When you are pregnant, it is even more important to eat a well-balanced diet. Keep in mind that now you are eating for two. Whatever you eat, the baby eats as well. In fact, the baby actually takes your nourishment, so you must eat enough for both of you. The healthier you eat, the better it is for the pregnancy and for you. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. Pregnancy can be taxing on your body.
Never skip a meal while you’re pregnant, especially breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and your baby has probably been waiting since he/she woke up in the middle of the night. You may learn that if you wait so long before eating, you start to feel sick; this is your body telling you to eat. Do it!
Ensure you’re getting the required amount of food daily. 4–6 servings of dairy products are necessary for a healthy pregnancy; this can include some cheeses, milk, yogurt. This provides the calcium the baby needs for healthy growing bones. Adding extra calcium to your diet can’t hurt either, especially for your teeth and bones.
Do you ever feel sluggish or find it hard to concentrate? It could be that you’re not eating enough fruit and vegetables. Goal for five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. A simple way to do this is to fill half your plate with fruit and vegetables at each meal. A serving is about ½ cup (75 mL) or one small piece of fruit. Eat a rainbow of colors for the most benefit: choose dark green and orange vegetables as well as red, yellow, and purple fruits. Not only will you be giving your body what it needs, you’ll start to have more energy. Try laying off the sweets for a week and replace them with healthier items and see how alive you feel. You may be surprised at how good you feel when you make healthy choices for your body.
Foods to Avoid
You should avoid eating unpasteurized products, raw eggs, and undercooked meats during your pregnancy.
If you are buying a deli sandwich, you can ask for them to heat the meat up a little.
You should also avoid consuming too much caffeine, which can be found in soda and chocolate.
If you find this difficult, you can wean yourself off, but it is best to have less caffeine in your system during pregnancy.
If you are unsure of which foods to avoid during pregnancy, you can ask your doctor for a list. They will be more than happy to share this with you.
As you age, you may find that your stomach is less tolerant of certain foods than it once was. These foods may include greasy or fried foods, fast food, meats, and foods with strong odors. You may want to avoid these foods to prevent discomfort or indigestion.
You can still have fun and treat yourself while eating healthy. Go out and get a frozen yogurt or a smoothie. You deserve it!
There is no doubt that a healthy diet is essential during pregnancy, but don’t forget to stay hydrated as well! Make sure to drink plenty of water and juice every day. Your baby will thank you later. Who knows, you may find that you really enjoy eating healthy meals and continue after the pregnancy.
