Nutrition For A Healthy Pregnancy

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Learn what you should be eating during your pregnancy


When it comes to a healthy nutrition pregnancy, there are a lot of people that find that they are confused about what they should and should not be eating. The main purpose of this lens is to help you understand what you should be eating and drinking during pregnancy.


Let´s start with the basics: Knowing what to include can help you make the healthiest choices for you and of course your baby !.

The Benefits Of Having A Nutritional Pregnancy

Be sure you are on the right track


There is nothing more important than making sure that you truly have nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Remember that without a proper nutrition and specific pregnancy exercise is something that can cause not only harm to your own body but also that of the lovely child growing inside of you !.
It is very important that you are following all of your doctor's orders and having yourself a healthy nutrition pregnancy so that you can have a pregnancy with little complications, if any. Make sure that you are always keeping in mind that what you put into your body affects the child.

It is also not just what you do put into your body that affects the child but also what you do not put into your body. If you find that you are skipping out on your prenatal vitamins you are doing yourself and your unborn child a lot of harm. You have to make sure that you are always taking any vitamins that the doctor suggests to you and that you are getting enough overall nutrition into your body. By doing all of this you will be making sure that you have a healthy nutrition pregnancy and that you are on the right track.

“Follow a well balanced and varied diet.... your baby will certainly thank you later”

Basics Of Eating Well When Pregnant

Eat your pregnancy is as easy as ABC



It is hard to believe that women have a hard time eating healthy when they are expecting a visit from the stork. The sad truth is some women think that is very difficult. There is a trick though to remember how to eat your pregnancy and it is as easy as ABC:



Assortment

This is the first key. It was said that the variety of spice of life. Keeping your diet filled with assortment of fruits, vegetables and protein will help make sure that you and your baby does not get too much a food and not enough of another. Eating healthy food will give you a variety of your baby grows and daily assortment of necessary nutrients.

Balance

We all know that balance and moderation is the key to any diet. There is no reason to deny yourself a bowl of ice cream, but the whole container is over doing it. Want to keep all your meals, as much as possible, and balanced, make sure you are getting enough vitamins, whole grains and lean protein. Eating in a second and will not help your baby, or in any way shape or form. Indulging in cravings is fine every now and then, as long as you keep it in moderation, if you want a cookie, have one. If your craving chips, there are several. This is when you eat a whole box of cookies and a whole bag of potato chips in one sitting that you could have problems.

Color

Do you want to make your plate look as colorful as possible ?. Look at fresh fruits and veggies to paint your plate. The more colorful your plate is, the more appeasing it is going to look in his eyes. Have you ever noticed in magazines and cooking shows the dishes always seem so tasty? This is because of various colors that are used in these dishes. You can get red strawberries and tomatoes to yellow peppers and squash. Choose your favorite colors and create your meals on this basis.


Are you worried about what to eat and what not to eat ?

(1) Make sure most of your choices are healthy ones.
(2) Follow a few guidelines and you will have a healthy bouncing baby growing inside.

A Perfect Nutrition Balance.

Food nutrients are much easier for the body to absorb



When searching for the best pregnancy nutrition, be aware that it is better to consume vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are attached to whole foods, not isolated. Whole food nutrients are much easier for the body to absorb, whereas isolated vitamins and minerals are often flushed out before the body can break them down to use for fuel. There are some excellent all natural, low carb, high fiber food formulas that provide perfect pregnancy nutrition in health drink concentrates. These concentrates make it easy for expectant mothers to get the nutrients they need to have nutrition for a healthy pregnancy.

Some of the most valuable elements of perfect pregnancy nutrition include:

The essential list

CALCIUM
PROTEIN
PHOSPHORUS
ZINC
POTASSIUM
FOLIC ACID
VITAMINS A,D,C,E
B COMPLEX

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Calcium

How to get enough calcium from whole foods

It is a nutrition fact that Calcium is an important mineral for everyone, especially children, adolescents, nursing mothers and expectant mothers who need perfect pregnancy nutrition. It's not easy to consume enough calcium every day without a health food vitamin or calcium supplement of some kind. It is especially challenging to get enough calcium from whole foods, like fruits and vegetables.


Dietary Reference Intakes: 1300mg per day.



Foods with Calcium them include:


  • Milk (8oz): 300mg
  • Yogurt (8oz): 350 mg
  • Cheese and Mixed Cheese Dishes: 200mg
  • Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp: 69mg
  • Calcium-Fortified Cereal, Breakfast Bars: 250mg
  • White beans, 1 cup: 170mg
  • Rhubarb, 1 cup : 350mg
  • Salmon, 3-4 oz : 225mg

    NOTE: Dandelion is a natural source of calcium from whole food and alfalfa has a high level of calcium with natural enzymes and chlorophyll, but these are a little harder to include in a daily diet for proper pregnancy nutrition.
    However, you can find a concentrated whole food calcium supplement that includes dandelion and alfalfa along with other whole food calcium sources.




