Ione West’s relationship with food changed practically over night when she discovered she was expecting her first child. “It was not only about me now,” she says. “Every mouthful I ate was creating a small person, and that changed me in all I did.
Rigid diets and fear-based dietary guidelines piqued no interest for her. Rather, she concentrated on clean eating—nourishing her body with whole, minimally processed foods supporting the growth of both her and her child. It had nothing to do with perfection. It had to do with intention.
Ione’s days started to revolve around straightforward, nutrient-dense meals that were satisfying. She started cooking foods that would make her feel better: lean proteins, gently cooked greens, soothing grains, and lots of fruits. She noticed how her body reacted and changed depending on energy, cravings, even mood.
Pregnancy brings many changes, Ione muses. But food started to become consistent. One thing I could rely on. Cooking became her solace; slowing down to completely nourish herself brought peace. She searched for little victories even on days when nausea struck—a bowl of warm oats, a smoothie with spinach, anything that would help her and her child.
Above all, good eating gave her more confidence. She was laying the basis of her child’s health, not only nourishing herself. “It gave me direction.” she says. It also made me realise that care can be basic.
Ione ignored calories or macros as her pregnancy developed. She just made deliberate decisions, cooked with love, and trusted her body to handle the rest.
