10 Super Foods To Eat While Pregnant
As you know, most women are pregnant for 40 weeks, or close to that. To be sure that you are staying healthy with your diet when those pregnancy cravings hit (and they will hit!), here are 10 super-foods to add to your pregnancy diet:
Berries
Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are delicious fruits that are packed with Vitamin C, fibre, and potassium. Snack on them throughout your day, or add a handful of berries to your pancakes or cereal in the morning. Yum!
Quinoa
Did you know quinoa is considered a complete protein? So, if you are vegetarian or vegan while pregnant, you definitely want to include this in your diet. Serve it up cold as a replacement for rice, or add it to your salad. You can also serve it warm in stir-fry.
Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like spinach or kale are a great source of fibre, folic acid, and iron. For many pregnant women, salads are hard to consume during pregnancy, but there are many alternatives to eating these leafy greens. One of the easiest and yummiest ways to eat leafy greens is by putting a handful of greens into your smoothie.
Avocado
Speaking of green, this green fruit is packed full of potassium, folic acid, and several vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Consume this “good fat” by adding it to your salads, or use it as a dip for snacking. Or, eat it plain with a splash of fresh lemon juice and salt.
Beans
Beans like black, garbanzo, or kidney are another ultimate source of fibre and protein. Add beans to soups, burritos, or salads. Or smash them up to make a dip out of them. Either way, the combination of fibre and protein is a perfect pregnancy combination to keep you full and ease any constipation you may feel.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is usually thought of as a breakfast food, but you can also eat yoghurt as a snack or for lunch. Since yoghurt has more calcium than milk, yoghurt is a great go-to with a meal or as a snack. Add fresh fruit, chia seeds, or honey to naturally sweeten your yoghurt. Or, add it as a base to your favorite smoothie recipe.
Salmon
Though certain fish is to be avoided while pregnant because of high levels of mercury, salmon is safe to eat. Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are great for baby’s brain and eyes. Salmon is okay to eat, up to 12-ounces, per week and can be added to salad, or all on its own.
Nuts
Nuts are considered a healthy fat that will help keep you full throughout the day. Keep a bag of almonds in your car to help squash salty cravings. Add nuts like silvered almonds or walnuts to your favorite salad to give it an extra crunch. Or, you can always opt for your favorite nut butter to top on apple slices or celery.
Citrus Fruits
Grapefruit, oranges, or even orange juice with low amounts of sugar, will help your body fight infection and help bone and cell growth. You can also add fresh squeezed lemon into your water to help drink all the water you need throughout your day.
Eggs
Eggs are another great alternative to add protein to your diet. Did you know that eggs contain choline, which is helpful for baby’s brain development? Eat your favorite type of egg in the morning for breakfast (make sure they are fully cooked), or add hard-boiled eggs into your snacking regime or topped on a salad.