In these contemporary times, it seems that more and more people have become interested in how to improve the quality of their health. This seems to be the case for every population, including pregnant women. While there are many things pregnant women can do to maximize their health, eating certain foods can help facilitate the process. Here are 10 great foods pregnant women should eat:
1. Colorful Fruits And Veggies
As many health experts know, eating a wide variety of white, purple, yellow, orange, red, and green fruits and veggies ensures that both baby and mother attain a plethora of valuable nutrients. Getting fruits and veggies represented in all of the aforementioned color groups is important given that each color represents a specific set of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
2. Beans
Beans are an advantageous food to consume during pregnancy for many reasons, including the fact that they contain the most protein and fiber of all vegetables. The fiber in beans like lentils and chickpeas will prove especially beneficial during the ninth month of pregnancy when the gastrointestinal tract begins to slow down and thus puts the mother at risk for hemorrhoids and constipation.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are a great food for pregnant women to eat because the omega-3s in the tasty nuts contribute to the growth of your baby’s brain. Additionally, walnuts are a great alternative for individuals who don’t wish to attain their omega-3s from eggs or fish.
4. Eggs
In addition to containing more than 12 minerals and vitamins, eggs are packed with protein. The protein proves advantageous for the baby’s cells which-in addition to being made of protein-are growing rapidly.
5. Salmon
Salmon is a great food for pregnant women for at least two reasons. First, it’s a great source of high-quality protein. Second, it’s packed with omega-3 fats. And-unlike other fish such as king mackerel and swordfish-salmon doesn’t contain high amounts of methyl mercury. This is important given that the compound can damage the baby’s nervous system during critical developmental stages.
6. Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables
As many health experts know, you just can’t go wrong with dark green veggies. Spinach, swiss chard, kale and others are packed with nutrients and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and K. Additionally, dark green vegetables contribute to eye health.
While great foods like spinach and kale can provide pregnant mothers with a plethora of wonderful vitamins that contribute to their own health as well as that of their unborn child, it is oftentimes important to use prenatal supplement products in order to make sure that you are attaining all the nutrients needed to optimize wellness during the pregnancy period. Many doctors recommend using a prenatal liquid vitamin to support healthy nervous and immune systems, maintain energy levels and help enhance bone health during pregnancy.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes come packed with a plethora of vitamins our bodies need to optimize health. In addition to being converted to vitamin A in the human body, sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamin C.
8. Popcorn And Other Whole Grains
Whole grains are great for pregnant women given that they’re high in the following vitamins and nutrients: vitamin E, selenium, and phytonutrients. And popcorn is a whole grain! Other whole grain choices: oatmeal, barley, and quinoa.
9. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is superior to its regular counterpart given that it has twice the amount of protein. Greek yogurt is also an excellent source from which to obtain calcium, a vital component during any pregnancy.
10. Lean Meats
Meats are an excellent source of protein. When purchasing it, look for types that are about 95 to 98% fat-free.
