Eating healthy during pregnancy is important not only for you but for baby! What you eat during pregnancy, your baby also eats.
Taste preferences can start being developed during pregnancy. A healthy diet can help maintain healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and mood as well as ensuring a healthy weight for you and your baby- reducing the risk for many health complications and diseases
Some essentials nutrients that can be found in a healthy diet can be found here: essential nutrients flyer
Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of colors to get the most benefit.
Make at least half of your grains whole grains – Try oatmeal, whole grain bread, popcorn and brown rice.
Choose water or low-fat dairy or plant based milks with your meals.
Vary your proteins – try seafood, lean meats and chicken, eggs, beans and peas and unsalted nuts and seeds.
Avoid lunch meats (processed meats) unless you heat them to 140 degrees – if you’re at Subway, ask them to toast your sandwich for you!
Avoid eating soft cheeses that are not cooked.
No. Eating for two can lead to unhealthy excess weight gain. It is actually a myth that you need to “eat for two” during pregnancy.
You do need extra calories, but a gradual increase in calories as your baby develops will be just right! Daily calories in each trimester should come from nutritious foods like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Talk with your doctor or nurse about what calorie count is right for you during your pregnancy.
