Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

By Author: stuti
Total Articles: 5
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Pregnancy- beautiful phase in a woman’s life that is largely spent in pampering sessions and planning for the arrival of the little bundle. It is the time when the mommy-to-be requires additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Maintaining a healthy diet plan is very crucial at this stage since a diet lacking in key nutrients may negatively impact the baby’s growth and development.

Poor eating habits and excess weight gain may also increase the risk of birth complications.
Nevertheless, good nutrition is vital to keep you and your little one healthy.
Thus adopting these healthy eating habits during pregnancy will ensure both mom and baby are in the best of health.

Lentils- when you have a little one growing inside of you, it’s very important to eat around 10 extra grams of protein every day. Protein helps your baby’s muscles to develop and grow. Therefore, lentils are an amazing choice for protein and are suitable for all kinds of healthy diets.

Dried fruits- it is highly beneficial for pregnant women, since they are small and nutrient dense. They are generally high in calories and fiber and a single serving can provide a large percentage of the recommended intake of many vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium.

Sweet potatoes- one of the main benefits of eating sweet potatoes, aside from their deliciousness is they help to prevent constipation problems, which are quite common during pregnancy. They are high in fibers; therefore, help the body to digest the food efficiently.

Avocados- thanks to their high content of healthy fats, folate & potassium, avocados are a great choice for pregnant women. They also help relieve leg cramps, a prominent side effect of pregnancy.

Dried apricots- pregnancy is known for cravings for certain foods or snacks, and dried apricots are a healthy food choice for when you crave something sweet. A handful of these contain around 10% of your daily iron needs and minerals, such as - folic acid, potassium, magnesium & calcium.

Dairy products- aim for at least 3 to 4 servings of dairy products a day, especially yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria which supports digestive health. Dairy foods such as - milk and cheese are also a great dietary source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

Carrots- carrots are crammed with beta-carotene properties, which the body turns into Vitamin A and this nutrient is highly essential for your baby’s developing eyes, skin health, and efficiency of body organs.

Eggs- not just protein, eggs are fueled with vitamin D properties. This nutrient plays a key role in building strong bones and teeth for your baby as well as keeping your immune system in fighting form.

Whole grains- unlike refined processed foods, whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds. Eat oats, quinoa, and barley instead of bread, pasta, and white rice. They help produce vitamins that are often lacking in pregnant women- vitamin B, fiber, and magnesium.

Green vegetables- broccoli and dark green, leafy vegetables such as - kale, spinach, and bell peppers are not only among the best weight loss foods but also contain nutrients essential for expecting mothers. Rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, these vegetables benefit the immune system and digestion health.

The bottom line-
What you eat during your pregnancy directly impacts the growth and development of your baby. Since calorie and nutrient needs are increased for an expectant mother, it's very important to go for the right diet full of healthy meals. Go ahead and follow the above nutritional guidelines that would help you rest assured that you’re starting your baby on a safe and healthy diet on a get-go.