We’ve all heard the lists of “foods pregnant women should eat” or “foods pregnant women should avoid“, but this is a whole new level! We are lucky enough to have my blogging friend, Mike teach us about 3 – Surprising – foods pregnant women should consume more often!
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As an expectant mother, you may be well aware that the foods you consume are passed along to your baby. Understandably, pregnant women want to make a great meal and snack decisions to ensure your baby will thrive in your womb. It is important that you eat a balanced diet rich in a wide range of nutrients while you are pregnant. Also, take a prenatal vitamin as recommended by your doctor.
However, there are a few super foods that are exceptional sources of nutrients for pregnant women. Ensure that you incorporate these foods into your diet throughout your pregnancy so that your baby can benefit from all of the incredible nutrients in these foods.
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Onions
When you think about super foods for pregnancy, the last thing you may think about is an onion. However, onions are loaded with nutrients. These are some of the nutrients in onions:
- calcium,
- vitamin B6
- vitamin C,
- biotin
- vitamin K.
Also, they are full of dietary fiber which aids in digestion. Onions are also known for their anti-tumor benefits and for enhancing your immune system. They are even a great natural remedy for chest congestion and are amazing if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Incorporating onions into your diet is easy to do. You can simply chop off a few onions to place in your omelet in the morning or slice a few of onions to place on a salad or sandwich for lunch. You can even dice onions finely to add to soups, casseroles and more. By taking this simple effort, you can enjoy the full benefits of onions throughout your pregnancy.
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Eggs
Eggs are a wonderful food option as well. They contain only 90 calories each, and for this low-caloric intake, you can benefit from an incredible amount of protein that is essential for your baby’s growth.
Eggs also contain choline, which promotes healthy brain development. Omega-3s are also found in eggs, and these nutrients enhance vision and brain development.
These are essential nutrients that your baby needs to be healthy in your womb, and they are also great foods to provide to your baby once he or she is able to start eating table foods.
Because they are high in cholesterol, it is wise only to consume one or two eggs per day. You can prepare them in a variety of ways for breakfast, or you can enjoy them on a sandwich or in a salad later in the day. With so many different ways to prepare this food in your meals and snacks, it is easy to enjoy the health benefits of eggs.
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Whole Grains
You should also ensure that you consume an adequate amount of whole grain foods. These are foods that do not say “enriched” on the ingredients list. Instead, they may say “unenriched” or “whole grain.” Look at the ingredients list on food packages to ensure that you get foods that are loaded with nutrients rather than with refined sugars. Some whole grain options include bread, tortillas, pasta, wild rice and more.
These are great for alleviating constipation and hemorrhoids that are common with pregnancy. They are also loaded with more nutrients than you will find with white pasta and bread options. Some are even enriched with added protein or fiber. You can safely incorporate two to three servings of whole grains into your diet each day. For example, you can have a piece of whole grain toast in the morning with your egg, and you can enjoy a whole grain sandwich or pasta later in the day.
Conclusion
These are only a few of the primary foods that you should incorporate into your diet and enjoy regularly. Your diet should also include a wide range of fruits and vegetables. While your prenatal vitamin contains all of the nutrients that your baby needs, it is best for your baby to obtain nutrients from the foods you consume. With this in mind, take the time to learn more about the nutrients that your growing baby needs, and ensure that your diet includes all of those foods on a regular basis. When you take this step, you will be giving your baby the nutrients he or she needs to grow healthily.
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Thank you so much Mike for sharing your knowledge! For other great articles relating to wellness and pregnancy, make sure to check out one of the following!
