10 Healthy Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
Updated: May 24, 2019
Sure, sushi and cocktails will have to wait, but you have plenty of other tasty and super healthy options.
What to eat when pregnant? Start with bananas.
If you’ve been feeling queasy in the morning, start by nibbling a banana. It’s easy on your stomach and packs 40 micrograms of folic acid for your growing baby.
Nuts
The first trimester—perhaps more than the others—can feel like a rollercoaster. To keep your energy levels up and nausea at bay, reach for easy, healthy snacks throughout the day.
So what should you eat during your first trimester of pregnancy? Nuts are perfect. They’re crunchy and salty while giving you loads of healthy fats and folic acid. They’re also easy to toss in your bag for snacking emergencies.
Avocados
Your body needs variety, but avocados may be the ultimate healthy food for pregnancy. They contain good fats to keep you full and are rich in nutrients. The vitamin B6 in avocados will not only help your baby’s brain growth, but could even ease morning sickness. More avocado toast, please!
Berries
Berries are healthy for everyone because of their high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Their vitamin C can help your body absorb enough iron (especially important during pregnancy), as well as fight off unwanted germs. Toss some frozen berries in your morning smoothie or yogurt. Craving something sweet? Whip up some raspberry sorbet.
Oatmeal
Have a friend who is expecting? Mix up a batch of this pumpkin and apple oatmeal mix for a thoughtful gift. Oatmeal gives moms-to-be steady energy throughout the day from its complex carbohydrates. It can also keep mom’s heart healthy by lowering cholesterol.
Broccoli
If you’re up for it, try taking a stroll through your local farmers market. You’ll get some gentle exercise while trying new vegetables for your growing bump. Grab a head of broccoli for healthy nutrients like calcium and folic acid. Eating broccoli can also help your body absorb iron.
Eggs
If you’ve been having a tough time getting enough protein during your pregnancy, try whipping up some scrambled eggs. Eggs will keep you full and give your body the amino acids it needs to help your baby grow.
Salmon
Certain types of fish and sushi are not safe during pregnancy, but feel free to load up on salmon this week. Salmon is rich in healthy fats and vitamin D for your growing baby. Enjoying salmon two to three times per week can help you get all the omega-3 fatty acids you need.
Mangos
Even if a babymoon is not in the budget this time around, you can still take a trip to the tropics! It’s easy to add mangos to smoothies or salsa—and they’re high in vitamins A and C.
Sweet Potatoes
Can’t get enough salty snacks right now? Put down the greasy chips and embrace those cravings with these good-for-you sweet potato recipes. They’re rich and flavourful while giving your baby plenty of vitamin A for healthy development.
Newsletter Unit
