Source: fitpregnancy.mdpcdn.com
Pregnancy comes with various food misconceptions. Some assume that it makes you love weird combinations just like in the movies. Others think that it’s OK to eat as much as you want since you’re supposedly “eating for two.” In truth, it is the period in a woman’s life when you need to be very meticulous with everything you consume. The reason is that your immunity level isn’t as high now as when you’re not expecting. Thus, bacteria and viruses can easily mess up your system if you’re not careful. There are a lot of meals you shouldn’t have as well, especially the ones that use raw meat. If you’re curious about the best foods you can eat, keep on reading below.
Greens Leafy vegetables have plenty of antioxidants, fiber, and other vitamins, apart from the chlorophyll that provides their green pigmentation. The main idea is that the darker the fresh produces are, the better they will be for your body.
Salmon In case you are fond of seafood, you may want to concentrate more on fish like salmon. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is excellent for the development of the baby’s internal organs. However, make sure to cook it nicely and only eat fish a couple of times a week to avoid the possibility of ingesting hard metals.
Cheese You may also put your trust on mozzarella or cheddar – the hard type of cheeses – to give you calcium and protein. An ounce of any of these dairy products on a regular basis will suffice, particularly if you can’t drink fresh milk on that day.
Whole Grains Keep in mind that coarse grain can provide more nutrients in comparison with its refined version. Hence, choose whole-wheat over white bread, brown over white rice, and popcorn over chips whenever possible.
“Eating whole grains may help pregnant women meet their increased calorie requirements, especially during the second and third trimesters,” says Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, LN. She also aded that “whole grains are generally rich in B vitamins, fiber and magnesium.”
Poultry Meat Your baby requires enough amount of zinc to grow well in your womb. A fantastic source of that mineral is the meat coming from either turkey or chicken. Poultry happens to have protein and iron too – substances that are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Oatmeal It’s effortless to avoid being hungry all the time when you make oatmeal for breakfast. The plain variety consists of different carbohydrates, including the oat bran, which can improve both your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Citrus Fruits The best features of citrusy products, e.g., orange and pineapple, are fiber and vitamin C. You need to former to efficiently digest all the foods you eat, while the latter is necessary for iron absorption.
According to Natalie Olsen, RD, LD, ACSM EP-C, “the advice for pregnant women is to eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day and to vary these as much as possible. Fruit can be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried.”
Berries Pulpy fruits like raspberries, currants, and strawberries are great for you. These goods contain a lot of water, so you won’t worry about dehydration when you’re snacking on them. They also have low caloric levels; that’s why you can still maintain your weight.
Legumes Lastly, the legume is a food group that can offer great quantities of folic acid. The vitamin is responsible for ensuring your well-being while carrying the child. You may consume various forms of beans, nuts, and peas to receive this nutrient, along with iron, fiber, and protein. Dr. Gareth Forde says that “[potassium] helps to balance fluid levels, regulate blood pressure, and helps muscles perform well.” She also added that “pregnant mothers who experience leg cramps, especially at night, should consider whether or not their potassium intake is adequate.”