How to Eat for A Healthy Pregnancy
You found out you are pregnant. Never has it been
more crucial to eat well. Not eating well during your
pregnancy can increase your risk of complications. Eating
well has never been easier during pregnancy than it is
now.
First, remember that once you hit the second trimester, you
should be eating about 300 more calories a day. Calories
provide you with the extra energy that your body needs to
grow your baby. Now these extra calories should not give
you the right to chow down on every food in your line of
site. After all, it is only 300 calories that your are
getting. A glass of milk or one banana equals 100
calories and a slice of whole wheat bread, and ounce of cheese
and a half of cup of grapes equal 200 calories. See how
much more you are eating than if you decide to eat a donut
instead.
Remember that you need at least three servings of protein
each day. Protein contains amino acid which is one of the
most important building block for your baby's tissue.
Protein is very easy to come by and your options are
endless. You can drink 3 glasses of milk, and
you can have 2 cups of yogurt along with 3 ounces of
cheese.
Next, you need at least four servings of calcium every
day. Calcium is going to help grow your baby's bones and
help protect yours. Milk is the best way to get your fill
of calcium, but you can also get your fill of calcium from
cheeses, yogurt and even ice cream.
Aim for at least three servings of vitamin C. Your
body does not store vitamin C so you need a fresh supply of it
every day. You can eat fruit or almost any vegetable to
get your vitamin C in. You also want to make sure you get
three to four servings of green leafy and yellow
vegetables and fruits. Most of these veggies and fruits
will also count toward your vitamin C intake, so that is double
the benefit.
You should get in one to two servings of all other fruit and
vegetables that are not known for their vitamin A and C value,
but are still good for you all the same. Apples,
banana, and onions are just a few that are in this
category. Eat six or more servings of whole grains
and legumes. These are filled with vitamins E and B and
they help you battle constipation. Try eating brown
rice, whole wheat breads and even air popped corn to get
your servings of whole grains and legumes in.
Perhaps one of the most important nutrients you and your
body need is iron. Your body's demand for iron will never
be greater than it is while you are pregnant. You
want to make sure you are able to keep up with it. Not
enough iron could lead to anemia so you want to make sure you
are getting enough iron. If you feel that you are not,
talk to your doctor and he might be able to prescribe you a
iron supplement.
It is always a good idea to eat well every day.
However when you are pregnant it is essential that you eat well
every day.
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