Pregnancy Nutrition

The Basics of Eating Well When Pregnant

It is hard to believe that women do have a hard time eating healthy when they are expecting a visit from the stork.  The sad truth is some women find it very hard.  There is a trick though to remember how to eat throughout your pregnancy and it is as easy as ABC. 

Assortment is the first key.  It's been said that variety is the spice of life.  Keeping your diet filled with assortment of fruits, vegetables and protein will help make sure that you and your baby don't get too much of one nutrient and not enough of another.  Eating a daily variety of healthy foods will give your growing baby and daily assortment of necessary nutrients. 

Balance is the next thing to keep in mind.  We all know that balance and moderation is the key to any diet.   There is no reason to deny yourself  a bowl of ice cream but the whole container is over doing it.  You want to keep all your meals as balanced as possible and make sure you are getting enough vitamins, whole grains and lean protein.  Eating one and not the other is not going to help you or your baby in any way shape or form. Indulging in cravings is fine every now and then as long as you keep it in moderation, if you want a cookie, have one.  If potato chips are your craving, have a few.  It is when you eat the whole box of cookies and the whole bag of chips in one sitting that you might have a problem.

The third key is color.  You want to make your plate look as colorful as possible.  Look at fresh fruit and veggies to paint your plate.  The more colorful your plate is, the more appeasing it is going to look to your eyes.  Have you ever noticed in magazines and cooking shows the dishes always look so tasty?  This is because of the variety of color that are used in these dishes.  You can get red strawberries and tomatoes to yellow peppers and squash.  Pick your favorite colors and create your dishes based on that.

Forget about dieting while you are pregnant.  You and your baby need a steady supply of calories and nutrients through out the nine months of pregnancy and beyond.  Pregnancy is one of the only times where a woman is expected to gain weight.  Trying to prevent that weight gain can not only put you at risk, but also your baby at risk.  You will have all the time in the world after your baby comes to lose the weight, but for nine months don't even think about the word diet. 

If you find you that you are getting sick of the food you have been eating, then it's time to start experimenting with different foods.  Pregnancy is a time to expand your eating horizons as well as your waistbands.  Plus with food aversions, you might find yourself turning green at some of your favorite foods and craving foods you never dreamed you would eat.  You may find that the thought of pizza can send you running for the toilet, but place a dish of brussel sprouts in front of you and you are in heaven. 

Lastly, have fun with your food.  Eating should be fun.  Nothing will ruin your good habits faster than boredom.   Add little touches like a dip for your veggies.  Enjoy your food and try not to gulp it down.  This will help avoid heartburn too!  When you decide to treat yourself, leave the guilt at the door.  After all, you are growing a person inside of you and decide a treat now and then for all your hard work.

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