Women are often heard telling others that they are “eating for two” while they are pregnant. This may be true, but it doesn’t mean that women should be indulging in double the portions of ice cream, pickles and their favorite junk food.
The fact of the matter is, High Desert women who are expecting are providing nutrition not only for themselves but also for their unborn child. It’s important for women to make healthy choices while they are pregnant in order to provide their baby with the best vitamins and nutrients during this pivotal period of growth and development. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we recommend these pregnancy superfoods for pregnant women in the Apple Valley region.
What are the Best Foods to Enjoy During Pregnancy?
Women should try to incorporate beef into their diet. Use lean cuts of beef whenever possible, such as sirloin or lean ground beef. Beef not only helps you meet your protein requirements, but it also is filled with vitamin B6, B12, zinc and iron. Choline is found in beef, and it helps to develop your growing baby’s brain.
Berries make the perfect snack during pregnancy. Whether you prefer blueberries, blackberries or raspberries, you will be providing you and your baby with vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium. Berries aid in cell development and also help protect the growing cells within your body.
Beans are filled with plenty of vitamins and nutrients that moms-to-be need during this special time. Beans offer protein, iron, fiber, zinc and folate, to name a few essential nutrients. The best beans to choose include lentils, chickpeas and black beans.
Pasteurized cheese is a great way to boost nutrition while pregnant. Cheese will help you boost your calcium, magnesium and phosphorous supplies. However, it’s only safe to eat pasteurized cheese while pregnant. In general, avoid soft cheeses such as feta, and other unpasteurized products.
Instead of grabbing a pop, coffee or sugary fruit drink, pregnant women should pour themselves a glass of milk. Milk provides pregnant women with the calcium that they need in order to keep their bones strong, and it also aids in strong bone development of a growing infant. Milk also provides pregnant women with vitamin D, vitamin A and the B vitamins, as well as protein. Remember, even chocolate milk and milk-based smoothies will have these essential nutrients.
Of course, the occasional indulgence in a bowl of your favorite ice cream is not going to hurt you or your growing baby. However, try to pack these superfoods into your diet while pregnant.
You will be able to rest easy at night knowing that your body is capable of doing all of the work it needs to do because you have provided it with just the right type of fuel. The end result of a happy, healthy and beautiful baby will be well worth it in the end. Talk with Dr. Ahmadinia at your next prenatal appointment about the best dietary choices that you can make during this point in your pregnancy.
