7 Quick Tips on Eating Healthy While You’re Pregnant
When you’re pregnant, you’re eating for two. That means the food you put into your body every day impacts not just you, but your growing baby, too. Sure, you need to eat a little more when you’re pregnant, but it’s also very important to eat healthy. Eating the right food during your pregnancy is one of the best ways to make sure your baby is healthy from the start. And you’ll be healthier, too!
The following 7 tips are a good starting point for most women with normal pregnancies. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, though…
1. Don’t skip breakfast
Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day when you’re pregnant. It’s the first step to a day full of healthy eating. For most women, a good option is breakfast cereals that come with added nutrients, like iron or calcium. Look for cereal boxes that are labeled “fortified.” Enjoy your bowl of cereal with a serving of fresh fruit. On days when morning sickness hits, start with simple whole-grain toast in the early hours, and try a fuller meal when you’re feeling better.
2. Take your vitamins
Taking a prenatal vitamin with iron and folic acid every day is an important addition to your healthy diet. Iron ensures that your blood is healthy, and folic acid helps to prevent certain birth defect. Your doctor can recommend a good prenatal vitamin for your pregnancy. If you’d like to speak to a prenatal health professional, call Vista Community Clinic today to schedule an appointment: (844) 308-5003.
3. Eat more fiber
Foods with fiber are key to a healthy pregnancy diet. Good sources of fiber include:
- Fruits and vegetables such as green peas, spinach, pears, and bananas
- Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
- Black beans and kidney beans
4. Eat healthy snacks
Eating healthy snacks between meals are an important part of any diet, but especially when you’re eating for two. Low-fat or fat-free yogurt topped with fruit is a delicious option that’s also protein rich. Cheese and crackers are also good—just choose low-fat or fat-free cheese and whole-grain crackers.
5. Eat seafood regularly, but avoid certain types
Fish and shellfish contain important nutrients for the health of your baby. Try to have seafood a few times a week. Don’t eat raw fish or any fish that’s high in mercury, though. Types of fish to avoid include swordfish, tilefish, shark, and king mackerel.
6. Avoid soft cheeses and lunch meats
These types of food have bacteria that is safe for you, but harmful for your baby. Soft cheeses include feta, Brie, and goat cheese. Cold cuts, cold hot dogs, sushi, and any other raw or undercooked meats are also dangerous.
7. Limit the caffeine and never drink alcohol
If you drink coffee or tea, it’s better to choose decaffeinated. And alcohol is never safe to drink in any amounts when you’re pregnant.
It’s simple: healthy babies are happy babies. And eating healthy during your pregnancy is one of the best ways to make sure your baby is healthy from the start! Of course, there’s much more you should know about prenatal nutrition than just these 7 tips. At Vista Community Clinic (VCC) our prenatal nutritionists can give you detailed information on what you should eat during each stage of your pregnancy.
Call now for immediate assistance!
(844) 308-5003
The medical information contained on this article is general in nature and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. Although every effort is made to ensure the information provided is accurate and timely, it is provided for convenience and should not be considered official.