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Kareena Kapoor Khan’s reunion with her extended family was an interesting mix of food, nostalgia, and the quintessential banter. As such, when actor and Kareena’s cousin Ranbir Kapoor described their family hairloom recipe — called ‘Bake’ — of mac and cheese with a ‘tadka of ghee’ prepared by their grandmother Krishna Raj Kapoor, as a “core food memory” from his childhood, Kareena admitted binging on it even during her pregnancy, only to be admonished by Ranbir’s mother and her aunt Neetu Kapoor.
“What Neetu aunty has done to me in my pregnancy. When I was eating the cheesy bake dish, I was eating so much…and you were like, Kitna khaa rahi hai (you are eating so much). I said, but I’m pregnant…I’m allowed to eat. You were like, ‘Don’t eat all this’. You were firing at me. She’s like, so what (if you are pregnant)?,” recalled Kareena as everyone burst out laughing on the Netflix show Dining With The Kapoors.
Reacting, Karisma added, “Every dinner there used to be this dish”.
Kareena’s anecdote may be amusing, but it also highlights an important point about nutrition during pregnancy. “Being pregnant does not mean one can eat endlessly or without thought. Indeed, the body’s requirements increase, but what both the mother and baby need is quality nutrition rather than simply more calories. A balanced intake of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, calcium, iron, and folate is essential for fetal growth, maternal energy and overall well-being,” said consultant dietitian Garima Goyal.
However, Goyal added that enjoying comfort foods or family favourites, such as a cheesy bake, is completely fine once in a while. “Food is an emotional experience during pregnancy, too, and occasional indulgences are part of a normal lifestyle. However, relying excessively on heavy, high-fat or high-salt dishes can lead to unnecessary weight gain, acidity, bloating and fluctuations in blood sugar. These issues can make pregnancy uncomfortable and may even increase the risk of complications,” said Goyal.
The goal is not restriction; it is mindful eating. “Choosing nutrient-dense meals most of the time, keeping portions balanced and enjoying treats occasionally helps maintain a healthy equilibrium. Pregnancy should feel nourishing and joyful, and this approach allows women to enjoy food while still supporting their body and their baby’s growth in the best possible way,” said Goyal.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.