6 Best Foods To Eat While Pregnant

During pregnancy, your eating habits are sure to change. As the old saying goes, “you are eating for two now!”. Professionals will likely advise you to add extra calories to your diet as well as add/ avoid certain foods. In this way, it is absolutely essential to maintain the proper levels of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that you need while you are pregnant. There are a few food options that make maintaining proper nutrition super easy. Here are 6 of the best foods to eat while pregnant and what they do for you:

Legumes
Lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans, peanuts, and other types of legumes are an excellent source of fiber, protein, iron, folate (B9), and calcium. Most women, especially when pregnant, do not get enough folate, so eating lots of legumes is a great idea!

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene. This plant compound gets converted into Vitamin A, which is essential for the growth and differentiation of most cells and tissues.

Salmon
Salmon is often revered for its nutritious properties. Being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, this food helps the development of the brain and eyes of the fetus.

Eggs
Eggs are a well-rounded type of food, in terms of nutritional value. They are low calorie, high protein and fat, and contain many vitamins and minerals including choline, essential for brain development and health.

Dark, Leafy Greens
There’s no surprise here– dark leafy greens like broccoli, kale, and spinach, contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate, and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants and help prevent constipation, which is a common problem for pregnant women.

Whole Grains
Carbohydrates are your friends, as long as you eat them in moderation and balance your different food intake! Whole grains are a great way to help pregnant women reach their calorie requirements while also receiving beneficial fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds.

Knowing your calorie count, vitamin and mineral requirements, and foods to avoid can get pretty confusing. Dr. Cecilia Ho, Naturopath in Pickering, can help you stay on track of it all because a healthy baby starts with a healthy pregnancy! Sign up for her Prenatal program today to get all of the dietary/nutritional pregnancy advice you need. Call today at 905.492.8688 or email at cecilia@ceciliaho.ca.