7 Foods You Can Include In Your Pregnancy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging, particularly in our fast-paced lives filled with easy access to junk food. This challenge becomes even more critical during pregnancy when nurturing two lives instead of one. The significance of a nutritious diet during this phase cannot be overstated. A pregnant woman's body requires extra nutrients, vitamins, and minerals crucial for the baby's development. Any deficiency might impact the baby's growth and lead to birth complications.During pregnancy, prioritizing specific nutrients is key. Essential elements like calcium and iron for strength and energy, vitamin D for bone health, protein from sources like lentils and eggs, and fiber-rich grains such as ragi, jowar, and amaranth are vital. Healthy fats found in nuts and seeds play a crucial role too. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables is crucial to obtain necessary micro-nutrients. Hydration is equally vital—be it through water, coconut water, or chaach, ensuring you remain adequately hydrated at all times.

# Lean meat

Proteins are often known as the ‘builder nutrients’. They are essential for the baby’s organ development. Proteins are essential not only for the baby’s growth and development, but also for the mother’s body requirements and the wear and tear happening within. Low fat meat comprises of good quality protein, other good protein sources include eggs, nuts and milk.

# Salmon

Fish is a good source of protein and calcium. Salmon also contains a decent amount of Omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your baby’s brain and eyes along with lots of protein.

# Lentils and legumes

Vegetarians can achieve their protein targets by a combination of lentils like moong, bengal gram, black gram, green gram and red gram which are also rich sources of folic acid. Rajma, soya bean are also good sources of protein.

# Amaranth

Amaranth is rich in folate and iron. Folate or folic acid is a B-group vitamin essential for the healthy development of the fetus in early stage of pregnancy. It also plays a crucial role in the brain development of the baby and helps support the placenta.

# Green leafy vegetables

Green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, kale and spinach, include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate and potassium, which are amongst the most vital nutrients needed by a pregnant women. They are also rich in iron. Both the mother and the child need iron to enable red blood cell formation.

# Whole Grains and Flour

Whole-grain breads and cereals are fortified with folic acid, iron and fibre. Opt for whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta or brown rice over their refined counterparts. Ragi, Jowar and Bengal gram flour should be used instead of maida or all-purpose flour.

# Dairy Products

A calcium-rich diet is highly recommended for expecting mothers. Calcium is essential for maintaining the health of the mother’s bones and to ensure proper bone and teeth development of the baby. Milk and milk products are the best sources of bio-available calcium. Low-fat yogurt and paneer are full of good quality calcium and proteins. Milk is a rich source of calcium and proteins.