Eating during a pregnancy can get quite complicated: are you wondering about quantity and/or worrying about those weird food cravings {seriously, can it get weirder than Palmolive dish soap on a burger? Oh the joys!} you might have? It’s normal for all future moms to have numerous questions about how being pregnant might affect their diet and lifestyle in general. Fear no more though and get ready to expel some of the myths around pregnancy and food: here’s our short but essential guide to eating well and healthily during this tricky but wonderful time of your life.
Do you have to change and adapt your diet even when you are healthy?
Doctors don’t recommend to drastically change your diet when pregnant – especially if you were eating a healthy, balanced diet in the first place. You should simply make sure that you eat healthily and don’t skip any meals. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t eat for two during your pregnancy. You will gain on average between 26 and 34 pounds: 4 pounds during the first trimester is actually a good indicator, to keep you in check weight-wise. That’s hardly enough to get you booked for a liposuction on Harley Street as this weight will disappear on its own rapidly after the birth of your baby, even more so if you’re breastfeeding.
Nutritional needs should perk up slightly during the second trimester though, by 10 to 15% (that’s around 200 to 300 extra calories per meal). But don’t bother with calorie counting as you should get there instinctively.
Essential Nutrients
Calcium is without a doubt the most important nutrient during pregnancy and you should definitely make sure you’re stocking up on dairies, around four times a day, be it cheese, milk or yogurt. To help with calcium absorption, you should also ensure that you’re keeping your vitamin D levels high. Omega-3 fatty acids play a very important role in helping to develop brain and sight: it can be found in fresh-water and salt-water fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon. Finally, don’t forget your vitamin C, to be found in fruits and fresh vegetables to help your body process those fatty acids.
About Cravings
You should succumb to your cravings without feeling guilty, as long as you avoid certain substances like alcohol, unpasteurized cheese and raw meats and fish. There are definite biological reasons behind cravings. They are simply a signal that your body might be short on certain nutrients so next time you find yourself with a insatiable need for a huge fry-up, go for it without hesitation.
:camera: via Pixabay