  • If you are inclined to take a calcium supplement, not only is it important for perfect pregnancy nutrition that the calcium originates from whole food sources, it is equally important that Vitamin D2 is present. Vitamin D2 is crucial to aid the body in absorbing calcium. Vitamin D2 is a necessary component to work with the calcium for improved bone strength and density. In one particular natural whole food calcium supplement, 3 types of calcium are included with different absorption characteristics, and Vitamin D2 is present to enhance the absorption of calcium.

    Vitamin C

    Build strong bones and teeth

    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for tissue repair, wound and bone healing, and healthy skin. Vitamin C also helps your body fight infection.
    Both you and your baby need this vitamin daily - it's the cementing agent that holds new cells together. It helps your baby grow and builds strong bones and teeth. And it helps your body absorb iron. Try to include a vitamin C-rich food with every meal to get the most iron out of the other foods you eat.



    Foods with Vitamin C in them include:




    Dietary Reference Intakes: 85mg per day.



    It's best to get your vitamin C from fresh sources such as these::


  • 8 oz. orange juice: 124 mg
  • 1 papaya: 93.9 mg
  • 1 cup strawberries: 84.5 mg
  • 8 oz. grapefruit juice: 72 mg
  • 1/2 cup boiled broccoli: 58.2 mg
  • 1/2 pink or red grapefruit: 23.4 mg
  • 1 cup raspberries: 30.7 mg
  • 1/2 mango: 28.7 mg
  • 1 tomato: 23.5 mg
  • 1/2 boiled cabbage: 18.2 mg
  • 1/2 cup boiled beet greens: 17.9 mg
  • Folic Acid

    One of the most essential nutrient.

    F
    olate, also called Folic Acid and Vitamin B9 is another essential nutrient for perfect pregnancy nutrition. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body create healthy new cells. That is why folate is very important for pregnancy nutrition as hopeful mothers create new life. Moms who include sufficient folic acid in their diets are taking positive steps toward preventing birth defects, especially of the baby's brain or spine.


    Dietary Reference Intakes: 0.6 mg per day.



    Foods with Folate in them include:

  • Peas (frozen) 1 cup 0.05 - 0.1 mg
  • Peanuts Half a cup 0.1 mg
  • Green or yellow beans 1 cup 0.1 - 0.2 mg
  • Strawberries 1 cup 0.1 - 0.2 mg
  • Orange juice Half a cup 0.1 - 0.2 mg
  • Baked beans 1 cup 0.1-0.2 mg
  • Spinach (cooked) half a cup 0.1 - 0.2 mg

    Everyone has heard the stories about pregnant women who can't control their mood swings. Plenty of medical research points to a deficiency of folic acid for fostering depression and other psychiatric disorders. Folic acid can act as an antidepressant is no secret among scientists, it is also said that it can contribute to depressed mood, and that eliminating the deficiency often cures the depression.

    Some enriched breads, cereals and other grain products also contain folic acid. Again, it is important to be sure that the folate is attached to a natural whole food complex of B vitamins. You can find very effective whole foods, health drink concentrates and other pregnancy nutrition on the Internet that you will not find in retail stores. Just be sure to search for a natural health food vitamin for pregnancy nutrition. When you search, you will find folic acid along with other essential vitamins and minerals for perfect pregnancy nutrition.


  • Great material for you !

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    Important!

    What to avoid:

    Too much wine, beer, or hard liquor, junk food, drinks and foods with caffeine, cigarettes, drugs or pills.

    Diets & Pregnancy

    Forget about diets when you are pregnant.



    FORGET ABOUT DIETING WHILE PREGNANT !!

    You and your baby need a steady supply of calories and nutrients through out nine months of pregnancy and beyond. Pregnancy is one of the only times where women are expected to be of weight. You will have all the time in the world after the baby comes to lose weight, and for nine months does not even think about the word diet.
    If you find that you are getting sick from food they ate, it is time to start experimenting with different foods. Pregnancy is a time to expand your eating horizons as well as your waistbands. Plus with food aversions, might be turning green at some of your favorite foods and craving foods you never dreamed would eat.
    Finally, have fun with your food. Eating should be fun. Nothing will ruin your good habits faster than boredom. Add little touches like a dip for your veggies. Enjoy the food and try not to swallow it. When you decide to treat yourself, leave the guilt at the door.
    After all, you are a person that grows in you and decide to treat, and for now all his hard work.




    CLICK HERE to learn more about Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy".



    Where does all the extra weight go ?

    The breakdown weight chart and the recommened weight gain according to your BMI:



    Weight gain is an inevitable part of being pregnant something that pregnant women have to grin and bear. Try to remember that most of the weight you carry will be your baby, amniotic fluid, the placenta, your breasts expanding and fat laid down to help prepare for breastfeeding.



