I thought my embarrassing incidents in car parks were over, but apparently not. This time I did not get the bump stuck between two wing mirrors; rather, it was considerably worse. Let me set the scene for you …

I parked outside the grocery store, got out of the car as gracefully as you can at eight months pregnant and proceeded to waddle towards the entrance. As I made my way, another car parked next to me and the very considerate driver asked if I would be able to get back in afterwards. As we both considered the gap between the cars, I said I would be absolutely fine. There was a large gap on the other side and I could get in on the passenger side and slide over if necessary. “Girl, are you sure??” she said sceptically, clearly thinking my perception was off. I — mildly offended — insisted that everything was good.

Fast forward five minutes. I’m back outside after buying one item and sure enough, I can’t fit between the two cars. So, I confidently went to the passenger side, got in easily (feeling smug) and then slid over to the driver’s seat. Manoeuvring a little like a turtle on its back, I eventually arrived sideways, but for the life of me I could not twist around and get my legs under the steering wheel. This whole process was interrupted a few times by passersby looking quizzically in through the window and me being very British pretending that this is how I always got into the car and that everything was fine.

Eventually I gave up, somehow extricated myself and sheepishly returned to the store to search for my friendly car park neighbour. I interrupted her as she was loading apples into her cart, informed her that she was in fact right and that I could not get in. She was very nice about it, abandoned her cart and moved her car for me so I could head to school pick-up. But not before giving me a lecture about taking it easy and not attempting car park gymnastics with a belly the size of a watermelon. A very, very large watermelon.

Helpfully, after telling my Irishman this story, he sent me an Instagram video of very pregnant women doing box jumps at CrossFit and headstands on the beach. I want to be like those women!! Sadly, I am not.

I am, however, still being pretty active, taking all the stairs and walking the puppy as much as I can. Admittedly, I often walk Arloe at the Botanical Gardens, right next to the hospital. I figure if I go into labour, at least I am close by. And Arloe would be an amazing birthing partner. They’ll let her stay with me, yes? I wonder if I can get her in as my emotional support animal? I mean I already have one (the Irishman ha) but two would be amazing.

Anyway, I digress.

It’s now two weeks till D-day and I have one more week at work, then another week at home. My goal that week is to rest as much as possible. Just kidding, I will probably be frantically organising and batch cooking for when we’re home from the hospital. Every time I make dinner lately, I remember how hard it will be with a newborn. Stocking the freezer with some healthy, warming, nourishing options seems like a good plan. What am I going to cook? I’ll probably start with this old favourite: chicken, butternut squash and apple casserole. It’s so easy, it’s great by itself or goes nicely with rice, pasta, quinoa or potatoes. You can throw extra veg in too if you like – peppers, cauliflower or mushrooms would all work nicely.

I’ll be going a little heavier on the carbs than usual post-baby, but if you’re in weight-loss or maintenance mode, then I would serve this by itself with a side of steamed green vegetables. Butternut squash and apples are both carbs, so adding a starch on top can tip you over the edge if you need to watch it. Growing kids and teens might appreciate the extra though!

If you find it hard to stick to good portions, or if you have a hard time finding the energy to cook after a long day, then remember we have a fridge full of Nutrifit-approved options at Miles! We just switched things up and have added some items from the new Harry’s menu: pasture-raised beef chili, vegan black bean chili, a new soup, a falafel bowl, an oriental noodle bowl (chicken and tofu options) and a delicious chicken, pineapple and cashew “fried” rice. Give them a try and enjoy!!

Chicken, butternut squash & apple casserole (serves 4)

Ingredients

1-2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed and chopped

8 chicken thighs (skinless, organic)

2 apples, peeled and chopped

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded, chopped (can sub pumpkin)

½ cup organic apple juice, white wine or more stock

organic chicken stock (enough to cover)

2 bay leaves

1 tbsp low-sodium tamari sauce

black and white pepper

Method

1, Preheat the oven to 325F

2, In a medium/large cast-iron pan, soften the onion and garlic in the olive oil over a medium heat.

3, Add the chicken pieces, turning occasionally so the chicken colours (but not too brown)

4, Add the butternut squash and apple, stir, turn down to low, partially cover and allow to sweat for a few mins.

5, Cover the chicken/veg with the juice/wine and stock. Add black pepper, bay leaves and tamari sauce. Bring to the boil (just for a second.)

6, Immediately place in oven for 2 to 2.5 hours. Check occasionally. Should be simmering but not bubbling vigorously. This makes a casserole with a broth-based sauce but offset the lid in the oven if it looks too liquid.

7, Casserole is done when the chicken is extremely tender and the veggies are soft. If you would like to thicken the sauce, do so with a little cornflour.

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Somorjay Burns, BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the United Kingdom. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbda