If you are an expecting mother or plan to be, now more than ever it’s time to become more conscience about the food that you eat. Let’s suppose that before conceiving you could have eaten whatever you wanted and got by with little to no exercise. But now your nutrition and general health affect no only you – they also affect your baby…!
So now that you’re pregnant, it’s truly time to become healthier, so that the baby can receive the proper nutrients needed in order to grow and be healthy as well.
Pregnancy Nutrition 101
Food doesn’t have to change when you’re pregnant, unless you weren’t eating enough essential ingredients to begin with. Therefore, you don’t have to panic about completely changing up your meal plans. In fact, the simpler you make it; the easier it will be to stick to even after the baby is born.
Keep in mind that partaking in a healthy eating plan with help ensure your baby’s good health and healthy eating habits as he or she gets older.
What Can I Eat while Pregnant?
Like most people, anything is ok in moderation. Think greens, lean meats and fresh fruits. Here’s an easy list of things to choose from:
| Proteins | Vegetables | Starches | Fruit |
| Chicken | Green Beans | Sweet Potatoes | Apples |
| Pork | Asparagus | Brown Rice | Oranges |
| Steak | Squash | Whole Grain Bread | Plums |
| Beans | Okra | Whole Wheat Pasta | Melons |
| Tofu | Zucchini | Beans | Grapes |
| Nuts | Carrots | Whole Grain Crackers | Bananas |
| Eggs | Broccoli | Oatmeal | Berries |
Having fish while pregnant is a complicated question. If you wish to stay on the safe side, avoid fish while pregnant. However, consult with your doctor or health care physician for more details about having fish while pregnant.
I’m Pregnant! How Much Should I Eat?
Portion control is important whether you are pregnant or not. There’s no need to overindulge or feel like you have to eat more because you have a little one growing inside your belly. You simply eat when you are hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, not full.
Your caloric intake shouldn’t change much until you get into your sixth month or so. Even then, the increase is usually about 150-300 Kcal per day.
A balanced, portion controlled pregnancy diet will also help with a good healthy weight gaining during the pregnancy, as well as getting back to your old weight after child-birth. In fact, if you’ll decide to become healthier during your pregnancy you might discover that after you’ll shed the pregnancy pounds you’ll be better looking than ever…!
