Healthy Foods Options for Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, women experience different types of food cravings. Some women even start eating foods that they never liked before. Some also desire more ice creams and pickles. However, it is vital to eat right when you are expecting a baby.
After all, healthy food during pregnancy is vital for healthy fetal development. So, you must include healthy food items in your diet when you are pregnant.
Here are some healthy food options to try during pregnancy:
1. Lean Meat
Lean meat is rich in protein and amino acids, which are the building blocks of body cells in your and your baby’s body. Moreover, high-protein food also keeps your stomach full for a longer duration while stabilizing blood sugar levels. So, you must have around three servings (around 75g) of protein every day during pregnancy.
2. Legumes
Legumes include soybeans, lentils, beans, peas, peanuts, and chickpeas. These are good sources of plant-based protein, fibre, calcium, iron, folate, and other vital nutrients for pregnant women.
3. Nuts
Nuts are a good form of healthy fats that you need to consume during pregnancy. So, whenever you feel like munching something, you can have some nuts rich in proteins, fibres, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.
4. Orange Juice
Having orange juice is great during pregnancy, as it fills up your body with potassium, folate, and vitamin C. All these nutrients are essential for a baby’s growth in the womb.
5. Dairy Products
Consuming dairy products like milk, paneer (cottage cheese), and ghee is important during pregnancy. For dairy products help in meet your extra calcium and protein requirements while supporting fetus growth.
6. Eggs
Eggs are one of the most important superfoods that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The protein content in eggs is good for the growth of the baby and helps in repairing the cells of the fetus.
7. Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables are also a rich source of calcium, antioxidants, folate, protein, fibre, and potassium. So, do include the nutrient-rich leafy veggies in the diet of a pregnant woman.
8. Oatmeal
Even oatmeal is a good food for pregnant women, as it offers many health benefits. It contains carbohydrates that are essential for everyone, particularly during pregnancy for offering instant energy for daily activities. Besides carbs, it contains phosphorous, vitamin B, and calcium.
9. Spinach
Spinach is a good source of extra vitamin K, potassium, iron, calcium, and folate for pregnant women. Some other vegetables with the same benefits are Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli. So, if you don’t like spinach, you have to consume these veggies for similar nutrients.
10. Plain Yoghurt
Have around three to four servings of plain yoghurt during pregnancy for extra calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients keep your bones strong and improve the functioning of nerves and other body muscles.
Conclusion
Several foods are good for pregnant women. Most importantly, it’s vital to have a well-balanced diet by having mixed foods as per their nutrient values. You have to calculate the nutrient values of different foods you consume and then prepare a proper diet plan to get nutrition for the baby and the mother.
Also, Visit here: How to Choose the Perfect Milk for Your Baby?