Healthy Pregnancy

Some of the most healthy foods for pregnancy are some of the most basic foods, but they’re also some of the foods your body will need more of at this critical time of your life.

Since pregnancy can be especially taxing on your body, eating healthy and finding foods that will energize you, keep you strong and in good health is one of the most important prenatal tips for new moms.

By nourishing your body with a few of these super foods, you’ll be energized, strong,  sharp and ready to welcome your new bundle of joy healthy and happy.

Beans and legumes are Super Healthy Foods for Pregnancy

These foods are a great sources of protein, calcium,  fiber, niacin, iron and thiamine.

When I was pregnancy I liked to make a big batch of beans and then freeze them in small meal size containers. Crock pot bean recipes using Pinto beans, lima beans or  baked beans are easy to make, don’t cost much and make a great side dish for any mean.

Be careful with canned varieties of beans, they’re usually higher in sodium and sugar, not to mention their nutritional value is a lower since they’re processed using high temperatures.

Soybeans provide more protein than any other bean and are super rich in calcium and iron.

Eat Plenty of Whole Grains

Whole grains like brown rice, millet and oats are a great source of fiber, minerals, protein and B complex vitamins.  Buy the least processed grain types you can find. The commercially prepared grains usually have the nutritional and beneficial germ and bran removed.

Dark green leafy vegetables

Veggies like collard greens, kale, watercress and spinach are especially important for  pregnant or lactating women because they supply good amounts of  minerals and vitamins like vitamins A and C, iron and calcium.

Dark leafy green vegetables also are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein that protect against many types of cancer.

Veggies from the cabbage family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage itself are super sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They are also rich in phytochemicals that have anticancer properties.

Dark green leafy vegetables and cabbage family vegetables provide important nutrients that help to promote a plentiful milk supply for your baby.

Nuts and seeds

One of my favorite snacks are nuts and seeds.  I love snacking on them even when I’m not pregnant.  For one things they satisfy my hunger cravings better than any other snack and they’re just good for you.  They offer  good sources of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids which are the good fats that raise your good cholesterol and and support your cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.

Eat flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain and nervous system development.

Nuts and seeds can be eaten raw or toasted, I personally like them toasted, it adds a bit more flavor to the nut.  Just place them in the microwave for about 2 minutes for a nice toasty flavor.  They also work great in a salad made with the  dark leafy green vegetables mentioned above.

Of course, always drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest during the next several months.  A well-hydrated, well-rested body recovers quicker and is much better prepared for the challenges that a newborn baby brings into your life.