What I’m Eating While Pregnant; Foods For Your Developing Baby.

Foods You Should Be Eating While Pregnant

I truly believe that food is so much more powerful than people give it credit. I knew from the start that when I got pregnant, I really wanted to watch the foods I was feeding the little one. The foods we put into our bodies during pregnancy are so important, they aid in the development of our growing baby. This doesn’t mean you have to eat salad for nine months straight. I’m still eating the occasional pizza or ice cream. I’m all about a balanced lifestyle. Plus, pregnancy is no time to giving up junk food all together, especially since you already had to give up alcohol. I did a decent amount of research on foods that pregnant women should be adding to their diet. Fortunately, a lot of these foods were already a staple in my diet. If you want to know what I’m eating while pregnant, and find the foods that will help your developing baby, read below!

1. Dairy Products

Diary products are filled with the calcium and protein that your baby needs while developing. The main forms of dairy I’ve been consuming are greek yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, and milk. This food group was not hard for me to incorporate into my diet. I’m a cheese addict and I was already consume a lot of it (not ashamed!). I do understand that a lot of people are diary free though because of an intolerance or life choices. There are so many good alternatives to dairy products that give you just as much calcium or protein. Some alternatives are; soy milk, almond milk, tofu, greens, fortified cereals, English muffins, beans, and more.

2. Legumes

Legumes are filled with fiber, protein, folate, and iron. Folate is one of the most important vitamins you can give to your growing baby. It helps prevent many birth defects such as, neural tube defects and spina bifida. The legumes I’m consuming are chick peas, black beans, lentils, and split peas.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Healthy fats are something that everyone should be consuming all the time, not just during pregnancy. They are especially important in pregnancy because they aid in postpartum depression, promote healthy brain and retina development in your baby. The specific omega-3 foods that I’m consuming are salmon, flax seeds, chia seeds, nuts, and fish oil pills.

4. Eggs

Eggs are a powerhouse of good nutrition. They are filled with protein, good fats, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain chlorine, which helps with the spine development and prevents abnormalities in the brain. It’s a good thing I have eggs every morning.

5. Vegetables

There are a lot of veggies out there and they are all good for you, but there are some specific ones I’ve been eating during pregnancy. I’ve been eating broccoli and a lot of dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach. I’ve been focusing on these specifically because they have high amounts of fiber, vitamin C, K, A, calcium, iron, folate, and potassium.

6. Lean Meat

Lean meat is packed with protein which is essential to a baby’s development. It is high in iron, which can decrease the risk for low birth weight. Lean meat can always be found in our refrigerator. My husband loves grilling different types of meat. We typically eat chicken, steak, ground beef, ground turkey, and pork.

7. Berries

Berries contain large amounts of water, healthy carbs, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant. Berries also have a relatively low glycemic value which means it won’t spike your blood sugar. I find myself eating a lot of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

8. Whole Grains

Whole grains have fiber, vitamin B, iron, and various minerals. Fortified breads and cereals also have folate. The main whole grains you can find in my diet are whole wheat bread, brown rice, cereal and oatmeal. My favorite whole wheat bread is Brownberry Natural Wheat Bread and my favorite brand of cereal is Kashi.

9. Water

This one should just be a given you guys. Drink your water! Even when you’re not pregnant. Increasing your water intake during pregnancy can help reduce constipation and urinary tract infections, which are both common during pregnancy.

I hope ya’ll enjoyed reading about the foods I’m eating while pregnant. There are so many other healthy foods that can aid in your pregnancy, so make sure to do your own research as well.

If your’e expecting and are having sugar cravings, make sure to check out my simple oatmeal and chocolate energy bites recipe. This is such a great healthier alternative to other sugars.