# This
is the high time to start with nutritious, delicious and well balanced diet. A
pregnant female needs some extra calories during pregnancy besides having more
of vitamins, minerals and fiber. But those extra calories should not come from
junk food which has zero nutritive value.
# To
keep in mind the need for a well balanced nutritious diet you should include a
variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables
should be taken instead of canned or processed food. Fruits and vegetables are
very good source for natural vitamins, minerals and roughage.
#
Roughage (fiber) is very much important during pregnancy as to avoid
constipation during pregnancy which may cause a variety of problems as piles
etc in a pregnant lady.
# Milk
and milk products should be included in the daily diet pattern as yoghurt,
buttermilk, cottage cheese etc as they are rich in calcium and essential amino
acids. The daily recommended dose of calcium should be increased to 800-1200 mg
in pregnancy.
#
Whole grain cereals and pulses should also be taken. Fish, meat, egg, nuts,
beans, Soya, peas are very good source of protein as well
#
Iron, calcium and vitamin B 12 are very much essential in pregnancy phase.
Raisins, dates, green leafy vegetables,broccoli,parsley, wheat germ, whole
grain breads, cereals including oats, brown rice, potatoes , iron fortified
products, jaggery and milk products etc are to be included in this phase of
life.
#
Vitamin C is also very important so a pregnant lady should include at least one
fruit rich in vitamin C as an orange, amla, tomato, grapefruit etc.
#
Carrot, squash, yellow and bell peppers, papaya etc (orange or yellow color
fruits) should be included in the daily diet as they are very rich source of
beta carotene which is needed by the body to produce vitamin A.
#
During pregnancy the body should be well hydrated, so drinks lots of water and
fresh fruit juices. Make sure you drink clean water so as to prevent water
borne diseases during pregnancy.
#
Special care should be taken during this phase while selecting oils too. Nuts
oil, olive or avocados are better options to be selected. Tran’s fats and
saturated fats should be avoided.
# Excessive tea, coffee, soft drinks and baked
products should be avoided. Also drinking tea with iron rich food slows down
its absorption. Alcohol and smoking should be completely avoided.
So all you special ladies out there who are in
this beautiful blessed phase of your life must enjoy this period of your
life with healthy food and loads of laughter...