Knowing the best foods to eat during pregnancy can help a mother maintain a well-balanced diet and find healthy alternatives to tackle pregnancy cravings. Pregnant women may feel overwhelmed by the food advice they receive from many sources. Hence, follow what is recommended by your healthcare provider and suitable for you. Also, include various nutritious foods to meet the increasing energy and nutrient requirements in pregnancy. Read on to know about the foods to be eaten during pregnancy to ensure the baby develops well.
What Kind Of Food Should A Pregnant Woman Eat?
A pregnant woman should follow a balanced and nutritious diet that includes foods from the basic food groups. According to the USDA (the United States Department of Agriculture) and the US dietary guidelines, you should have items from the following foods groups every day (1) (2): Limit the intake of solid fats (such as butter, shortening, lard), salts, sugars, and sweets. Eating the foods from the above food groups will help you have a balanced diet. Within these groups, there are certain superfoods that you might want to include during pregnancy.
20 Best Foods To Eat For A Healthy Pregnancy
Here are the 20 foods that you may add to your pregnancy diet to stay healthy and also ensure your baby’s growth.
1. Dairy products
They are an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, protein, phosphorus, and other essential vitamins and minerals. All these nutrients play a significant role in the baby’s growth and birth weight (3). How much to take: 2 to 3 servings a day Ways to consume: A glass of milk; a bowl of cereal with milk; a bowl of yogurt; soups and casseroles with shredded cheese.
2. Legumes
Beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, and soybeans are nutritional powerhouses. They contain protein, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, and help prevent heart ailments, diabetes, and overweight (4). How much to take: 5 servings (or 3 cups) a week (5) Ways to consume: Add legumes to stews, soups and stir-fries; puree to make dips and spreads; munch on peanuts or soy nuts. You may use canned or dried legumes.
3. Avocados
They are rich in fiber, vitamins B, K, C and E, potassium, and copper. They also contain healthy fats (monounsaturated fats) that help in fetal skin, brain, and tissue development (6). How much to take: Half of a medium sized avocado every day (7) Ways to consume: Guacamole (avocado-based) could be used as a dip or spread for chips, wraps, crackers, and sandwiches; avocado with baked egg; roasted avocado; avocado salad.
4. Sweet potatoes
They are a good source of beta-carotene that your body converts into vitamin A (8). This vitamin is essential for the growth and differentiation of cells and tissues in the fetus. But make sure your total intake of vitamin A does not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA) as it could lead to complications. Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber that reduces blood sugars, makes you feel full and aids in digestion. How much to take: 1 cup a day meets the RDA of vitamin A Ways to consume: Bake them in the oven and drizzle with olive oil; boil them and have with any dip or sauce.
5. Eggs
They are a great source of amino acids and protein (9). The essential vitamin choline helps promote brain health and prevents neural tube defects in the baby (10). The omega-3 fats support vision and brain development. How much to take: 1 egg a day (11) Ways to consume: Omelet, frittata, well cooked hard-boiled eggs with salad.
6. Salmon
It is packed with essential omega-3s namely EPA and DHA (12), both of which are necessary for fetal vision and brain development. How much to take: 2 servings (8 to 12 ounces) a week Ways to consume: Eat it grilled, boiled or smoked
7. Lean meat
It is an excellent source of protein needed to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Also rich in iron (13), it supports blood and oxygen supply to the baby. Iron also helps in strengthening the fetal brain. If you are not a meat-eater, you may replace it with dark leafy greens, quinoa, dried beans, tofu, and lentils. How much to take: 1 serving (2 to 3 ounces) a day (5) Ways to consume: Grilled chicken salad, turkey sandwich or quinoa and veggies. Avoid processed and cold cuts.
8. Fortified breakfast cereals
They are multi-grain cereals enriched with additional vitamins and minerals. Whole grain cereals contain dietary fibers that satisfy hunger pangs (14). How much to take: Depends on the type of fortified cereal Ways to consume: Choose cereals containing high fiber, iron and folic acid. Add milk to a bowl of cereals and top with nuts, fruits, and berries.
9. Bananas
They are rich in potassium and provide a quick dose of energy to fight fatigue and prevent muscle cramps (15). They are also easy on the stomach when you feel nauseous. How much to take: It is safe to eat bananas everyday (5). Ways to consume: Add them in a cereal; make a smoothie along with yogurt and berries.
