10 Pregnancy Power Foods for a Healthy Baby
10 pregnancy power foods to make your baby strong and healthy!
Are you expecting? Congratulations! A new, beautiful turn in your life is starting and it is going to be one adventurous ride! If this is your first time pregnancy, you must have a lot of questions in mind, the first being, should you now start eating for two? This is a huge misconception. Yes, you need regular meals and yes, they need to be very nutritious, but there is no expert on earth who will tell you to eat for two
For the first few months, the food you eat is enough for both you and the baby. As the pregnancy progresses, your hunger pangs might increase in order to fulfill the hunger needs of your baby. Then too you only need to add a little bit more quantity to your regular diet.
What needs to be understood about food though is that pregnancy is the time you need to eat your healthiest. Everything you eat is getting transferred to the baby and you should only give them the very best. This article will tell you about 10 pregnancy power foods so that your baby can become healthy and strong.
1. Beans and Lentils
Most people simply ignore beans and lentils, unless they are in the form of baked beans or curry. But what you need to know is that dried beans and lentils are even more beneficial. They are rich in folate, protein and fiber. This means you are keeping yourself safe from constipation and providing healthy growth for the baby.
2. Lean Meat
Lean meats includes beef, chicken and other cuts. Lean meats are a major protein source and ensure proper muscle growth is among babies. What’s more, lean meats are rich in iron and ensure that you don’t have a preterm baby. Do not forget that you also need to up your iron game during pregnancy.
3. Figs
This delicious little fruit is an energy powerhouse. From fiber to calcium, potassium to phosphorus and magnesium, fig has it all. If you eat a handful each day, you will not be depleted of your calcium or iron supplies, and your baby would be very strong too.
4. Yogurt
Who doesn’t like a big bowl of yogurt? Top it with fruits and you have readymade snack in your hand. It is rich in iodine, which helps keep your baby safe from any kind of mental health concern. Take it at breakfast or in the afternoon with nuts and fruits.
5. Eggs
Many women develop an aversion to meat during pregnancy. To supplement the source of protein, eggs are your best bet. You can have them for breakfast, lunch or dinner, they are truly that healthy. They are also so rich in amino acids.
6. Nuts
Perfect for snacking, nuts are what you need to fulfill all your mineral and vitamin needs during pregnancy.
7. Pumpkin Seeds
This may come as a surprise but roasted pumpkin seeds are chock full of protein, fiber, and minerals. They also provide vegetable iron.
8. Fruits
All fruits are perfect for pregnancy. So indulge in whichever you like, as many times a day as you like.
9. Leafy Greens
Spinach, lettuce and all other leafy greens contain minerals, vitamins, and fiber. So, whip up a salad and have them with every meal.
10. Sweet Potatoes
A delicious snack option, sweet potatoes contain loads of beta-carotene which body converts to vitamin A. It promotes differentiation of cells and growth of fetus.