I’m standing in the kitchen… hungry, pregnant, and utterly confused. One minute I’m dreaming about tofu pad thai, the next I’m gagging at the smell of garlic sautéing on the stove. I’m a food-loving holistic health coach, for goodness’ sake — and suddenly, nothing sounded good except, um… cereal.

Pregnancy, especially the first trimester, is wild like that.

One day you’re craving smoothies and roasted veggies, and the next you’re almost barfing at the thought of a salad. Add in the pressure to eat “the right things” for your growing baby, and it’s enough to make anyone cry into their bowl of saltines.

That’s why I made a video all about what to eat in the first trimester on a plant-based diet. Whether you’re vegan, veggie-curious, or just looking to get more whole foods into your pregnancy diet, I’m walking you through simple, nourishing ideas that actually work — yes, even when you’re nauseated and weirdly afraid of ketchup.

Juuuuuust really quick…

If you’re wondering if a vegan diet can meet all of your and your baby’s need, the answer is a resounding yes! In fact, research shows that a well-planned plant-based diet can offer huge benefits to you and your baby. From reducing the risk of gestational diabetes to packing in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, there’s a whole lot to love about going plant-powered during pregnancy.

I cover the specific nutrients you need — like folate, iron, calcium, and B12 —and where to find them in real food (and, additionally, in a well-chosen supplement). But the video goes beyond checklists — because let’s be real, no one wants to count milligrams when they’re in survival mode.

I get it. First-trimester nausea is no joke. Some days, it’s an achievement to even look at a vegetable. That’s why I also share gentle, practical ways to sneak in nutrients without triggering your gag reflex. Think smoothies, crackers with hummus, and my beloved ginger-everything protocol.

This isn’t about being perfect, my friends, it’s about doing what you can, when you can. And trusting that your body is smart, your baby is resilient, and your normal zest for food will come back. Eventually. (Most likely, anyway.)

So let’s jump in…

Let me just say… if you’re in the thick of the nausea-fueled, food-aversion madness — I see you. I was you. And I promise: you’re doing better than you think. This season is wild and beautiful and THANK GOD temporary, and with a little creativity (and maybe a LOT of ginger tea), you’ve got this.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What was (or is!) your go-to food during the first trimester? Drop your stories in the comments — I’m all ears and saltines.