What are the best foods to eat while pregnant? Super Foods!
Being pregnant and being hungry go hand in hand. Since you’re “eating for two”, the best foods to eat while pregnant are the ones that are going to keep you and your baby well nourished. Eating a balanced diet is important while pregnant.
To maintain a nutritional diet and give your baby the nutrients it needs, approximately 300 extra calories are needed per day during pregnancy. These calories should come from a variety of different nutritional superstars such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
This will help you and your baby get the essential minerals and vitamins you both need – though the occasional bowl of ice cream and a bar of chocolate is fine, so don’t forget to treat yourself with your favorite snacks, mama!
Make your pantry a one-stop-shop with these powerful foods that carry plenty of nutrients to keep mom and baby healthy through the pregnancy and beyond.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of iron and folate that is why they are the gold standard for prenatal protein. This inexpensive, easy-to-cook food also contains choline – never heard of that one? That’s okay! You’ll hear a lot about it for the next 9 months. Choline helps the healthy development of fetal brain growth and reduces the risk of birth defects.
Whether you like them boiled, fried, or scrambled – one egg is loaded with 6 grams of protein.
Salmon
Salmon is a great choice to have with your much-loved scrambled egg for breakfast. This fatty fish has a high reputation for being one of the best foods to eat when expecting a baby.
Omega 3 acids are crucial for your baby’s developing brain and an exceptionally good source of vitamin D, iodine, and protein which you and your baby need for strong and healthy bones.
Dark leafy greens
You probably knew this was going to make it to the list. Make culinary masterpieces with dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels.
They are ripe with high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, fiber. folate and potassium all of which a pregnant woman needs. Some studies even show that thee antioxidant-rich veggies are also linked to a reduced risk of low birth weight.
Beans and legumes
Beans including legumes like lentils and peas are fantastic during pregnancy. They are a great source of plant-based iron, protein, folate, fiber, magnesium, and calcium.
Folate during pregnancy can cut down the chances of birth defects whereas fiber can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. Make sure to also drink more water to stay hydrated and help process all of the fiber.
Lean meat
Lean meat is packed with high-quality protein which is the building block of every cell of your growing baby’s body as well as yours. Lean meat like chicken, beef, and pork can also keep your hunger at bay by stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
These meats are also chock full of essential nutrients like iron, choline, and vitamin B- all essential to your growing family.
Whole grains
It is impossible to conclude the pregnancy superfood list without including carbs. You are going to need a preferred source of energy, especially during your first trimester when the morning sickness has you feeling a bit drained.
Whole grains are the perfect food to get the job done. They are a great source of magnesium, fiber, vitamin B, and various plant compounds. Whole grains like oatmeal also aid in milk production once the baby is here!
What were your favorite foods to eat during pregnancy?
Did you have any cravings or favorite recipes?! With my first, I wanted barbecue sauce and potato salad, and with my second I was craving hummus and red peppers!
xo,
Angie