Have a happy and healthy pregnancy

Opting for a variety in your dietary choices is always advisable, as it not only ensures that the mother gets enough nutrition, but also, satisfies her taste buds.

Pregnancy is a phase in life, not an illness that one has to worry about. With proper care and regular check-ups with the doctor, it is safe to say that it is, hands down, the most beautiful and magical phase of life. Healthy and balanced diet is always important, but its prominence escalates during pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is a must as this is the time when your body requires additional nutrition in order to sustain the other tiny little life that’s growing inside you.

“‘Eat more, you’re now eating for two’ was what everyone used to tell me during my pregnancy, and frankly, I used to feel hungry all the time,” says Anusha, a young mom in the city. But, that is not necessary. “Definitely, you’re bound to feel hungrier than before, but that doesn’t mean you have to stuff yourself. Instead, one can eat smaller portions of food frequently,” she adds.

Fruits and veggies, for example, contain many important nutrients, especially, vitamin C and folic acid that is a must have for all the pregnant ladies. Breads, grains and beans together ensure the presence of iron, vitamin B, carbohydrates etc., in the food.

So, all the mommies-to-be, here is a list of must-have foods that your diet should include

Fruits and veggies
Make sure that your tummy gets enough fresh fruits and vegetables as they are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre, which play an important role in the development of the baby and also helps maintain the immunity levels of the mother.

Starchy foods
Bread, cereals, maize, millets, oats, potatoes etc., are important additions to your meal. Choose wholegrain or fibre-rich ones over the regular options as these foods have the capacity to fill your stomach, without incorporating calories into it.

Dairy supplements
Calcium is one of the most important nutrients that are essential for the baby at this stage. Milk, yoghurt, cheese, etc., help strengthen the bones, both of the mother and baby. Diary alternatives like soya drinks and unsweetened yoghurts can also come in handy at times.

Healthy in-betweeners
It is normal for a pregnant lady to feel hungry between meals. At such times, it is healthier to opt for vegetable soups, sandwiches, fruit or sprouts instead of eating your way through chips or other fatty foods.

SOURCE – TelanganaTimes