Healthy Habits class educates expectant moms about nutrition

There are a lot of reasons expectant moms might take the Seven Healthy Habits class at HELP of Southern Nevada, 1640 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 100.

Maybe it’s the chance to meet other soon-to-be moms in a similar situation or the chance to get educated to help themselves and their babies. Maybe it’s the opportunity to enjoy the burritos and smoothies and other food crafted for maximum health while remaining flavorful.

Five years ago, HELP of Southern Nevada launched its Baby First Services, a program designed to allow at-risk teens and women to continue receiving the care needed to prevent low birth weight and reduce the infant mortality rate in the community.

The Seven Healthy Habits class is a strongly recommended element of Baby First Services program. The four-week class covers the basics of nutrition and exercise.

“They don’t have to take it, but we try to give them incentives to,” said Suzanne Lerner, Baby First Services coordinator. “They really get excited about eating right.”

The classes are small and intimate, with six or so students in each session. The class imparts information such as changing the type of oil you cook with, eating foods that are as unprocessed as possible and controlling portion size. Much of the information applies to anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.

“Each session includes a video, which I will elaborate on while it’s screening,” Lerner said. “Afterward, we discuss it and have a practical demonstration, often cooking something.”

The seven habits are focused on varying vegetable consumption, eating calcium-rich food and eating at least half your grains whole. One might fear that the food sampled during classes would be like chewing wet cardboard, but it is prepared with fresh herbs and spices.

“We’ve been trying out the recipes at home,” said Amy Perroni, who is expecting her first child in late May or early June. “We’ve been surprised how easy they are and how good all the recipes are.”

The handouts for each nutrition class include several practical recipes that reinforce the lessons.

The classes also offer networking opportunities for the mothers-to-be.

The class recently expanded, offering a 40-minute version that the nonprofit brings to high schools.

“We’re really happy to be able to bring the classes where they’re needed,” Lerner said. “Our goal is healthy babies and moms, and I think we can make a difference.”

For more information, visit helpsonv.org.

Contact East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 702-380-4532.