Pregnancy is hard. You have to deal with mixed emotions and moods, back pain and headaches, and also you have to eat right, even if it's not what you are craving to eat. Pregnancy cravings can sometimes be off the hook and it is important for mothers to be aware of what they are eating because this will not only cause their health but their baby's as well. During the pregnancy period, you need to eat the best mix of the most important baby-building foods that contain all the nutrients that your baby needs. It is also important for pregnant moms to know that their diet should fit in what trimester she is in.
To help you out on balancing your diet for you and your growing bump inside you, here are some healthy options that you can consider. This will help you control and monitor your food and calorie intake. Always keep in mind that calories are important to keep track of because it gives the nutrients that your unborn baby needs.
Healthy Options for Mom and Baby During Pregnancy
Beans. Beans are known to be the best supplier of fiber, protein, iron, folate, calcium, and zinc. Examples of these beans that pregnant women can eat are lentils, black beans, soybeans, and chickpeas. You can have these beans cooked into a stew or soup, or even eat them together with pasta. If you want to develop your hummus, beans are best paired with crackers or sandwiches.
Beef. As we all know, beef is one of the healthiest meat you can get. It provides vitamins B6, B12, zinc, iron, and niacin that are very nutrient-intoxicated types of foods. You can get beef lean cuts and sirloin steaks to get these nutrients. Beef is also healthy for the growing baby because of choline, which is known for brain development. Moms can enjoy beef with pasta sauces of their choice or can even eat it in tacos, burgers, or stir-fried dishes. Avoid getting burgers and tacos from fast-food chains, though, as it is unhealthy and could ruin your diet.
Vegetables. Broccoli is a very healthy vegetable and can be beneficial for both pregnant moms and their growing babies. It contains fiber, calcium, lutein, and folate for better and healthier eyesight. It also has potassium that helps balance blood pressure and vitamin A. You can have broccoli cooked stir-fried or joined with your choice of meat. You can even just steam it and drizzle olive oil over it for additional taste.
Cheese and dairy. Moms need to drink milk during their pregnancy because it helps with the baby's bone development. It also stabilizes the mothers' bone structure as well. Being pregnant can cause a lot of pain especially in the back, so the spinal cord is most likely affected as well. Cheese also provides certain amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for both mom and baby's bones. You can pair cheese with your favorite crackers or have it with your favorite salads, sandwiches, and omelets.
