Are you expecting ? Now there are a lot of new things to think about, especially when it comes to healthy eating. You need to be cautious more than ever because whatever you eat will not only affect you, but your child as well. Scroll down the list of some best foods for pregnant ladies which provide enough nutrients and energy for their babies to develop and grow properly.
EGGS
Eggs are good source of protein and contain 12 vitamins and minerals. Protein is necessary when pregnant since you need protein, yourself, and your baby needs a source of protein to grow. They are low in calories and keep you fuller for longer. Egg also has folic acid so pregnant ladies must have it to prevent birth defects.
During your pregnancy, never consume raw or partially cooked eggs as it poses the risk of salmonella infection which can even be transferred to the baby. You need to cook eggs properly until both the white and yolk turn solid. It, therefore, kills the bacteria and makes eggs a safe option to eat.
KIDNEY BEANS
As these beans are rich in antioxidants, iron and protein, it would help your baby to grow well, both mentally and physically.
When you’re pregnant, your gastrointestinal tract slows down, putting you at risk for constipation and hemorrhoids. Kidney beans being high in fiber can help prevent and relieve these problems. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to build red blood cells of your growing baby, so try to include more of iron rich foods in your diet.
Kidney beans can help you by replenishing the levels of hemoglobin in your body. This helps eliminate iron deficiency and promotes the cognitive development of your baby.
BANANAS
Nothing can beat banana in providing instant energy & boosting your mood ! Bananas are rich in potassium and help to fight off pregnancy fatigue. They are also easy on your stomach when you feel nauseated.
Banana contains Folic acid which can be easily absorbed by your developing baby from your body. You can eat banana to stop bingeing between meals. It is very filling substitute, so choose it over a bag of chips or chocolates. It is truly a superfood for pregnant ladies, combined with a glass of milk, it acts as a full meal in itself. Thus, it reduces those hunger needs that you might feel after every few hours.
BLUEBERRIES
Packed with vitamins and fiber, blueberries may be the tastiest, most fruitful snack out there. During pregnancy, your immunity is at an all-time low. The delicious blueberries are rich in Vitamin C and can help boost your immune system.
Blueberries (anti-aging food), a known brain-power food improve your brain’s memory which will help you on those days when you feel overwhelmed and a bit off. The essential nutrient also aids the absorption of iron in your body.
SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes being sweet and delicious are one of the best foods for pregnant ladies. They are a great addition to your daily meals. This is one of the good food and useful during pregnancy, because it has a high nutritional value. They are rich in Vitamins A & C and fiber.
Cook a sweet potato for a side dish or slice a cooked one up for a quick snack. Inexpensive and easy to cook, they’re healthy for you and your baby and will make you feel full and will satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way.
YOGURT
Yogurt is a great source of calcium. It contains as much calcium as milk — plus it’s packed with protein and folate which is vital in a pregnancy diet. Bacterias in it are good for your stomach. If you don’t take in enough calcium, the limited amount you have will go to your baby, depleting the calcium in your bones. So always make sure to provide everything your baby needs without sacrificing your own health and nutrition. Calcium in yogurt will not only keep your own bones intact but will lay down a healthy skeleton for your baby too.
ORANGES
Oranges are best superfood for pregnant ladies. They are a great source of Vitamin C and also packed with folate and potassium. Folate is a necessary nutrient for preventing certain birth defects early on in pregnancy and for ensuring an overall healthy pregnancy.
The high potassium content present in oranges helps to prevent high blood pressure in pregnant ladies. It is also a good source of fibre that prevents the problems related to constipation.
WHOLE GRAINS
Whole grains such as oatmeal, wheat bread, or brown rice are packed with nutrients such as iron, selenium and magnesium, thus a great choice during pregnancy. Providing fiber and iron, whole grains should make up at least half of a pregnant woman’s carbohydrate choices each day. are They’re also especially good sources of the B vitamins (including B1, B2, folic acid, and niacin) which your growing baby needs for just about every part of his body.
SALMON
What’s more, fish (especially the fattier varieties, like salmon) is a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA which are not only good for you, but for your baby’s development as well. Salmon is high-quality protein which has been shown to boost baby’s brain power. It’s more important than ever in the third trimester, when your baby’s brain growth is fast and furious.
While a great, healthy meal, it is recommended to not eat more than 12 ounces per week to avoid too much mercury intake.
GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES
Green vegetables are a great source of folate and calcium with a whole lot of other important micronutrients like manganese, potassium, fibre, iron and traces of other important vitamins. Veggies like broccoli, asparagus, spinach etc., all top off the list of important foods to eat during pregnancy. Full of antioxidants and nutrients, greens are a super food for developing babies and their moms. These nutrient-rich foods help develop your baby’s eyesight and aid in skin and bone growth.
Need more reasons to add these greens on your plate?
These best foods will make you and your baby feel great !