Pregnancy can be an exciting as well as stressful news for a woman, especially in the first pregnancy. There is a turmoil of doubts in their mind regarding eating habits, sleeping positions, and so on. But mommies, a healthy and balanced diet makes your pregnancy much easier and stress-free. Pregnancy can make you extremely hungry as you never thought possible. You have to take care of yourself and your baby growing in the womb.
As your body is going through major changes during pregnancy it affects you as well as your baby. Your body requires more energy and nutrients to stay healthy and strong.
# Eggs Eggs are considered as one of the nutritious, inexpensive, and easy to cook food. Whether they are fried, scrambled, boiled, or served as an omelet, eggs are the gold standard for prenatal protein. They are a great source of proteins, vitamins, calcium, and minerals. It contains choline that helps for the healthy development of your baby’s brain and reduces the risk of birth defects. One big egg loaded with 6 grams of high-quality protein is sufficient for a day.
# Dark and green leafy vegetables These superfoods tend to be higher in nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, iron, folate, calcium, and potassium. Leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale should be on top in the pregnancy grocery list. They also rich in antioxidants that enhance your immunity helps in digestion, and prevent constipation.
# Milk Milk is supposed to be a complete food loaded with calcium and other micronutrients. Studies suggest that maternal milk intake during pregnancy can help to increase the birth weight and length of your baby.
# Dairy products During pregnancy, your diet should be full of protein and calcium. Dairy products like plain yogurt, cheese, paneer can fulfill this requirement easily. They contain two high-quality protein named – casein and whey. Greek yogurts are full of protein and calcium which helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, vaginal infections, and allergies.
# Beans and lentils If you are vegetarian then beans and lentils are a great source of proteins, iron, folate, fiber, and calcium for you. Beans and legumes like chickpeas, soybeans helps to reduce the chances of neural defects and low birth weight.
# Fruits Fruits such as bananas, oranges, berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, carbs, and potassium should include in your daily diet particularly when you are pregnant. Seasonal, frozen, and tinned fruits with no added salt or sugar are the best choice. Choose fruits with different colors to get multiple nutrients.
# Nuts Nuts are a super-healthy and delicious snack full of healthy fats, proteins, fibers, and minerals. Almonds, walnuts, dates help reduce the risk of premature labor and aids in the development of a baby’s nervous system. Daily a handful of nuts can help you to keep you strong and healthy.
# Lean red meat Your body required more iron and protein since you are pregnant. Lean meat of chicken, pork, and beef are excellent choices to get it. They also full of vitamin B, and choline. Meat provides a hefty dose of vitamin B6, which helps the baby’s tissue and brain growth while easing mom’s morning sickness.
# Fatty fishFatty fishes like salmon, tuna are excellent sources of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. These nutrients are essential for a pregnant woman as they help your baby grow healthy brain and eyes. Salmon is a safe fish to consume as it is low in mercury and considered safe for expectant mommies.
# Fish liver oil Fish liver oils are made from the oily liver of fish, especially cod. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps to the healthy growth of the brain and eyes of a baby.
# Water Keeping yourself hydrated is the most important part of pregnancy. As you are pregnant, your daily requirement of water gets double. So, stay hydrated by consuming the required amount of water. It also flushes out toxic material from your body and keeps you healthy.