Can you eat Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?

In this article we are going to answer, “Can you eat Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?”, what is Guzman y Gomez, is it healthy to eat at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant, what happens if I overeat at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant and what items of the menu of Guzman y Gomez are the best healthy option. 

Can you eat Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat Guzman y Gomez when pregnant. They have very healthy options for you to add to your healthy diet. Not all the menu suits to be eaten every day but you can make good options. 

Guzman y Gomez can be considered a fast food healthy restaurant so moderation is a good option (2). However, many of the options contain peepers and other spicy foods, which should be avoided during pregnancy, as they increase the risks of gastroesophageal reflux (GRED) (3). 

What are the healthy aspects of Guzman y Gomez?

The healthy aspects of Guzman y Gomez are the healthy ingredients in some of the options in the menu. Avocado, corn tortillas, vegetables, brown rice and beans are considered healthy (5).

Corn tortillas contain prebiotics, which are dietary fibers able to promote the development of probiotic bacteria in the gut. Probiotics can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, producing metabolites which help improve health and the immune system.

Avocado contains healthy fatty acids and many phytochemicals related to positive effects to health (6). 

Beans and brown rice also contain healthy dietary fibers, which reduce the risks of constipation and obesity and help maintain weight during pregnancy. Besides, beans are rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and vitamins.

Vegetables are important sources of vitamins and minerals which are important during pregnancy. According to several studies, diets rich in vegetables may reduce the risks of developing diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease (4). 

What are the precautions when choosing meals at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?

Some important precautions when needed when choosing meals at Guzman y Gomez during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, check the ingredients list and allergens provided by the restaurant to make the best options. Some recommendations are following (1,3,4):

  • Avoid undercooked meats, dishes containing raw ingredients, such as salads, fresh squeezed juices and cheese made with unpasteurized milk, such as queso fresco, and undercooked eggs, due to the risk of contamination by pathogenic bacteria and other pathogens
  • Avoid desserts containing high amounts of added sugars
  • Chose meals containing vegetables (cooked), whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats (such as avocado and olive oil)
  • Avoid hot and spicy foods due to the higher risks of suffering from gastroesophageal reflux

What are the risks of eating at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?

The risks of eating at Guzman y Gomez or at any restaurant are related to the risks of having a foodborne disease or infection due to the consumption of food contaminated by pathogenic bacteria, viruses or parasites, which bring increased risks to pregnant and the unborn child (2).

Some pathogens of special concern to pregnant women are Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella species, Salmonella species and Campylobacter jejuni. The negative effects may concern both mother and child, as some of the possible risks are premature labor and miscarriage.

What are the risks of overeating at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?

The risks of overeating at Guzman y Gomez or of overeating at any fast-food restaurant is of developing obesity or preeclampsia during pregnancy, which may compromise the health of the pregnant woman and the baby (4).

Fast food can lead to rapid weight gain because of its sugar, calorie, fat, and sodium content (7). The consumption of more fast food than healthy food can be harmful to pregnant women because it can interfere with proper fetal development.

The high intake of sodium, fats and sugars during pregnancy can lead to complications,such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), still birth and congenital abnormalities (4)

What items on the menu of Guzman y Gomez are the best healthy options?

Based on the nutritional information on their website, here are the best and unhealthier options you can choose on the Guzman y Gomez menu. This is based on the portion they display on their website. 

Best items on their menu

  • Quesadillas: almost all their quesadillas are a good option in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. 
  • Dishes containing cooked vegetables, beans and brown rice
  • Bowls are better than burritos, you cut some calories and sodium.
  • The best side options are brown rice, guacamole, and pico de gallo. 

Unhealthier options on the menu

  • Nachos and nachos fries, too high in calories and sodium
  • Dishes containing queso (as queso is produced with unpasteurized milk)
  • Fries are too high in calories and fat
  • Churros with dulce de leche

Conclusion

This article answered “Can you eat Guzman y Gomez when pregnant?”, what is Guzman y Gomez, is it healthy to eat at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant, what happens if I overeat at Guzman y Gomez when pregnant and what items on the menu of Guzman y Gomez are the best healthy option. 

Citation

  1. Dean, J., and P. Kendall. Food safety during pregnancy. Food and nutrition series. Food safety; no. 9.372, 2004.
  2. Guzman y Gomez. Nutrition and Allergens
  3. Ramya, R. S., et al. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy: a longitudinal study. Tropical Gastroenterol, 2015, 35, 168-172. 
  4. Jackson, A. A., and S. M. Robinson. Dietary guidelines for pregnancy: a review of current evidence. Public Health Nutr, 2001, 4, 625-630.  
  5. Torres-Maravilla, Edgar, et al. Looking inside Mexican Traditional Food as Sources of Synbiotics for Developing Novel Functional Products. Fermentation, 2022, 8, 123.
  6. Ramos-Aguilar, Ana L., et al. The importance of the bioactive compounds of avocado fruit (Persea americana Mill) on human health. Biotecnia, 2019, 21, 154-162.
  7. Mackay, Sally, et al. Energy, Sodium, Sugar and Saturated Fat Content of New Zealand Fast-Food Products and Meal Combos in 2020. Nutrients, 2021, 13, 4010.

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