Pregnancy Diet Tips

The old “eating for two” phrase doesn’t mean piling twice as much food onto your plate. In reality, it should probably mean eating twice as well. Getting the most nutrition you can out of every bite you take is smart when you’re having a baby. But what exactly is best to chow down on when you’re expecting? Read on to find out.  

Pregnancy diet tip #1: The miraculous oval. Yup, we’re talking about eggs, which are packed with protein, vitamins A and E, as well as choline, a nutrient that aids your baby’s brain development. These nutritional powerhouses are super easy to prepare and make a very fast meal. Try them scrambled, with cheese in a sandwich, or on top of lightly fried-rice in your pregnancy diet.

Pregnancy diet tip #2: Dairy delights. Calcium is a must for your developing baby’s bones. Low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are delicious ways to obtain this important mineral. Try to drink milk a couple of times a day, and include a serving of yogurt or cheese daily. Just be sure any cheese you consume during pregnancy is made from pasteurized milk.

Pregnancy diet tip #3: Nuts for nuts. Portable and non-perishable, nuts and nut butters are perfect on-the-go snacks and excellent sources of protein and healthy fat, which can aid in your baby’s development. Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are all good picks, as are the butters made from these nuts.

Pregnancy diet tip #4: Fabulous fruits. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, fruit is high in vitamins and fiber, which are key in every pregnancy diet as they can help ease a case of constipation. When considering canned fruit, read labels carefully. Fruit that’s packed in water, rather than sugary syrup, is the better pick.

Pregnancy diet tip #5: Iron mom! Iron is a vital mineral that helps to create your baby’s blood supply, and it can also combat anemia during pregnancy. Stock up on lean meats, fortified cereals, and spinach in your pregnancy diet. Frozen spinach is especially affordable and easy to prepare (try mixing it into casseroles or pasta sauce).

If you’re pregnant,your baby’s development is probably on your mind often, so know that improving your diet is an easy way to enhance your baby’s health. Shop carefully, eat whole foods, and try to avoid processed items whenever you can. And don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor if you have any questions about which foods to include in -- or leave out of -- your pregnancy diet.