Nutrition tips for a healthy pregnancy

Nutrition tips for a healthy pregnancy

So I got pregnant with no family or friends with kids to give me advice and never had close contact with pregnancy or babies.

What should I eat so that my baby develops healthy and strong?

I had no idea and went to the OB with so many questions I didn't know where to start... The nurse gave me a list of nutrients I needed to have besides taking the super vitamins and I thought, "I've been eating all day to follow this!" Plus I was nauseous and exhausted. How can you ask a pregnant woman to eat all that? Insane! And I realized that I had to go on a diet myself.

Throughout my entire pregnancy, I couldn't smell chicken, meat, fish, or fatty stuff for miles. Can you imagine eating it? No way!

I know your body craves nutrients in the morning and absorbs them best then. So it seemed prudent to make sure my first meal was as healthy as possible. It gave me energy for the rest of the day and satisfaction knowing I did the best to help my baby grow.

I took advantage of the fact that I was craving crazy fruits to start the day with a super fresh and natural smoothie and also found a way to add protein to my diet. I bought pretty much any other fruit I could find in the store, as well as protein powder (like EAS 100% Vanilla Flavored Whey Protein or any other berry flavored one) to supplement the following examples of fresh fruit smoothies:

– Orange Juice/Mellon (good with berry flavor protein)

– Orange juice / papaya / apple (you can add a tablespoon of oats)

– Orange juice / papaya / apple / banana (you can add a tablespoon of oats)

– Orange juice/pineapple (good with berry flavor protein)

– Milk / strawberries (fresh or frozen)

– Milk / Strawberries / Banana (you can add a tablespoon of oats)

– Milk / Banana / Oats

– Milk / avocado / sugar or honey

Add 1 or 2 scoops of protein powder and you can also add honey to sweeten them slightly, but most don't need it as the fruits are sweet enough.

For veggies, instead of drinking bottled V8 or similar, I did the following for each night (before, during, or after dinner):

Orange juice / carrots / tomatoes / fresh parsley (you can add a few broccoli florets and / or celery)

Not only are these smoothies good for you and your baby's health, but they will also help you keep your skin nice and firm and reduce the likelihood of stretch marks. Your skin and hair will thank you.

Make sure you take your vitamins and snacks on cereal/yoghurt and milk/granola. Be beautiful and healthy and have the most amazing birth experience like mine!