Foods to Eat During Pregnancy for a Healthy and Beautiful Baby

Future moms, congratulations! As you’re embarking on one of the most joyous journeys of your life, you are also mastering the art of staying healthy for two. A huge part of that entails what, how, and when you eat, and in addition to the weird cravings and unusual food preferences that often come with the turf, you should also use this time as an opportunity to clean up your menu.
Your baby needs a regular dose of vitamins and minerals to grow at a healthy pace, and your own eating regime is precisely where your little one will get them from. In addition to talking to your doctor to learn about how you can tweak your diet to suit your baby, the following foods should be on your menu to turn your every meal into a nutrient-dense flavor fireworks!

Nuts and seeds

Every mom-to-be knows the importance of munching on healthy snacks, but choosing nuts comes with an added benefit of keeping you full for longer and keeping those sweet-tooth cravings at bay. They contain high amounts of essential minerals that greatly contribute to your baby’s growth, such as calcium, folate and iron, among many others, plus they make a great protein source. Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and cashews are a great choice for a versatile daily snack that will keep you satiated.
Then again, seeds (including pumpkin, sunflower, and chia) are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, as well as B vitamins, which are vital for a healthy, strong baby, and a resilient mom.

Leafy greens

Not a surprise at all, your green veggies are the best go-to source for your daily intake of antioxidants and other nutrients that help you retain a powerful immune system and aid the development of your baby. Think: spinach, kale, broccoli, lettuce and asparagus, all easy to make, versatile, low on calories, but incredibly healthy.

Nutritious quinoa

A particularly nutritious alternative for rice, especially for vegans looking for more sources of protein, quinoa is a great addition to your favorite organic ingredients that will enrich your diet during pregnancy. It can be eaten as an addition to your salads, or a lean meat side-dish, especially if you like to diversify your lunch menu. It’s one of those rare sources of complete protein, and it’s brimming with fiber, as well as minerals such as iron and healthy fats.
Despite its low caloric value, it’s exceptionally satiating, thus making a great part of your daily meals to prevent frequent munchies and energy drops.

Vitamin-C-packed fruits
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If you’re not that big on kale or cabbage, both of which are packed with this marvelous vitamin, then by all means, infuse your diet with those delicious, citrusy fruits that are equally rich in vitamin C, and make for a great refreshment in a multitude of forms. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are all wonderful in salads, while you can make freshly-squeezed juices as well as smoothies with these lovely fruits.
Kiwis and strawberries are also loaded with vitamin-C, so you can create a rainbow of a salad to keep things interesting for your palate without abandoning your daily vitamin needs.

Protein-packed eggs

There is no breakfast food that can replace that perfect omelet with spinach and cheese, right? Moms-to-be everywhere can enjoy them hard-boiled, fried, or scrambled as well, and still make the most of their incredible nutrient content. First of all, they are a prime source of protein both for you and your little one, but it’s also rich in choline – a nutrient resembling a vitamin that is essential for the proper development of your baby’s brain.
This vital ingredient is found in the yolk, so make sure you enjoy the whole egg during your meals! Keep in mind that you shouldn’t eat them raw or half-boiled, since that may increase the risk of a salmonella infection.

A hearty oatmeal

Another breakfast favorite, this tasty mix of fiber, vitamins, and minerals is a true powerhouse for pregnant ladies. However, it’s important to choose the less refined versions that are made of whole grains, as these are the ones brimming with fiber, which will help any future mom deal with the possible issue of constipation.
On the other hand, oatmeal contains plenty of vitamin B6, while you can also find pregnancy-perfect oatmeal fortified with folic acid, which is also essential for your baby’s development.

Calcium-packed yoghurt
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While you’re in the process of making the most nutritious breakfast for you and your little bundle of joy, you can combine your oatmeal with some yoghurt to reap the most rewards. This probiotic-loaded dairy product is not only tasty, satiating, and great for your gut flora, but also much higher in calcium than regular milk.
It can be a substitute for milk in your smoothies, and due to its mild taste, you can easily enrich it with some honey to achieve the perfect level of sweetness and make your meals even more delicious!
 
To wrap up, as a future mom, you should do your best to build your diet based on your doctor’s recommendations, but still think rainbow thoughts and keep your plate versatile. That way, you’ll not only keep your cravings subdued, but you’ll also give your baby everything it needs for proper health and optimal development!



Article written by Sara Solomon. IMG-2649.jpg
Sara is a writer from Sydney, Australia. Love to dance, smile, having a good time with the people she loves. Most of her time spending with her kids and little dog Zoi. She takes them in all her adventures. Passionate about everything she does, and because of that all her articles are unique.