Meal ideas for pregnant women

Pregnancy is one of the most important stages in women’s life. During this stage, the body changes as it prepares to deliver a new life, and it requires slight changes in the many different aspects, including the diet. Proper eating, rich in essential nutrients, is very important for pregnant women and for the developing fetus. Vitamins and minerals from food will help to develop muscular mass, tissues and bones of a baby and clever choice of food can improve the woman’s health and help her to deliver a healthy child. Here are some good tips and meal ideas for pregnant women.

Foods to avoid

Pregnancy is a sensitive period in women’s life and requires careful planning of the meals. Women should avoid certain foods, since the pregnancy changes make her immune system more vulnerable to infections. Even the simple upset stomach can result in dangerous dehydration and even miscarriage. Women should avoid raw eggs and food dressings containing eggs, sushi, unpasteurized juice, and swordfish, shark, and tilefish, which typically contain higher levels of methyl-mercury. This pollutant can damage the baby’s nervous system, while the raw and uncooked foods can contain bacteria and toxins, responsible for various stomach infections.

Meal ideas for pregnant women

A pregnant woman should always start her day with energizing breakfast. A bowl of homemade cereals, free from excessive sugar and additives, is one of the greatest ways to provide enough slowly releasing energy. One can mix oatmeal, cinnamon and sugar with low fat milk and enjoy it with a glass of grapefruit juice.

The lunch should be rich in nutrients and include proteins and carbohydrates, along with the portion of fruits. A good idea is to have a loaded baked potato with slices of turkey bacon, sour cream, cheddar and cheese. An apple or a glass of low fat milk will perfectly complete the dish.

Easy bean burritos and green beans will provide the body with a lot of fiber for dinner. A cup of low fat milk and some canned peaches can serve as a light desert. A pregnant woman should also have a couple of snacks during the day, to replenish the energy. A cup of strawberry banana smoothie or simple vanilla wafers are always a perfect choice. Instead of milk, a woman may enjoy a cup of lemonade or fresh orange juice. Crackers and cheese are protein rich snacks and a great way to get some fiber. It is always good to have a bag of nuts and a bowl of fresh fruit, to fight against the food cravings in the best possible way.