Healthy Eating Tips While Pregnant
By Sara Butler
If you’ve developed some bad nutrition habits such as skipping breakfast or eating unhealthy lunches on the go, then pregnancy is your time to change all that. After all, you’re now creating a whole other person, so it’s not just your body at stake as you make nutritional choices. Here are some tips to help you eat healthy when you’re pregnant.
Tip No. 1: Eat Breakfast
Even if you’re feeling a little queasy, it’s important to eat something in the morning. It can be as simple as a slice of whole grain toast, just as long as you get something in your body to help fuel you. It might even help you with any nausea you’re experiencing, too.
If you’re busy, it’s OK to go for fortified cereals, just add a bit of fruit to up the nutrition factor.
Tip No. 2: Focus on Fiber
Make sure you have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. They're full of the vitamins and minerals your growing body needs and also happen to be full of fiber. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full and also helps to keep your digestive system healthy. As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice that constipation becomes an issue. Getting enough fiber will help with that. Add brown rice, oatmeal, whole grains, and beans to easily add some fiber to your diet.
Tip No. 3: Go for Healthy Options
You’re probably going to find you snack a lot more while pregnant. Instead of reaching for a pint of ice cream, go for some plain yogurt with fruit or whole grain crackers with peanut butter or cheese. A combination of protein and carbohydrates will set you up with the energy you need while satisfying your hunger at the same time.
Tip No. 4: Avoid or Limit Certain Foods
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but sushi is a no-go when pregnant. Any raw fish is. And you also need to limit the amount of shellfish or fish you get each week. You shouldn’t have more than 12 ounces, avoiding tilefish, shark, king mackerel, and swordfish altogether since they have high levels of mercury. Shrimp, catfish, and salmon are all low-mercury fish.
Pregnancy is a special time, so support a healthy body with great eating habits! It's good for you and gives your baby a great foundation for future health.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodland Hills, Calif.