Mumbai: As the saying goes, 'You're what you eat' is true not only for the moms-to-be but also for the foetuses.

A study in the British Journal of Nutrition reveleaed that pregnant and lactating rats who were given junk food from donuts to chips gave birth to babies that also craved for high fat and sugary foods.

The study also showed that this may be the reason why children continue to crave junk food as adults, even if they are given healthier food options.

Professor Stickland, a researcher for the study says, "Healthy eating habits need to start during the foetal and suckling life of an individual."

He explained, "Future mothers should be aware that pregnancy and lactation does not mean that one should over-indulge on fatty-sugary treats and assume that they are 'eating for two.'