Hi, my name is Karen Phoenix and I have some great pregnancy diet tips to share that will help you have a healthy and perfect pregnancy. I just recently gave birth to my son and my pregnancy went really well.
Having a healthy pregnancy diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. I learned all about the proper nutrition to keep myself and my baby very healthy before I became pregnant. I gave birth around six weeks ago, and I am already getting back to my pre-baby weight. Here are four of my best healthy pregnant diet tips that I found:
1. Unhealthy pregnancy cravings can sabotage your efforts to have a healthy pregnancy. What are pregnancy cravings, and why do we have them? Pregnancy cravings are messages from your body telling you about deficiencies that your body has. Indulging in these cravings can lead to unwanted weight gain. Salty and sweet foods are the most common of the pregnancy cravings. Try to find an alternative healthy snack that will replace the nutrients that your body is actually craving.
2. Make sure you get enough omega 3 and iron in your diet during pregnancy. These two nutrients are essential for a healthy pregnancy and can even help your baby after he or she is born.
Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important, and research has shown that infants who are born to mothers with higher levels of DHA in their system have a developmental advantage over those who don’t. You can get omega 3s from eating beans, flaxseed, walnuts, and wild fish (not farm-raised).
As for iron, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough through foods like dark leafy greens, lean red meat, beans, and fortified cereals. If you’re concerned you’re not getting enough, talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement.
Iron is key for blood carrying oxygen and unfortunately, most women are naturally deficient in it. It’s important to get at least 30-50 mg of iron per day, especially for your unborn baby who depends on you to get enough iron to help with the construction of his red blood cells. Some foods that contain iron are: lentils, natural beef, beans, pumpkin seeds, and green veggies.
3. Now let’s talk about sugar substitutes like aspartame, saccarhin, and Splenda – none of which are healthy for you or your baby. These substitutes are made with chemicals that aren’t natural or healthy, so it’s best to avoid them altogether while you’re pregnant.
If you’re using raw sugar or agave syrup, you’re on the right track. If not, you’re using refined sugars, which can be unhealthy for everyone. Refined sugar can cause tooth decay, gum disease, excess and rapid weight gain, and it can also reduce your body’s immunity. Keeping your blood sugars normal will help to ward off gestational diabetes and keep your pancreas operating correctly.
4. It’s important to get your blood flowing when you’re pregnant – and one of the best ways to do that is through exercise! Exercise is key for a healthy pregnancy and can help alleviate symptoms like fatigue and mood swings. I know it can be tough to find the motivation to work out when you’re feeling exhausted, but trust me – once you get started, you’ll be glad you did.
Getting at least four or five days of exercise per week is a great way to improve your sleep quality and make you feel better during the day. Exercising while you are pregnant is important to help get your blood flowing to your baby and is also an excellent stress reliever. Prenatal workouts not only help get the blood flowing to baby, but can be a great outlet to relieve some extra pregnancy related stress.
If you’re pregnant, congratulations! This is an exciting time in your life. Along with all the joys of pregnancy comes the responsibility of making sure you and your baby are healthy. Part of that is making sure you’re eating a healthy pregnancy diet.
