We all know that it's incredible important to maintain a nutritious, balanced diet at all times if you want to be healthy, but when you're pregnant, it is even more important as you are not only providing the foods to give your own body what it needs to meet all your requirements, but your baby is eating the same foods and needs nourishment for healthy development. One of the important things to remember is that you are eating for two, and baby gets fed first, so if you want to feel healthy, and maintain your energy levels, you are going to have eat even more than you would normally.
The first rule is that being pregnant is not a time to go on a new crazy diet, or to try some new fad to keep your weight down. If you're worried about your post-pregnancy weight, then fill up on healthy vegetables and fruit, they're good for baby, great for you, and won't pile on the pounds. Remember, never skip a meal, always eat at your normal mealtimes, and snack on the vegetables or fruit in between if you're hungry.
Starting the day right with a good breakfast is crucial, as baby has probably been waiting for food much longer than you have, hopefully because you're having plenty of sleep. If you skip breakfast, expect to soon feel sick and very tired – it's your body demanding nutrition to fire up your body, and to meet the needs of your developing baby.
Make sure you eat four to six servings of dairy per day, and this provides your baby with essential calcium, which is needed to develop healthy and strong bones. You can eat cheeses, yoghurts, or drink plenty of milk, but make sure it's pasteurized though. Adding extra calcium to your usual diet is another way in which you cannot lose.
To avoid packing on the pounds, and to give your body real fuel for energy, eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, especially the green vegetables. If you develop the habit of reaching for vegetables or fruit instead of a sweets, junk food, or just any processed food, not only will you have bags more energy, but baby will love you for it, and you'll begin developing healthy eating habits to help you lose the weight once you're holding your baby.
Also, remember that your fluid intake is also vital. Try to drink plenty of water, or if that seems boring, find a juice drink you like, but remember, your body works much, much better when it's fully hydrated so drink as much as you can.
Not all foods are safe during your pregnancy, and these are a few of the foods to just say "No" to:
- ANYTHING unpasteurized. Some cheeses fall under this category
- Now is not the time to try shark, swordfish, or any other type of fish which has high levels of mercury
- Don't eat raw eggs – they might be a hangover cure, but now is the time to make sure your eggs are cooked
- Don't eat undercooked meats. Every time, make sure the meat is fully cooked. This can be in a steak restaurant, or in your favorite deli
- Get off the caffeine train. The less caffeine in you, the better for baby. Remember, caffeine is in obviously in coffee, but also kick the soda (yes, even diet sodas) and chocolate, they all have caffeine in them. Even Decaffeinated coffee still has some caffeine in it so be watchful.
If you're not sure of any food, whether it's in the grocery store or at a restaurant, the best advice is to avoid it, and then speak to your OB/GYN to find out the best foods to enjoy, and the ones to avoid the most, they will most likely have a comprehensive list of food you can and can't eat, and can tell you what is right for just you.
Eating while pregnant can be a little unnerving as you may suddenly find you don't enjoy your favorite foods anymore, or that you suddenly crave a food that you've always disliked, just think about it as your baby is already telling you what they enjoy. Also remember, eating for two doesn't mean you have to be a slave to a diet plan or to bland foods, you are free to experiment with a whole range of foods you might not have thought about before, plus you can always relax with a frozen yoghurt or a smoothie every now and again – who knows, you may discover a whole new healthier eating habit that you stick to long after baby is born.
