While many women consider pregnancy as a blessing where they can enjoy any food without the worry of where the calorie counter is headed. Eating out your cravings is a good thing when you are expecting but allowing those cravings to get all over you will make you vulnerable and addicted to the thought of having certain food items all the time!
Many women dream of heading out for the best food and wine trails with a baby in their belly because of some of the best and most luxurious food trips that they offer. Even though you may want to eat any food at any time during your “time”, there are certain healthy items that need to be incorporated in your diet to beat those cravings up.
Healthy Nutrients That Need to Be in Your Prenatal Diet
Folate
While many health experts and nutritionists consider breakfast cereal as “Pencil Shavings” or an extremely sugary alternative of healthy food but during pregnancy, you got to do what you got to do.
The need of having a sufficient amount of Vitamin B in the body is extremely important, and experts suggest that having a right amount let’s say 200 mg is essential. Whether you consume it with the help of supplements or a much better alternative i.e. cereals and museli, is dependent on your choice.
There are certain food items available in the market like back eyed peas and asparagus that are naturally high in folate, which also makes them a good option.
Calcium
Women experiencing pregnancy need to consume a right amount of calcium. Many gynecologists suggest that an intake of 1000 mg of calcium is important as it helps in building healthy teeth, bones and blood. It also helps the muscle and nerve functions to develop.
A fetus in development needs calcium to grow and develop at a healthy state; hence, the requirement of calcium in your diet is essential. Foods such as milk, cheeses, yogurt and butter are helpful and extremely healthy when consumed on a regular basis. Many people question the use of cheese during pregnancy, but according to the survey, soft cheeses can be a healthy addition to your daily diet. Some green vegetables and seafood are also rich in calcium in case you don’t like dairy products, but it is essential to take at least 4 servings of calcium-rich foods every day.
Consider the fact that use of little to no calcium might allow the calcium from your bones to be consumed for your child’s development which may lead to several health problems in the future such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
Protein Intake
A normal pregnant woman needs to consume 10 grams more protein than a woman who is not. The healthy amount of protein intake can be 60 gsm for a pregnant woman meaning that there are a lot of delicious protein-based snacks and meals that you can have.
Make your meal plan comprising of items like lentils and variety of meat depending upon your hunger and requirement. Meats like beef, chicken and pork are a fantastic source for high-end protein. Not on proteins, they also comprise of other nutrients like iron, vitamin B and choline. All of these are required for consumptions during the time of pregnancy.
Iron
Having a healthy hemoglobin level is extremely important for women who are about to give birth. It helps in maintaining the high blood volume being produced as well as delivering oxygen to all the body cells. A low amount of iron within the body may lead to anemia (iron deficiency) which can grow to cause several bone issues.
It also has an impact on the development of the child during the early stages and leads to premature births as well as low baby weight at the time of delivery. Despite meat being a good source of iron, many women tend to develop a “non-meaty” vibe during pregnancy; therefore, seeking medical consultation is preferred in this regard.
Consumption of meat, as well as an increase in consuming foods such as peppers and oranges, may also boost the iron absorption rate. Consider the health and safety of yourself and your child and how you can live a healthy life based on what you are consuming.
Healthy Carbohydrates
While it never hurts anyone to go out and have their favorite burger once in a while, it is also important to include healthier versions of carbs. For people who think that the carbohydrates break into glucose tampering with the insulin levels in your body, it is actually important for an expecting female to have a right level of glucose in her body.
Berries are a good source of carbs. Packed with water, vitamin C and fibers, these can be a great addition to your regular old salad as well as comprise of great taste and are bursting with flavors. They also help you absorb iron for the body and also work towards that ravishing pregnancy glow.
Also, notice that berries have lower glycemic index, meaning that they do not trigger insulin levels and blood sugar the way people think they would. Enjoy a great snack and sweet treat in shape of berries without worrying much about the calories you are going to get from them – because there aren’t many. Look for exotic berry bowls and treats on your next strange trip to figure out the best food and wine trails.
Conclusion
It is entirely reasonable to experience satisfied food cravings during your pregnancy. Many women feel the need of having certain food items and weird combinations incorporated in their regular diet while they are pregnant.
Even though it is entirely reasonable to have certain food cravings, it is also important to consider a healthy meal plan with important nutrients that drive a smooth yet healthy pregnancy period. Add healthy nutrients and valued combinations while you are at home and whenever you are eating out. Understanding of healthy diet is fundamental as it helps add value to your food choices during pregnancy.
To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.
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