Eating while pregnant can be tough!
A Pregnant woman’s choices are very crucial to the well being of her growing child; her choices during this period can determine the baby’s overall health and development; and one of these important choices she has to make is to eat right; her diet and course of eating plan can greatly affect the baby in many ways possible; that’s why it is crucial for pregnant women to follow a strict diet plan that will help her child grow properly in her belly.
Here in this article, it creates a full diet plan specialized to the nutritional caters of the women experiencing the pregnancy stage; always remember that when a pregnant woman eats; she does not only nourish her own body but also the baby growing inside her.
Before thinking about creating a diet plan whether you are following a vegetarian; vegan; paleo or Atkins diet. It is necessary to consult a doctor specifically a dietician who can really help you create a full diet plan that makes sure that the diet is nourishing, and not harming the baby.
Here are the following essential guidelines in creating your own dietary meal plan.
The overall diet plan!
Whether you are following any type of diet that is popular among today; always make sure that your diet consists of high-density nutrient foods that have essential vitamins; minerals and antioxidants and energy-building nutrients for your body and the baby.
The quality and quantity of the food you eat matters a lot this time and that means you should incorporate a lot of foods that are in their organic state – Fruits and vegetables; and avoid high-glucose index and processed foods which usually have a lot of additives and chemicals that may have an impact on the baby; always make sure that you are getting at least 3000 calories a day or more if you are expecting twins or triplets.
It is best to eat smart at this period; always check the labels and ingredients; research on great healthy recipes of the food you’re bringing into your plate; although as much as possible eat foods that are in their natural state especially the veggies! ÂÂ
Diet plan exceptions and warnings:
There are some exceptions in following the meal or diet plan according to your current situation; that’s why it was mentioned above to consult a specialized physician to help you determine the safe and right way to eat; it is expected that the 3000 calories per day quota may not be applicable to overweight pregnant moms; and underweight moms may need to exceed the amount.
You should also be wary of the certain foods you are allergic to as it can create complications to the baby; it is best to create and decide your pregnancy meal plan after you have consulted your doctor.
Diet plan for the first trimester:
During the first trimester where the baby begins to rapidly develop; the baby’s brain and spinal cord usually develop this time and usually the baby’s sex is developed by the end of the trimester; this is also the time where miscarriages are common during this time that’s why it is best advised to consume a lot of folate-rich foods that can prevent birth defects and miscarriages.
Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in folate, some of the common foods high in folate/folic acid are bananas, papayas; legumes, broccoli, avocados, and asparagus if you’re also keen on trying animal products rich in folate you can try incorporating lamb meat or eggs in your diet.
Fruits and vegetables can provide necessary vitamins; fiber, and minerals; it can also provide hydration to the body which is essential in this period; incorporating protein and carbohydrates are also essential.
Try dairy foods such as milk to make sure you have optimum calcium levels in your bodies.
Diet plan for the second trimester:
During the second trimester; the baby is usually developing his/her bones and other vital parts of their body; it is also expected that the woman’s body is getting larger at this point especially the belly and the breasts; consuming foods that are rich in Vitamin D3 and calcium is crucial at this trimester; try to incorporate foods rich in mono-saturated fats or Omega 3 fatty acids which can be found in many fishes such as salmon and tuna.
Omega 3-fatty acids have been scientifically proven to promote healthy brain function in humans and developing brains of the fetus; Vitamin C which is found in high the concentration of citrus fruits; apples and grapes is also important as it helps maintain the overall immune system of the woman’s body as a lot of infections can arise during pregnancy which can create complications to the baby.
Always maintain your folic acid intake; include fruit smoothies at this point; you can mix a variety of vegetables such as dark leafy kale and spinach to a variety of sweet fruits such as mangoes; strawberries, and peaches.
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Diet plan for the third trimester:
The third trimester starts in week 28 of the pregnancy period which can usually involve fatigue and discomfort to the woman’s body; baby kicks are usually expected at this time and can be an exciting and worrying experience to the mothers.
It is highly advised to stay active during the period even if you’re swelling or in general, discomfort; make sure to consume 8 glasses of water daily to avoid the feeling of discomfort and to Avoid exhaustion and over-fatigue.
It is important to continue to a healthy diet consisting of low-fat protein and carbohydrates along with the daily supply of fruits and vegetables; also avoid high-sugar foods even if it is a fruit you’re consuming as high-glucose intake can spur the baby’s movements; also avoid taking caffeine at this moment.
Good sources of carbohydrates include white and brown rice; quinoa; nuts; grains, and brown bread. Also make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins at this point to make sure you are getting enough essential vitamins such as zinc; selenium, and iron that reassure proper DNA formation of the baby.
Example diet plan:
Breakfast: 1 cup of dark green leafy salad with yogurt or olive oil and organic cold-pressed orange-mango juice
Lunch: 2-3 cups of brown rice, 2-3 Oz low-fat wild chicken cooked and 2 hard-boiled egg, spinach-kale-avocado smoothie
Dinner: 3 Oz beef cooked, 2 cups of raw and fresh vegetables and low-fat milk-smoothie
Final notes
A healthy and happy pregnancy starts with the foods you eat, nutrition is vital to every human being especially to a woman with a baby sharing one body, eating right will be a great step towards a beautiful, healthy, well-functioning baby!
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