The Best Pregnancy Superfoods
While it may be tempting to give in to certain cravings such as fast food or other processed foods, let me be the first to encourage you…. PUT THE ICE CREAM DOWN AND WALK AWAY! 😉
Filling your diet with pregnancy superfoods provides many rewards for you and baby that cannot be ignored.
Incorporating pregnancy superfoods into your diet can drastically reduce the chances of you experiencing the following common, but serious pregnancy conditions:
Gestational diabetes
Preeclampsia
IUGR (Intra-uterine growth restriction)
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All of these conditions place you as a higher pregnancy risk which will severely impact on your ability to give birth naturally.
To give yourself the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy, birth and postpartum, I have included a list of must-eat pregnancy superfoods to incorporate into your diet as soon as possible!
Vegetables
Kale – 1 cup gives you 4 grams of protein, 150 mg of calcium, 491 mg of potassium, and way more than your daily requirements of Vitamin A and K!
Spinach- high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fibre, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.
Broccoli- a great source of folate (sometimes called folic acid) which is an essential nutrient for a growing baby. Without it, babies can develop birth defects such as Spina Bifida.
Avocado- high in potassium and monounsaturated fatty acids that are loved by both mommy and baby.
Lacto Fermented Carrots- rich in probiotics, which are an essential part of a balanced pregnancy diet.
Sweet Potato- a rich source of iron. The beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes is used by your body to make Vitamin A which enhances eyesight.
Related: Bible Verses for Labor and Birth
Fruit
Bananas- These offer instant energy due to its high carbohydrate content, helps prevent pregnancy muscle cramps, and ward off between-meal morning sickness symptoms.
Dates- These offer more energy, reduced constipation and a high source of fiber.
Nuts and Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds- These seeds pack a big punch with magnesium, manganese, copper, protein and zinc.
Chia Seeds- Loaded with fibre, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients.
Almonds- Almonds rank highest in protein, fibre, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin content by weight.
Diary
Yogurt- Packed with probiotics which is essential during pregnancy.
Kefir- Another probiotic-rich food. Kefir is often described as drinkable yogurt.
Protein
Pasture-Raised Eggs- This source of protein will help keep pregnancy nausea away. Also, yolk is considered brain food for your growing baby. Eggs are an excellent source of long-chain fatty acids which play a vital role in the development of the nervous system in an infant.
Lentils- A great source of potassium, calcium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K, but are particularly rich in dietary fibre, lean protein, folate and iron.
Related: 20 Questions to ask Your Provider to Set Yourself up for a Successful VBAC
Other
Coconut Oil- An amazing oil to use in your coffee, cooking or as a lotion.
Bone Broth- Rich in minerals that support the immune system and contains healing compounds like collagen, glutamine, glycine, and proline. The collagen in bone broth will help to heal the gut lining and reduce intestinal inflammation.
Kombucha- A delicious fermented beverage that is rich in probiotics. Kombucha is a great substitute for soda!
Spirulina- A great source of iron, calcium, and protein! Perfect if you are vegetarian.
What are your favorite pregnancy super foods?
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