Which Foods are Safe to eat during Pregnancy ?

Is it okay to eat dry-fruits in the first trimester? Can I eat eggs, or are they high on cholesterol?

Questions and confusion! And you know what tops the list? Advise from a dozen people in a dozen ways… Phew!!  But trust me, you’ll remember this phase life long bringing smiles later.

Any lady whose pregnant especially for the first time, faces dilemma in even the smallest of things to worry about. But do not ignore the food you eat. While eating for two during pregnancy, you need to be cautious as well as pick the right and most nutritious food for the two of you.

You will need foods rich in Calcium for your baby’s tissues and bones, Folic Acid to protect the baby from birth defects and iron to assist the red blood cells to carry oxygen to your baby.

So what’s in the Must-Eat list? Let’s take a look:

1. Eggs

Cheap and quick! Consisting of more than 12 vitamins and minerals, this magic eatery contains lot of protein necessary during pregnancy. Also rich in Choline, which helps the baby’s overall growth, some eggs contain omega-3 fats vital for brain and vision development of the child.

Caution: Do not eat undercooked or raw eggs.

2. Beans

Soups and salads, Pasta and dishes! Pick your favorite – Lentils, Black beans, Chikpeas and from the many in list, but make sure to add your non-favorites’ too in the diet. Rich in fiber and protein, this secret ingredient helps you when your gastrointestinal tract slows down which leads to constipation and hemorrhoids. Food rich in fiber will act as a medicine in these situations.

Best for: Iron, Folate, calcium and Zinc.

3. Walnuts

Really? Hell yes! Walnuts are the best providers of protein and fiber. They are one of the riches sources of plant-based omega-3s. A handful of Walnuts will benefit you with healthy nutrients and nourish your body and the growing baby.

Best for: Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, Magnesium and Vitamin B

Added advantage: Prevents pregnancy related hypertension

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is vital in your pregnancy diet. The calcium presence will help keep the bones intact and provide all the necessary proteins. Try a cup of plain, low-fat yogurt with fruits or parathas and enrich yourself with this perfect source.

Advantage: Helps to reduce the risk of yeast infection which is common while you’re expecting.

5. Fruits and Veggies

Like they say, rainbow is beautiful with presence of each colour, Pregnancy is healthier with intake of colorful fruits and vegetables. Eat the Greens, reds, Yellows and oranges’! All these natural foods provide vitamins and minerals needed for your baby to grow plus for you to remain healthy and calm.

Secret: In the later stages of your pregnancy, your baby tastes the foods you intake through the amniotic fluid and so expose the baby to all kinds of foods increasing the chances of the baby recognizing the flavors later on.

Interesting, right? Let us know what you ate or are eating in your wonderful months of life! Your comments will help the other “to-be mother’s” too.

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