Dieting During Pregnany

It is important to eat healthy foods when pregnant, as a pregnant woman not only eats for herself, but eats to feed her baby as well.  The following recommendations serve as guidelines for pregnant women to follow:

First: increase the protein intake.  Protein is what leads to growth, and helps the body repair itself, and constitutes the main muscle mass of our bodies.  Foods that are rich in protein are mainly meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and other foods from non-animal sources such as beans, legumes, nuts, and nut products.

Second: while protein is like the building blocks used to build our bodies, carbohydrates serve as the fuel that enables the building to be done.  Carbohydrates supply our bodies with energy and keep all the inner operations smooth.  The main sources of carbohydrates are bread, rice, potato, and other grains and cereals.  It is recommended to use whole grain products where possible and avoid refined products and sugar products, which provide mainly empty calories.

Third: make sure that your diet includes an abundant quantity of fruit and vegetables.  Fruit and vegetables contain various vitamins and minerals and other antioxidants that strengthen the body’s immune system and prevent a whole array of diseases ranging from chronic to less serious disease.  Fresh whole fruit or natural fruit juices are recommended rather than frozen or canned fruits.  In many cases, a pregnant woman may need to take vitamin supplements if recommended by the doctor.

Fourth: make sure you get an adequate calcium intake.  Calcium strengthens our bones and supports a healthy structure.  Foods rich in calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products.  Some people who have intolerance to milk will find yogurt a very good substitute and a very good source of calcium.  Some doctors may prescribe calcium substitutes where a pregnant woman is not getting enough calcium.