 months, if you do not have fish
· Other vitamins and minerals (e.g. iron, magnesium and selenium) from perhaps 3-4 months if your diet does not contain enough healthy foods.
The Launch Event – D.I.S.H
Eating for our Future
Wednesday, 26th March 2003
DISH – Eating for Our Future won the support of Britain’s top celebrity chefs and entrepreneurs. Tony Tobin and Patrick Anthony, stars of BBC’s Ready Steady Cook, launched the campaign with Asian Woman of Achievement Madi Sharma.
Tony and Patrick showed midwives, health professionals and mums-to-be how to dish up an exciting meal for two using fresh and healthy ingredients. Students from Henley College then prepared and served a buffet for the guests with dishes from around the world. Recipes developed on the day, together with guidelines on good nutrition in pregnancy, have been made available to schools, staff canteens, restaurants and retailers.
Initiatives planned during the year included a special DISH Cookery Course developed by Henley Catering College and a DISH recipe competition.
Baby Lifeline gratefully acknowledges its sponsors for the event:
Main sponsors:
Additional support:
