Eating for two ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of BBC's Six Minute English, hosts Phil and Georgie discuss the changes in a woman's relationship with food during pregnancy. They explore the importance of nutrition for pregnant women, the challenges of finding reliable dietary advice, and the common experience of food cravings. The program also includes a quiz on foods recommended to avoid by the NHS, with the correct answer being smoked salmon due to bacterial risks.

Takeaways

• 🤰 The phrase 'eating for two' is commonly used to imply that a woman is pregnant, as she is nourishing both herself and her unborn child.
• 🤰💪 The female body is capable of providing all necessary nutrients to the developing baby during pregnancy, which is why it's crucial for pregnant women to eat well.
• 🍽️ Finding reliable information about what foods to eat during pregnancy can be challenging, but avoiding harmful foods is easier with guidelines like those from the NHS.
• 🚫 According to the NHS, pregnant women should avoid eating smoked salmon due to the risk of bacterial contamination.
• 🍟 While eating healthily is important, occasional indulgences like chips are acceptable and should not lead to guilt.
• 🤯 Pregnancy can cause the body to undergo strange changes, such as frequent nosebleeds, which were rare before pregnancy.
• 🍫 Many women experience food cravings during pregnancy, which can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt, especially when the cravings are for less healthy foods.
• 🌟 Jaega Wise, a BBC presenter, shared her personal experience of pregnancy, including unusual bodily changes and food cravings.
• 🌱 Nutritional therapist Henrietta Wilson advises pregnant women to be kind to themselves and not to punish themselves for occasional indulgences.
• 🤝 The idiom 'to count the number of something on one hand' is used to emphasize that something happens infrequently or is rare.
• 😈 The term 'cat-o’-nine-tails' historically refers to a whip used for punishment, but in modern context, it symbolizes self-criticism or self-punishment.
• 👶 Pregnancy is a unique time that requires doing the best one can for the baby's health, which includes avoiding certain foods and not being overly critical of one's dietary choices.

Q & A

What is the specific meaning of the phrase 'Are you eating for two?' when asked to a woman?

The phrase 'Are you eating for two?' is a common idiom used to ask if a woman is pregnant, implying that she is nourishing both herself and the baby growing inside her.

How does the female human body ensure the baby gets the necessary nutrients during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the female human body allows the growing baby to take whatever nutrients it needs from the mother, ensuring the baby's nourishment even if the mother experiences any nutritional problems.

Why is it important for pregnant women to eat well?

It is important for pregnant women to eat well because the nutrients they consume are essential for the baby's growth and development, and to prevent any nutritional issues for the mother.

What is the main topic of discussion in this episode of Six Minute English?

The main topic of discussion in this episode is how a woman's relationship to food changes during pregnancy and the importance of eating well.

What question does Georgie ask Phil regarding the foods pregnant women should avoid according to NHS recommendations?

Georgie asks Phil which of the following foods pregnant women should not eat: chips, oily fish, or smoked salmon.

What is the correct answer to Georgie's question about foods pregnant women should avoid?

The correct answer is smoked salmon, as it should be avoided due to the risk of bacteria.

What does the idiom 'to count the number of something on one hand' emphasize?

The idiom 'to count the number of something on one hand' emphasizes that something does not happen very often or that there is a small number of occurrences, as one can only count up to five on one hand.

What is a 'binge' in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, a 'binge' refers to an occasion where one does something to excess, such as eating or drinking too much.

What advice does Henrietta Wilson give to pregnant women dealing with food cravings and guilt?

Henrietta Wilson advises pregnant women to be kind to themselves, not to give themselves a hard time, and to do the best they can, especially during the first trimester when the body is going through physiological stress.

What does the term 'cat-o’-nine-tails' refer to in the past and what does it symbolize in the context of the script?

In the past, the 'cat-o’-nine-tails' was a whip used to punish prisoners. In the context of the script, it symbolizes the ways people sometimes punish themselves with self-criticism when they feel guilty.

What is the main message conveyed by the script regarding a pregnant woman's approach to eating?

The main message is that pregnancy is a special time and a pregnant woman should do her best to eat well and avoid certain foods, but she should also be kind to herself and not treat herself harshly for occasional indulgences.