Too much weight before and during pregnancy can have serious health consequences not only for the mother, but for her child’s health for many years, new research shows.

“While it’s pretty well-known a healthy weight is crucial to a healthy and long life, new research is showing that if a woman is overweight while pregnant, her baby is more likely to be overweight,” said Alan R. Fleischman, M.D., March of Dimes medical director. These health risks continue into childhood, with a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to heart disease and diabetes.

A healthy diet is an important weapon in the fight against disease. Often, the holidays are a time of overindulgences, stressors, and hurried schedules that can challenge healthy eating. Committed to encouraging healthful dietary choices, Texas Oncology adds another good-for-you holiday recipe to its easy-to-make, nutritious holiday collection – Gingerbread Granola. Low in sodium and high in fiber, Gingerbread Granola is packed with healthy ingredients like flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, golden raisins, and dried apricots, making it a delicious and nutritious way to celebrate the season.

Nearly a third of cancer deaths in 2010 could be prevented because they are related to poor nutrition, obesity, and physical inactivity, according to the American Cancer Society.