Motherhood is, indeed, the best stage for a lady in her life. At this juncture, everyone close to her tries to keep her blissful and energetic, so that she can welcome her part with complete bliss and gratification. A pregnant woman needs a lot of care and concern, as she goes through various mood swings that directly influence the foetus. She also requires a lot of nourishment for herself and for the overall development of the child as well. Here are some super foods that can keep the mother hale and hearty, so that she can enjoy the tenure of her pregnancy with pleasure.
1. Carbohydrate- Pasta, Potato, or Bread
The carbohydrate enriched foods, like pasta, potato and bread, can induce a lot of energy in to-be mothers, keeping the pregnancy fatigue at bay. The diet, rich in carbohydrates, is necessary for a woman to be active.
If you are not active on a high carbohydrate diet, then you run the risk of adding on more pounds than necessary or healthy during your pregnancy. To ensure that this does not happen, make it a point to take a light walk around the neighborhood at least twice a day.
Movement during your pregnancy, in general, is key to having a healthy a successful pregnancy. When you are going out on your brisk walk, don’t forget to bring along a bottle of water for hydration as well.
2. Banana
This super food is an instant energy booster due to its richness in potassium. Bananas are a great pregnancy snack, as they reduce common pregnancy problems, such as morning sickness, nausea, leg cramps, etc. Bananas also help in balancing the level of electrolytes in the body.
Having a banana in the middle of your day can be the perfect way to get a boost of energy. when pregnancy takes a toll on your energy levels, a quick and easy snack like a banana is the perfect way to get it back on track.
3. Dried Apricots
The delectable golden orange fruit has also proved a boon for pregnant women. However, dried apricots are regarded as a super food to be eaten in pregnancy. They induce proper bowel movement and reduce problems, like constipation. Iron is an essential component to be consumed by to-be moms, and apricots fulfil 10% of the daily requirements of iron.
4. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a very affluent source of energy for the body. They contain crucial compounds, like vitamin C and A, calcium, and beta-carotene. It is advisable to women, who are expecting, to consume sweet potatoes daily for the betterment and development of some vital organs of the foetus, like eye and skin.
5. Cereals- Shredded Wheat, Wheat Bites, Whole Grain Puffs
The whole wheat cereals are prosperously enriched with folic acid, which is quite essential for the pregnant woman. These are the best pick-me-up foods that can inculcate energy in a woman and makes her feel perky.
6. Protein- Fish, Eggs and Beans
Proteins are vital nutrients that are essential for expecting mothers. High-protein foods include fish, beans, chickpeas, eggs, and many more. They should be incorporated in the daily meals of a woman, as they promote cell growth in the body.
7. Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products, like skimmed milk, yogurt and tofu, are equally rich in calcium. Consumption of these food stuffs on the daily basis develops the bones of the foetus.
8. Broccoli
The crunchy broccoli contains those essential nutrients, like magnesium, folic acid, and calcium, which are highly needed by the woman who is expecting, to sustain her overall health.
9. Strawberry
Berries of any kind, like strawberries or blueberries, are efficient in energizing a pregnant woman, as they are the god-gifted powerhouse of folic acid, beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C. Strawberries also help in iron-absorption procedure.
10. Omega Fatty Acids
The wealthy sources of omega fatty acids are fish, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, soybeans, walnuts, etc. Omega fatty acids are responsible in developing eyes and brain of the foetus, and they also uphold proper functioning of the cells in the body.
11. Water
During pregnancy, your body undergoes various changes, and to cope with these alterations, you need to hydrate yourself properly. Water maintains energy in the body, prevents constipation, removes toxins from the body, and is also crucial for the healthy blood cells.
One of the main things that you can look forward to with pregnancy is the rapidly changing texture of your skin. With your growing belly, your skin will get stretched out like never before. When this happens, your skin will need to have the proper elasticity in it prevent it from ripping and creating stretch marks.
While stretch marks are primarily going to happen to your body because of genetics, there is plenty that you can do to help prevent them. One of the first steps of prevention is staying well hydrated throughout your day.
12. Cabbage
Cabbage is an excellent salad vegetable, which can be eaten raw, as well as cooked. This crunchy and multi-layered veggie is not meant just for burgers, but can also be eaten in pregnancy to enjoy the benefits of folic acid, vitamins, potassium and iron. Folic acid is fundamental to eradicate the neurological birth defects in the foetus.
13. Pomegranate
The petite red pearl-like seeds of pomegranate can do wonders in combating with a common dilemma, called pregnancy anaemia. Pomegranate fulfils the need of iron, vitamin A, C, and E, and also helps in augmenting the blood flow.
There are many ways to incorporate pomegranates into your diet. You can carry them around in a small pack and keep them lightly salted for a sweet and savory snack. You can also include the seeds in with your main meals including chicken dishes and salad. However you dress it up, pomegranate will certainly add a burst of flavor that is simply delightful.
14. Almonds
Besides being rich in unsaturated fats, almonds contain iron as well, which increases the volume of blood in the body and eases the problem of fatigue and anaemia.
Anemia is when your body is lacking enough iron thus limiting your internal organs’ abilities to get proper oxygen. When this happens, the result is exhaustion throughout the day that leaves you feeling worn out and tired.
Having almonds as a snack throughout your day is a great way to help fight off this exhaustion and to help fight off anemia in general.
The calcium compounds in almonds support proper development of the foetus’ bones and teeth, while the unsaturated fat develops the brain.
15. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe melons are so effective that a full cantaloupe can accomplish 100% requirement of vitamin A and C. Cantaloupe fights infection, boosts immunity and reduces B.P. This makes cantaloupe a great pregnancy food.
Cantaloupes have a rather high water content ration. Having this fruit throughout the day as a snack can be the perfect way to stay hydrated.