When you’re a mother-to-be, you need to watch your health especially carefully, and one of the aspects of having a healthy pregnancy is eating the right food. There is no strict pregnancy diet if your pregnancy is going according to plan, but there are some pregnancy nutrition basics. Learn everything about the best food for pregnant women in Nigeria.
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1. Dairy
The number one on our list of foods to eat during pregnancy is dairy. The best foods to eat during pregnancy from the dairy department include milk, yoghurt, cheese, and any other dairy products that are available in your area, provided that they are made from pasteurized milk that has been treated against harmful microorganisms.
One of the key reasons why dairy belongs on the diet for pregnant women is its high content of calcium that essential for healthy bone and teeth development in the baby, and vitamin D, which aids better absorption of calcium by the woman’s body.
What should pregnant women eat when it comes to dairy? You can consume your favourite dairy products on their own – for example, have a glass of milk every night before sleep. You can also include dairy, especially yoghurts and cheese, into a whole range of salads and side dishes. Plus, eating healthy food for pregnancy doesn’t mean you can’t have a dairy-based dessert!
2. Fruits and vegetables
Any guide on food for pregnant women wouldn’t be complete without fresh produce. Delicious fruits and vegetables can be your best option for foods to eat during pregnancy first trimester, when you suffer from sickness and can’t eat anything else, but produce is great for you at any stage of the pregnancy as well.
If you’re wondering what to eat during pregnancy to feel fantastic, fruits and veggies should make up most of your diet: there should be up to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits for pregnant women a day. Veggies can be eaten both raw and cooked, while the best fruits during pregnancy are consumed raw and whole.
Some of the best fruits for pregnant women include apples, pears, various berries, watermelon, mango, papaya, and pineapple. Bananas aren’t the most suitable fruits to eat when pregnant due to their high calorie count, but one banana a day surely won’t hurt. As for the veggies, try eating more tomatoes, peas, bell peppers, pumpkin, and leafy greens.
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read also: zobo and pregnancy
3. Protein
You can get plenty of protein from large amounts of dairy and vegetables, but it’s not enough for a healthy pregnancy. Good food for pregnant women should be rich in protein, but that protein should be super lean, which means fatty meats are out of question.
The most valuable sources of protein for pregnant ladies are lean meats like beef and chicken, fish, and eggs. Of course, everything should be completely cooked, since raw contaminated foods are a huge threat to the woman and the baby. Beans and nuts are also great sources of valuable protein.
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4. Grains
Many of those who have no experience with pregnancy think that the answer to the question “What can pregnant women eat?” is “Whatever they want”. However, the best foods to eat when pregnant are the ones that benefit both the mom and the baby, which rules out all sugary and fatty treats.
Grains are an essential part of a diet consisting of the best food for pregnant women. The grains you should eat while expecting include complex carbohydrates like whole grain pasta and bread. Rice is a valuable component of a pregnancy diet, and a bowl of oatmeal is the best breakfast for a mommy-to-be!
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