Pregnancy Foods

Pregnancy can be a fantastic expedition and unquestionably a healthy one if you strictly follow the recommendation of your doctor and a balanced pregnancy diet. Also, you need to avoid those things which you are not supposed to take during pregnancy. So, you should stay committed to follow your doctor’s advice in all situations.

Balanced pregnancy diet

A balanced pregnancy diet is defined as the intake of proper calories by means of healthy foods. So, you should minimize the consumption of oily, fried foods. Instead, you should eat more of fresh vegetables, fruits and complex whole grains. For protein supplement, you should avoid fatty substances like mutton, beef etc. and should rely on lean meats like chicken and fish.

Depending on the weight and height of your pre-pregnant stage, the doctor will advise you in gaining weight, maintaining a normal weight etc. You should monitor your weight gain as obesity can result in complications such as hypertension and diabetes. So, your intake of daily calories should match the advice given by your doctor to maintain and healthy body.

But, these restrictions do not imply that you cannot indulge in a food that you like the most. Moderate intake of food of your choice is the key to a healthy body. You should not overindulge yourself in any type of food and giving yourself a treat now and then is ok.

Grains, vegetables and fresh fruits should encompass more of your diet. There is a myth that you need to take a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet. But, the reverse is true. Nearly half of your food should be consumed in the form of carbohydrates and 2 to 3 servings of protein rich diet meets out the requirement of protein in a pregnant woman. Half a cup of peas, dried beans or an egg, some lean meat is sufficient to meet the daily protein requirement.

Role of salt and folic acid in pregnancy

There is a popular belief that consumption of salt may lead to hypertension. But, the hypertension during pregnancy is due to a variety of biological and physical changes in the body. So, if you consume a moderate amount of sodium that will not affect your health. In the other hand, a diet without salt or low-sodium food is inappropriate.

Folic acid is an essential mineral needed in the early stages of pregnancy. So, a dose of multi-vitamin is prescribed in the early stages of pregnancy as the folic acid helps in the development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain. Apart from vitamins, beans, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts are excellent sources of B complex (folic acid) nutrients.

Skimmed milk vs Whole milk

It is widely believed that the consumption of whole milk is better than skimmed milk during pregnancy. But, skimmed milk is always the best choice of individuals leaving infants. Skimmed milk provides all the nutrients with less cholesterol and fat. Also, it provides more calcium than whole milk. If you are not sure of the diet that has to be followed, you can always take the help of your doctor or otherwise you can consult a dietician who will help you in consuming the right quantity of food for a healthy pregnancy.