Eating While Pregnant: 4 Foods That Must Be Part Of Your Diet
When you first found out that you were pregnant, you were probably jumping with joy. Now that it has had time to sink in, you are probably still joyful, but you are also likely stressed. After all, you are eating for two now! Because of this, you need to be more considerate of the food that you put into your body. Your baby needs lots and lots of right the nutrients in order to grow to be a healthy baby. Here are four foods that you must include in your pregnancy diet:
1. Eggs
Eggs may not have the most calories, but they are packed full of numerous vitamins and minerals. Plus, eggs are a good source of protein, which you need as a pregnant woman. Eggs also contain choline, which research is beginning to show can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. What's more is that eggs are one of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to get what you and your baby need.
2. Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for a number of things, including the healthy development of your unborn baby's brain and eyes. Since you should try to avoid mercury while pregnant, you will be happy to know that salmon is a low-mercury fish. You can safely consume about 12 ounces each week, whether it be broiled, grilled or a salad topping.
3. Beans
From black and white beans to soy and kidney beans, beans can be very beneficial for you, your baby and your pregnancy as a whole. Like eggs, beans do not have a lot of calories per serving – about 80 calories per one-third cup of cooked beans. However, the low calorie count doesn't keep them from working some magic on your pregnancy. Beans are excellent low-fat sources of fiber and protein in addition to other key nutrients, including calcium, folate and iron.
4. Sweet Potatoes
The American Pregnancy Association says that you need 770 mg of Vitamin A each day. You can get more than double that with one large skinned baked sweet potato. Plus, sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, vitamin B-6 and iron – all of which are essential to your body's and baby's health during pregnancy. As an added bonus, broccoli is also rich in Vitamin A.
Being pregnant can definitely have its share of challenges, but you need to make sure that you never forget the importance of a quality diet. Good nutrition is key to a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby when it is born.
To learn more, contact a gynecological office like Bee Ridge Obstetrics Gynecology.