We all know how difficult pregnancy can be (some more than others), so here is my advice. Figure out a healthier eating plan before you get pregnant. Changing the way you eat isn't an easy change, it takes time and it can be frustrating. It is best to have your healthy eating plan figured out before you get pregnant so when the time comes, you don't have to make a huge amount of changes, which may only add stress.
If you happen to have a difficult time eating a balanced diet during your first trimester, you are not the only one. Your eating may be sporadic due to periods of nausea. Some will be able to eat regularly and be able to gain much weight, while others may have a hard time keeping their food down and as a result, lose weight.
It is important to eat enough and drink enough water during your first trimester because you don't want to starve the growing baby of precious nutrients, or become dehydrated.
Since you'll be having a baby growing inside of you, you will need to start eating for two. You'll need to eat and extra 300 calories each day. Listen to your hunger signals and eat accordingly. Raw vegetables and fruits should be eaten daily. Now is an important time to listen to eat your fruits and vegetables, which are the best sources of vitamins and minerals.
During pregnancy you'll need around 1,500 milligrams of calcium every day for both you and your baby's bones. You can get this essential mineral from calcium rich, easy to digest, nutrient rich raw plant foods such as dark leafy greens, almonds, sesame seeds (tahini is a paste made of ground up sesame seeds), chia seeds (great in smoothies), and flax (can use in many recipes). If you are worried about not getting enough calcium, there are always calcium supplements.
Fiber is essential for digestive health, especially your colon. You need it to help maintain regular bowel movements. If you get constipated, it is usually due to not enough fiber or not enough water, or both. Make sure to eat plenty of fiber rich vegetables and fruits. This way of getting fiber makes a whole lot more sense than taking a fiber supplement.
When eating a balanced diet, protein deficiency isn't often a problem. It may be a problem if you aren't making sure to add a protein source such as beans, nuts, and seeds with most meals.
Since iron supplements shouldn't be taken during pregnancy, because they can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and constipation, it is best to get it from whole food sources. You can get iron from different kinds of seaweeds, dark leafy greens, sun-dried tomatoes, potatoes, sesame seeds, and other kinds of seeds and nuts.
Vitamin supplements may be needed if you aren't eating a balanced diet, but it is always best to get vitamins from whole foods rather than supplements. You may want to get the advice of a doctor if you are worried about not getting all the vitamins and minerals you and your baby needs.
If you happen to have a difficult time eating a balanced diet during your first trimester, you are not the only one. Your eating may be sporadic due to periods of nausea. Some will be able to eat regularly and be able to gain much weight, while others may have a hard time keeping their food down and as a result, lose weight.
It is important to eat enough and drink enough water during your first trimester because you don't want to starve the growing baby of precious nutrients, or become dehydrated.
Since you'll be having a baby growing inside of you, you will need to start eating for two. You'll need to eat and extra 300 calories each day. Listen to your hunger signals and eat accordingly. Raw vegetables and fruits should be eaten daily. Now is an important time to listen to eat your fruits and vegetables, which are the best sources of vitamins and minerals.
During pregnancy you'll need around 1,500 milligrams of calcium every day for both you and your baby's bones. You can get this essential mineral from calcium rich, easy to digest, nutrient rich raw plant foods such as dark leafy greens, almonds, sesame seeds (tahini is a paste made of ground up sesame seeds), chia seeds (great in smoothies), and flax (can use in many recipes). If you are worried about not getting enough calcium, there are always calcium supplements.
Fiber is essential for digestive health, especially your colon. You need it to help maintain regular bowel movements. If you get constipated, it is usually due to not enough fiber or not enough water, or both. Make sure to eat plenty of fiber rich vegetables and fruits. This way of getting fiber makes a whole lot more sense than taking a fiber supplement.
When eating a balanced diet, protein deficiency isn't often a problem. It may be a problem if you aren't making sure to add a protein source such as beans, nuts, and seeds with most meals.
Since iron supplements shouldn't be taken during pregnancy, because they can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and constipation, it is best to get it from whole food sources. You can get iron from different kinds of seaweeds, dark leafy greens, sun-dried tomatoes, potatoes, sesame seeds, and other kinds of seeds and nuts.
Vitamin supplements may be needed if you aren't eating a balanced diet, but it is always best to get vitamins from whole foods rather than supplements. You may want to get the advice of a doctor if you are worried about not getting all the vitamins and minerals you and your baby needs.
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