A healthy diet is always vital, but it is particularly important during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consuming nutritional foods will help your baby develop and grow, and will keep you hale and hearty, too.
Healthy eating during pregnancy is one of the best things a mama-to-be can do for herself and her baby. The food you eat and the supplements you take are your baby’s only source of nutrition. Good nutrition promotes your baby’s growth and development.
Are you pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant? Joy McCarthy, Holistic Nutritionist and Founder of Joyous Health shares 12 pregnancy power foods and her favourite prenatal supplement.
Broccoli and Cauliflower: Broccoli is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which have antioxidant properties that prevent cancer. Broccoli also contains calcium and folic acid, making it the perfect pregnancy power food.
Chia Seeds: Excellent source of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids, super high in fiber. Rich in protein which is a building block of your body’s cells and of your baby’s body as well. Eating adequate protein prevents you from turning into a carb monster too.
Blueberries: Very rich in antioxidants which are important during pregnancy because they reduce oxidative stress. Keeping stress low and eating antioxidant rich foods positively affect baby’s health later in life.
Dates and Prunes: Both are very rich in fiber which assists waste elimination through the digestive system. A higher intake of fiber can help prevent glucose intolerance that can lead to gestational diabetes.
Kale: All greens are a source of folate which is a pregnancy power nutrient. It plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and may reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Avocado: These delicious fruits are full of nutrients like folic acid, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. All these nutrients are essential for the growth of your unborn baby. The vitamin B6 in avocado can even help ease your morning sickness.
Lentils: Are you looking for an easy to digest power food? Try lentils. Lentils are a source of folic acid, vitamin B6, iron, and protein. It is a must-have during pregnancy. A recent animal study reveals that lentil can help regulate blood pressure too.
Oats: Very rich in fiber and very blood sugar balancing, good source of iron. It’s no secret that pregnancy can take a toll on your energy levels. Oats are a great food for energy because they are rich source of complex carbohydrates.
Pumpkin Seeds: A rich source of many pregnancy power nutrients including B vitamins especially folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and more. B vitamins are important for energy production. Good source of protein and healthy fat.
Fermented Foods: They feed the good bacteria through their pre-biotic action. A healthy gut flora is essential for a healthy immune system. This is important during pregnancy so you can avoid getting a cold or flu. Pregnancy can definitely take a toll on your immune system so keep it strong and you will avoid any sickness.
The Perfect Prenatal: Support before & during pregnancy. Folate helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Suitable for Vegetarians. Every daily dose provides pregnancy-essential nutrients including 24 mcg of Vitamin D3, 18 mg of Iron, and 600 mcg of Folate. The once-per-meal formula is easy to take.
Buy now! http://amzn.to/1UxjlX2
- 2671 views
