A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy diet. The food you eat when you're pregnant can significantly impact both your health and that of your baby. Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy means you have a much lower chance of having complications during your pregnancy and labour, as well as the best possible start for your baby in life.
Here's our list of ten Superfoods to Eat During Pregnancy:
1. Eggs: That's because eggs are packed with protein, and as long as you don't have an allergy or intolerance, they're pretty much a perfect food for pregnant women. Eggs are a great source of choline, which is crucial for the development of your baby's brain and nervous system. Eggs are one of the best things that expecting women can eat as it is the gold standard for prenatal protein. They're loaded with amino acids, choline, and other nutrients essential to fetal growth and development.
2. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fibre, which has several health benefits. Sweet potatoes are a healthy choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are low in calories and high in fibre, which helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly. They also keep you feeling full and helps lower cholesterol levels. They're also full of vitamin B6, which helps to regulate your metabolism, and potassium, which helps to keep your heart healthy and beats cravings.
3. Nuts: Nuts are a great little snack to have on hand and can be easily incorporated into your diet. They're a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, and they're easy to add to your diet. Nuts are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre and healthy fats. Nuts are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.
4. Beans and Lentils: Beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein and iron, both of which are particularly important for pregnant women. Protein is important for the development of your baby's muscles, brain, and other organs, and iron is important for the development of your baby's blood cells.
5. Lean Meat: Your body needs a lot more protein during pregnancy, and lean beef or pork meat is an excellent source of protein. Experts recommend that expectant mothers should eat six to eight ounces of lean meat per day. Make sure to eat lean cuts of red meat, chicken, turkey, and fish.
6. Orange Juice: Drinking orange juice in the morning is a great way to start your day. Orange juice is packed with Vitamin C, which is great for your immune system and helping you to stay healthy. Vitamin C is also crucial for the production of collagen and keeping your skin firm.
7. Yogurt: Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, both of which are essential nutrients for pregnant women. Yogurt has high probiotic content. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help keep the body healthy.
8. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is good for you during pregnancy because it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that women who eat oatmeal during their pregnancies have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. It also contains beta-glucan, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and B vitamins.
9. Leafy Greens: Leafy greens are an essential part of any healthy diet, especially if you're pregnant. Pregnant women need to get enough iron to support their growing baby, and iron can be found in leafy greens like spinach, kale and chard. Leafy veggies like spinach, asparagus, broccoli and kale are full of antioxidants, nutrients and supply calcium, potassium, fibre, folate and vitamin A.
10. Salmon: Whether you're pregnant or trying to conceive, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for developing the fetus. Omega-3s are also known to help reduce the risk of post-partum depression. Salmon is also rich in vitamin B12, which is vital for energy levels.
During pregnancy, the essential thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to implement a healthy diet. Discuss with your doctor and ensure that you are getting enough vital nutrients and vitamins to help your baby grow healthy. Your daily diet should be full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, calcium, protein, iron, and water.