10. Cod liver oil
It is obtained from oily fish liver, especially cod. The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA that are necessary for brain and eye development of the baby (16). It is also an excellent source of vitamin D that works against preeclampsia (17). How much to take: 1 to 2 softgels a day (18) Ways to consume: Available in the form of capsules; you should have them upon your doctor’s recommendation.
11. Oatmeal
It contains significant amounts of fiber, iron, B vitamins, and other minerals. The complex carbs and dietary fiber can help in keeping you full. Oatmeal is also a source of energy and helps reduce cholesterol levels (1). How much to take: ½ cup every day (11) Ways to consume: Boil it with some milk; cook plain and add maple syrup or jelly; add to muffins, pancakes, cookies, or cakes.
12. Nut butters
Not just peanut butter, but also almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are made into healthy butters. These butters provide protein, amino acids and unsaturated fats that are essential for fetal heart, brain, eye and immune system. They also help you feel full (19). How much to take: One tablespoon every day (20) Ways to consume: Spread on a toast or sandwich; add to any salads; dip for apples; add to a smoothie.
13. Leafy vegetables
Dark green leaves such as spinach and kale contain many nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, potassium, folate, fiber, zinc and niacin. They are also rich in antioxidants, and plant components that aid in digestion and the immune system. The fibers help address constipation, and folic acid prevents birth defects in babies. How much to take: 3 to 5 servings a day (1) Ways to consume: Sauté with other vegetables; add to sandwich; mix with pasta or soups.
14. Berries
They are packed with healthy carbs, water, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. All these help pregnant women increase their nutrient and water intake. They have a low glycemic index value and are not known to cause any elevation in blood sugar levels. How much to take: 1 to 2 cups a day (11) Ways to consume: Include them as toppings to cereal or oatmeal; make a smoothie; add to yogurt.
15. Whole grains
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant compounds, whole grains help you meet the calorie needs with the progressing pregnancy. They are also rich in vitamins, fiber and magnesium (1). How much to take: 6 to 9 servings every day (7) Ways to consume: Whole grain bread; cooked whole grain pasta; cooked brown rice; whole wheat crackers; popped popcorn.
16. Dried fruits
They are high in fiber, calories, vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium and iron. They supply glucose, nutrients and calories to the body (21) and are the best alternative to junk snacks. How much to take: 1 cup a day (7) Ways to consume: Choose dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, cherries, prunes and dates. Avoid candied varieties.
17. Greek yogurt
It is a better source of protein than regular yogurt (22). The healthy bacteria in it help combat unhealthy bacteria and may lower the risk of infections, allergies, and preterm labor. It also contains calcium necessary for the baby’s bone and teeth development. How much to take: 1 serving (1 cup) every day (23) Ways to consume: Top plain Greek yogurt with honey and sliced nuts; mix into a fruit smoothie; use as a dip for vegetables.
18. Carrots and peppers
Both are rich in beta-carotene that converts into vitamin A and is essential for your baby’s skin, eyes, bones and organ development. They are also a great source of vitamins C, B6 and fiber necessary for pregnancy (5). However, make sure your overall intake of vitamin A is not more than the RDA. How much to take: 3 servings (1 ½ cups) a day (1) Ways to consume: Perfect to munch with or without dip; add to salads, meat or cakes; good in stir-fries, pasta dishes, and salsa.
19. Oranges
They provide you with calcium, vitamins C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber (24), folic acid, potassium, and fiber. The 90% water content in the fruit helps you keep hydrated during pregnancy. How much to take: 1 medium fruit every day (5) Ways to consume: Eat in its natural form; plain orange juice; mix with banana or any other fruit smoothie; popsicles.
20. Pumpkin seeds
This nutritional powerhouse contains magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc and many other minerals that promote muscle health. They also boost your protein and iron intake (25). How much to take: 1 ounce of seeds every day Ways to consume: Eat them roasted or salted; as topping on salads and soups. These superfoods are generally considered safe, but it is good to consult your doctor before having them in your daily diet. What you eat and how much you eat affect not only your health but also your baby’s growth and development. Though you do not need any extra calories during the first trimester, it increases by an additional 300 calories during the second and third trimester. Your doctor may ask you to eat more if you are underweight or carrying multiples, and eat less if you are overweight. What does your daily food-plate contain? Let us know in the comments section below.
