Women find pregnancy to be a time for more awareness when it comes to the food that they eat. This is understandable because you are not just eating for yourself, but also for the child growing within you. Careful planning is important when it comes to pregnancy diet so you and your little one will gain essential nutrients that can keep you both in the best of health. Although you don’t really need to eat for two in terms of portion, you still need to account of what nutrients you want to deliver to your baby. With that being said, we have come up with a list of foods that are ideal for you during your pregnancy.
Legumes
One of the best additions to your diet is legumes. Think lentils, beans, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, and peanuts all of which are known to contain fiber, iron, calcium, protein, and folate which are needed when you are pregnant. Folate is critical for the mother and baby especially during the first trimester but unfortunately, many women are missing out on this. Adding legumes to your diet, however, can ensure that you are getting sufficient amounts of folate to reduce birth defects.
Salmon
Some women don’t really eat fish while they are pregnant because of the presence of mercury in certain types of fish. However, you still need to introduce fish or seafood to your diet because they can deliver omega-3 fatty acids in your system which are needed for your overall health as well as your baby. Fortunately, salmon is low in mercury content and is actually one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids as well as other essential vitamins and minerals.
Eggs
Don’t forget to add eggs to your diet when you are pregnant because they actually contain a host of nutrients that you will need for a stronger and healthier you and your baby. As a matter of fact, one of the most important nutrients that you can get from eating eggs is choline which is vital to many body functions including health as well as development of the brain. Not only are eggs delicious but you will find them quite nutritious too.
Dark leafy vegetables
Dark leafy greens are highly recommended when you are pregnant as it can help improve your eyesight. Not only that but these vegetables come with plenty of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, K, as well as folate.
Lean meat
You should also add lean meat to your pregnancy diet such as chicken, beef, and pork because they are among the best sources of protein. Another reason why you should add lean meat is because you will get choline, iron, and even B-vitamins too all of which are vital to your pregnancy. You will need more iron when you are pregnant as it is essential in boosting oxygen throughout your body.
Greek yogurt
Another food that you should add in your pregnancy diet is Greek yogurt. For one thing, it has higher amounts of protein compared to your ordinary yoghurt plus you will get plenty of calcium too. Calcium is important in developing stronger bones and during pregnancy as well. You and your baby are sure to reap plenty of health benefits from eating Greek yogurt especially during your pregnancy.
These are just a few examples of foods that are perfect for pregnant women. Not only will you get plenty of nutrients from these foods but they are also quite delicious too. For sure, your pregnancy will be a whole lot easier and healthier when you integrate these foods to your daily diet.