Healthy Eating & Your Pregnancy

While we all know that healthy eating is important for our overall well-being, it becomes even more vital during a pregnancy. After all, you truly are eating for two! Everything you eat affects your growing baby, and so of course you want to make the healthiest food choices possible. Here, we’ll review some of the most important things to remember when choosing healthy foods during your pregnancy.

Eat a balanced diet

If you’re like many women, you might have gotten accustomed to grabbing a cup (or three) of coffee instead of a proper breakfast, then snacking on chips or sweets for lunch. Pregnancy is not the time to forsake health for convenience. Make it a point to arrange your schedule so that you are eating three balanced meals a day, plus healthy snacks so to have a healthy pregnancy diet. If morning sickness makes this difficult for you, don’t force anything; this just stresses your body. Eat when you can, but try to make accommodations which ensure you’re meeting all your nutritional needs.

Give in to cravings

While they can be extremely weird, cravings during pregnancy are actually your body’s way of letting you know that something’s missing in your diet. Some studies have even suggested that allowing yourself to indulge your cravings may help cut down on morning sickness. Give in to cravings whenever possible. Eat a balanced diet, but allow yourself those odd indulgences as well. You’ll be doing your stomach, as well as your growing baby, a big favour. If you notice that you seem to be craving the same food all the time, learn which vitamins and nutrients are in that particular food and consider adding a supplement if your doctor approves it.

Take your vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins exist for a reason. They are specially formulated to give you and your baby everything you need for healthy growth. Ask your doctor if they have any recommendations on good brands to try. Check the label to ensure that a particular brand contains the recommended daily dosage of Folic Acid. This essential nutrient has been shown to be extremely important and beneficial during pregnancy. Folic Acid supports cervical health and also helps guard against birth defects.

Cut down on processed foods

As much as possible, choose foods which are natural and whole during your pregnancy. We all know that some ingredients in processed foods are bad for our adult bodies – just imagine how bad they are for a developing baby! Stick to things like fresh or frozen meats, fruits, vegetables and nuts, as well as low-fat dairy products. A good rule to remember is that if you can’t pronounce it, you probably don’t want to be eating it, so read labels. The best foods will have the shortest ingredient lists. Try to avoid common processed foods such as packaged bakery products and inexpensive margarine. These foods contain harmful saturated fats and chemicals which nobody needs to be eating.

Eating healthy during your pregnancy doesn’t mean sacrificing or depriving yourself. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy your meals and provide your baby with all it needs to grow healthy and strong.

At eumom, we’re first for parenting, first for moms and we believe the best part of parenting is celebrating memorable moments together. From big announcements, to joyful arrivals, from first steps to first days of school, we are here for you.