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You have a tiny life growing inside you. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you should begin considering what you eat because you're now eating for two! Studies have shown that a newborn's health is closely linked to the diet of the mother during the pregnancy. Here are some tips you may wish to consider when preparing your meals.
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When you don't eat, your baby doesn't eat: Your baby can't live off of the nutrients in your body. The baby needs regular nourishment from food you eat at regular intervals. Don't skip meals, even if you don't feel hungry, the baby is.
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All calories are not the same: Use common sense when planning your daily caloric intake. 200 calories from pastries are not the same as 200 calories from whole grain bread or a healthy salad.
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Water: Drinking extra water while you are pregnant is also very important. You should drink at least 8 cups (2 quarts) a day. If you make a habit of going through the day without drinking much, now is the time to change that habit!
Following are some basic food groups with which you can develop a well-balanced diet during your pregnancy.
Protein Foods:
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Low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt
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Swiss cheese or Cheddar cheese
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Egg whites
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Tuna, fish or shrimp
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Clams, crabs or lobster meat
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Veal
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White meat turkey or chicken
Vitamin C Foods:
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Grapefruit or grapfruit juice
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Oranges or orange juice
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Mango, papaya or cantaloupe
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Strawberries, blackberries or raspberries
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Tomatoes
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Green peppers, broccoli or cauliflower
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Raw spinach
Calcium-rich Foods:
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Skim or low-fat milk
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Soy milk
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Corn tortillas
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Dried figs
Other fruits and vegetables:
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Bananas, grapes, pears or pineapples
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Bean sprouts, brussels sprouts
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Potatoes, zucchini, corn, green beans
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