Beautiful Babies (Review and Giveaway)

Be sure and check out our current GIVEAWAY while you're here.


It feels nice to be at a stage in motherhood where I actually have (a little) time to read again. I have three favorite pastimes: eating, cooking to eat, and reading about cooking to eat. Kidding, of course. But, really, most of what I typically read does tend to be related to food in at least some way.

Get it here.
I just finished reading a book that I am excited to share with you. It is Kristen Michaelis' Beautiful Babies. In case you have never heard of Michaelis before, she runs a highly popular mommy-foodie blog called Food Renegade where she shares her recipes, nutrition tips and great sense of humor.

I loved Beautiful Babies. I wish I owned fifty copies so I could give it to friends like honey-sweetened candy. This book is a treasure. I have been studying nutrition on my own for over five years, have read hundreds of books, articles and blogs, but I still learned a lot from it. It is a great addition to the library of any long time real-food eater as well as a great introduction to those only recently discovering that the Western highly-processed approach to food is detrimental to their health and their family's health.

Overview


Michaelis' starts her book with a brief introduction explaining the importance of nutrition for fertility as well as how what we eat during pregnancy can effect the future of our children-- and our children's children. She gives lists of what not to eat and why. But then offers solutions by explaining what to eat. She leaves room for different budget limitations or availability by giving best choice, third, fourth, etc. This down-to-earth approach really resonated with me. It reminded me of Nina Planck's book Real Food for Mother and Baby. (If you are interested you can read my review of Planck's book here.)

My "beautiful baby", Athena, who we call Little Owl.
Michaelis approaches common ailments during pregnancy and beyond- morning sickness, stretch marks, breastfeeding issues, fears regarding eating different foods (like wine or soft cheeses) and much more. While there are certain sections of the book I had minor disagreements with (such as her views on being able to have a “pain free” labor (I know, Kristen, I'm sorry, but I just don't buy it...) or her view that through nutrition we can avoid stretch-marks) I still valued reading her thoughts and would share the book with those I know. She has an entire section devoted to troubleshooting breastfeeding that I believe would be very helpful for anyone struggling with it. Her section on how to introduce first foods to baby is refreshing compared to most of our culture's view and really resonated with me.

Recipes


While I liked Michaelis' section on nutrition and troubleshooting for different parts of pregnancy/birth/and beyond, my favorite section of the book is actually the the section that follows after: the recipes. I have started using this book regularly for the delicious, wholesome recipes she includes. These are recipes designed for a busy mom who wants to eat real food on a limited budget. The recipes taste amazing, are packed full of nutrients, and are extremely easy to shop for and prepare. The recipes range from simple meals to fermented ketchup and easy-to-prepare organ-meat delicacies.

One of my favorite recipes to prepare from Beautiful Babies. Delicious, nutritious, and easy to make.
Even if you feel like you know everything to know about raising babies (though I am sure there is a lot anyone could learn from this book!) it is worth owning for the recipes alone.

This book would make a wonderful gift for any expecting or new parent or even grandparent. 


Get yourself or someone you love a copy here. 


Sorry. This giveaway has ended please check out our current giveaway if you are interested. 

Do you have a favorite book on nutrition during pregnancy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


22 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great book! I love reading your blog and getting to see cute pictures of Athena! She is seriously sooo cute, I can't wait to squeeze her in December! <3

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  2. Just found your page through pinterest. Excited to start browsing. I've heard good things about this book from other people and we're getting ready to start trying to have kids.

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    1. Pinterest is super addicting, no? :) Glad you find my page, though! The book is wonderful. Best of luck!

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  3. I'd love to win so that I can have healthy babies.

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  4. I'd love this book to help us on our journey to parenthood! Thank you for the giveaway!

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    1. The best journey there is! :) Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. This book has been on my list for a while. I'm a Food Renegade fan. Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. I love Food Renegade, too and was very excited when I learned she was publishing a book! It's great. Best of luck!

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  6. I think this book would make an amazing gift!

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    1. True that. It would be such a blessing for any new parent!

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  7. I am personally complete in the blessing (baby) department :-), but my dear brother and good friend are getting married next month and I know that the babies will be coming soon after (Lord willing!). I would SO love to gift them with this wonderful book!

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    1. "Complete in the blessing (baby) department"- !!! Love how you expressed that. :) Best of luck!

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  8. Awesome! I am following her already and she directed me to you! Fingers crossed!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Glad you find the site.

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  9. This book sounds wonderful! I'm always looking for more information about how to be a healthy mamma and have healthy babies who can have healthy babies themselves someday, Lord willing!

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    1. There is always more to learn, isn't there! It just keeps getting better. :) Best of luck! Thanks for commenting.

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  10. I've been wanting to get this book for a long time!

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    1. If you don't win it here... hope you can get your hands on it some other way. It's well worth owning. Thanks for stoping by! :)

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