Top 10 Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a complex and beautiful journey for women who choose to experience it, but oftentimes, women may not know what they should or shouldn’t consume during pregnancy- especially if it’s their first baby. They may spend hours listening to advice from friends and family members- who often say that it’s okay to “eat for two.” This old saying is inaccurate and can lead to unhealthy weight gain in the mother, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is more important for a pregnant woman to eat smart, rather than to eat a lot. Samir Becic and his Health Fitness Revolution team celebrate pregnant women everywhere by bringing them the Top 10 Foods to Eat During Pregnancy.

Eggs

Eggs are packed with over 12 vitamins and minerals, and not to mention high quality protein! This is important to a development of the fetus during pregnancy. Eggs are also rich in choline, which promotes cell growth and fetal brain development, while also preventing neural tube defects. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to consume eggs during pregnancy, worry not! Eggs are safe and highly beneficial to the stages of pregnancy. If you’re either pregnant or nursing, be sure to stick to fully cooked eggs! Raw or under cooked eggs can increase the presence of salmonella bacteria.

Colorful Fruits and Vegetables  

The more colorful, the more packed with nutrients and antioxidants. So don’t hesitate to pack your plate with vibrant fruits and veggies for each meal. Antioxidants can help prevent many various birth defects, such as fetal alcohol syndrome.

Salmon

If your love of seafood has been stifled by high mercury levels, salmon is here to save the day! In moderation, salmon is great to eat during pregnancy. Unlike mackerel, swordfish, and tilefish, it contains very low amounts of methyl mercury, which is a compound that can be hazardous to the baby’s development. Salmon is packed with protein and Omega-3s, which is significant for your baby’s brain health.

Beans

Beans come in a variety of forms: black beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, etc. These widely unique legumes are a phenomenal source of protein and fiber. Their high protein and nutrient content make it a great food option not only for pregnant women- but for practicing vegans as well. During pregnancy, fiber is important for relieving constipation and hemorrhoid symptoms. Beans also contain many good nutrients for the baby such as iron, calcium, zinc, and folate, which all play important roles for fetal development.

Sweet Potatoes 

Packed with exceptional amounts of fiber, Vitamin A, folate, and Vitamin C, sweet potatoes are easily one of the greatest foods for pregnancy! During pregnancy, your gastrointestinal tract slows down, putting you at risk for constipation and hemorrhoids. Sweet potatoes can offer some natural relief to those symptoms. Sweet Potatoes also have a low glycemic index, meaning that they don’t surge blood sugar levels when consumed.

Whole Grains

Grains, including whole wheat, barley, corn, etc, are all important for pregnancy. Their high fiber and nutrient content, including vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and phytonutrients help protect the fetus throughout development. The recommended fiber amount during pregnancy is 28 grams per day. Whole grains can help mommies-to-be reach this goal!

Walnuts  

These delicious and crunchy nuts are a wonderful go-to snack for pregnant women. These filling nuts are the best plant-based source of Omega-3s, which are vital for your baby’s brain development. Walnuts are also great for relaxing blood vessels, which can help keep your blood pressure in check during pregnancy. The high fiber, protein and healthy fat content in walnuts can also keep your newly active appetite satisfied throughout the day.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains twice the protein of regular yogurt and is an optimal source of calcium. With a whopping 15 grams of protein per serving, this snack is wonderful for mothers-to-be, especially if they’re looking to up their protein intake. Consuming adequate protein and calcium is important during pregnancy because your developing baby can potentially feed off your nutrient stores, which can potentially make a mommy-to-be nutrient deficient.

Dark Leafy Greens

Packed with vitamins A, K, C, folate, leafy greens are known to promote fetal development and eye health. During the beginning stages of pregnancy, it’s especially important to consume dark leafy greens. This is because the high folate content can prevent potential birth defects, and protect your baby’s nervous system.

Quinoa 

Did you know that quinoa is one of the only plant-based complete proteins? This means that quinoa contains all essential amino acids, which is fantastic mother’s trying to limit their meat intake. This grain comes equipped with high amounts of both protein and iron, which is healthy for both the baby and mommy.

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