What to Eat During Pregnancy

Your pregnancy test came back positive, and you are excited.Eating the right foods is more important than ever now that you are pregnant.  Not eating well during your pregnancy can increase your risk of complications.  Learning what to eat during pregnancy has never been easier than it is now.

First, remember that once you hit the second trimester, good nutrition during pregnancy requires that you eat about 300 more calories a day.Getting the right amount of calories will give you and your baby the energy you need.  Now these extra calories should not give you the right to chow down on every food in your line of site.This is only 300 calories.There are about 100 calories in a glass of milk or one banana, and about 200 calories in a slice of whole wheat bread, and ounce of cheese and a half cup of grapes.  See how much more you are eating than if you decide to eat a donut instead.

Your baby will be better off if you eat at least 3 servings of protein every day.Help your baby grow strong by getting protein every day.  Protein is very easy to come by and your options are endless.Try something like 3 glasses of milk, 2 cups of yogurt and 3 ounces of cheese.

Next, you need at least four servings of calcium every day.Think of your baby’s bones growing as you consume calcium, but don’t forget, you are protecting your bones too.  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.An added benefit is that these fruits and most vegetables will give you vitamin C.

One or two more servings of other fruits and vegetables will serve you well, giving you other nutrients and important fiber.Some examples in this category are banana, apples, and onions.You need to get 6 or more servings of grains and legumes daily.In addition to having good amounts of fiber, these foods also are high in vitamins B and E.   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.There is no other time when your body’s demand for iron will be greater than when you are pregnant.It is important not to ignore this.Getting enough iron will prevent you from getting anemia.Your doctor can prescribe an iron supplement if you feel you are not getting enough in your diet.

A fit pregnancy gives your baby the best chance for healthy development.  And while it is always a good idea to eat well every day, when you are pregnant it is essential that you eat well every day.

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