Top 8 Beneficial Food Groups During Pregnancy

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Quality and nutritious food are crucial throughout pregnancy for the health of both the pregnant woman and the baby. A pregnant woman should not eat for two but rather focus on having at least four meals a day, small and frequent. An additional daily intake of about 500 calories is sufficient. During pregnancy, emphasis should be placed on consuming more fruits and vegetables, dairy products, proteins, and grains. It is recommended to reduce the intake of sweets and fats.

Here are the foods to pay attention to during pregnancy:

Dairy Products: These are the best sources of calcium, containing high-quality proteins like whey and casein. In addition to calcium, they provide magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins, phosphorus, and more. Fresh yogurt and cheese are excellent calcium sources meeting the needs of the growing baby.
Proteins: Necessary for maintaining high hemoglobin levels. During pregnancy, blood volume increases to deliver nutrients to the baby, causing a decrease in hemoglobin levels that needs to be compensated by intake of iron-rich foods. Healthy protein sources include fish, tofu, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, beans, apricots, oranges, grapes, eggs, turkey, chicken, lamb, beef, and more. It’s essential to choose proteins with low-fat content.
Healthy Fats: Consumption of healthier fats like olive oil, olives, and nuts is recommended.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber helps with bloating and gas. Good sources include whole-grain bread, grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Legumes: These plants contain iron, protein, fiber, calcium, and folic acid. Lentils, peas, beans, soy, peanuts, and chickpeas are recommended.
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for the baby’s eye and brain development. Omega-3 also helps prevent premature birth. It is advisable to avoid certain seafood but consider well-cooked salmon as a safe option.
Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and immune system development in the baby. Sweet potatoes pair well with avocado for a nutritious morning or afternoon snack.
Avocado: A rich source of antioxidants, B-vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and copper. Beneficial for the baby’s brain, skin, and tissues.