During pregnancy, it is important to keep in mind that the food you consume will provide energy for you as well as your baby. A healthy diet will ensure good physical and mental development of the baby. It will also provide the strength you need to accommodate the growing baby and to deal with the various changes that pregnancy brings. There are a variety of healthy recipes for pregnant women, which are both nutritious and appetizing. A pregnant woman does not need to be on a special diet, but whatever she eats must be healthy and balanced.
It is essential that you supply your body with all the necessary nutrients. In most cases, women gain about 20 to 30 pounds during pregnancy. It is advisable to avoid gaining too much weight.
The amount of weight gain during pregnancy is influenced by your weight before the pregnancy. Doctors recommend that underweight women should gain up to 40 pounds and overweight women should attempt to gain only about 15 pounds. To limit excess weight gain, you must reduce the consumption of sugar and fat.
In the initial three months or first trimester of pregnancy, the diet should be high in folic acid, calcium and iron. Folic acid and iron supplements may also be prescribed by the doctor. Recipes for pregnant women in first trimester should incorporate foods such as beets, spinach, broccoli, avocados and lettuce. These foods are all rich in folate and beneficial in preventing neural tube defects in the baby. Spicy and fried foods that trigger nausea or vomiting should be avoided. During the second trimester, most women observe the diminishing of morning sickness and unpleasant symptoms. Therefore recipes for pregnant women in second trimester can include many foods which were previously avoided.
Chicken spinach salad is an easy to make dish, extremely healthy and delectable. In a bowl, mix together strips of spinach, lettuce pepper and finely sliced onion. Chill the salad and then add the thin chicken strips. Season the salad with rosemary and lemon pepper. Orange and mint water is another drink that you can have when pregnant. Mix the chopped oranges and finely cut mint in water. Chill the drink and enjoy it on that hot summer day and relax yourself. In the last trimester many women complain of heartburn. This may be due to the pressure of the enlarging belly on the digestive system. Recipes for pregnant women in third trimester should not consist of any spicy or oily foods as this may aggravate the condition. Also avoid intake of caffeine.
One of the healthiest recipes for pregnant women is a pregnancy smoothie. You can make this by mixing together some low fat yogurt, orange juice, soy milk and frozen mixed berries. Simply blend the ingredients together and you have a delicious smoothie that is rich in protein and calcium.
Read more articles from the Pregnancy Diet Category.
7 Must-Haves Before Your Baby Arrives
Bonding Games for Babies
DIY Baby Bath Towel Apron
Common Late Pregnancy Fears