    Breakdown weight chart:




    Recommened weight gain according to your BMI:

    Exercises during pregnancy

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    Food Preparation Tips



    Even food preparation needs to be handled carefully as improper handling of food can lead to infection or disease.


    Here are some tips to help you in the kitchen:


    » Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers and handling pets.
    » Wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next food.
    » Be careful to keep all foods at the proper temperature at all times when feeding your baby.
    » Avoid dented cans or jars that leak or don't 'pop' when you open them.
    » Never thaw foods at room temperature.
    » Avoid fish, meat and eggs that are not well refrigerated or kept on ice.
    » Consider using paper towels to clean up kitchen surfaces. If you use cloth towels wash them often in the hot cycle of your washing machine.
    » Do not freeze anything that has been defrosted reheat food only once.
    » Wash raw vegetables thoroughly, as unwashed vegetables can harbor toxoplasmosis.
    » Avoid the microwave when heating food for an infant.


    This is NOT true:


    Easing Discomforts Of Pregnancy.

    Morning Sickness:

    Some pregnant women have nausea and vomiting in the first 3 months. This may last all day or just when you get up in the morning. This usually is gone by your fourth month.



    If you have morning sickness, try these tips:

  • Drink a glass of milk first thing in the morning.
  • Change your diet to avoid foods that are difficult to digest.
  • Eat small meals about 2 hours apart.
  • Eat more starches, breads, cereals, potatoes, rice, and fruits.
  • Skip caffeine, spicy foods, and foods with a lot of butter or fat.
  • Try to keep from having an empty stomach.
  • Have crackers or toast before getting up in the morning or whenever you have that sick feeling.



    "Click Here To Learn Secrets About Relieving Morning Sickness in 7 Day (or less)".


    Constipation:

    A very common complaint during pregnancy. The muscles in your intestines become more relaxed. Also, the growing baby increases the pressure on the lower intestines.



    If you have constipation, try these tips:

  • Make simple changes in your diet.
  • Eat laxative foods such as prunes or high-fiber foods.
  • Eat whole grain breads and cereals, raw vegetables, fresh fruit, bran, cooked dried beans, and black-eyed peas.
  • Drink 10 or more glasses of liquids a day, milk, water, soup, and juices.
  • Exercise each day. Never take a laxative or other remedy unless your doctor tells you to.


    Gas, "Heartburn" Or Indigestion:

    Early in your pregnancy you may feel bloated after eating or may burp frequently. You may also have a burning sensation in your upper abdomen or chest. This is not always caused by your diet. The increased pressure on your stomach from the growing baby and the changes in your hormones contribute to these discomforts.


    If you suffer from "heatburn", follow the following tips:

  • Relax.
  • Eat slowly, chew your food well.
  • Chew your food well, and take frequent, small meals.
  • Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods that are hard to digest or cause gas and heartburn.



  • Frequent Urination:



    This is a normal part of pregnancy, especially in the early part of pregnancy and again in the last month. This is because the baby is pressing on your bladder. Remember to keep drinking plenty of liquids during your pregnancy

    Low-Salt Diet:

    Don't go on a low-salt diet or take diuretics unless your doctor tells you to. You need some salt, but you don't need a lot of salty foods such as pickles and luncheon meats. Watch out for very salty foods.

    You are not alone !

    Sharing your feelings about pregnancy will make you feel better.



    Talk about your concerns ! That will help you to feel comfortable and that means emotionally.
    So, sit down and talk . . .

    What do you usually worry about pregnancy ?

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    Gaining weight during pregnancy and stretchmarks.

    The final moment of delivery.

    Mtaberna says:

    The final moment of delivery !!

     

    “Do you still need more information about nutrition for a healthy pregnancy ?”

    The latest information

    Find everything you need in this brand new e-book:



    "Pregnancy Nutrition".

    All the the knowledge has been put together in this complete ebook, so that you can benefit from that knowledge and experience and eat your way to a healthy baby.
    All of the vitamins, and all of the minerals. The right amounts of nutrients and protein. How to find them all naturally, and how to construct a healthy and well balanced diet.
    The e-book doesn't just cover the dietary side of your pregnancy. Healthy exercise for expectant moms is also advised, and healthy lifestyles too. Let us show you how to eat you way, naturally to a healthy baby."



    "Click here to access the latest information"



    Everything about healthy eating has been catalogued, both throughout the pregnancy, and into nursing. How to make sure your milk has all of right nutrients; and how to look after your own body through this dramatically changing period.
    By using our brand new e-book, you will have the latest advice and information on pregnancy to hand. Everything you could wish to know, including:


  • A complete summary of the important minerals
  • The jobs that each mineral is capable of doing
  • A complete summary of the important vitamins
  • The jobs that each vitamin is capable of doing
  • The dangers of vitamin A
  • The wonder of vitamin C
  • Protein rich foods
  • Diets for all -Vegetarian, Vegan, Intolerances etc
  • How to avoid early delivery
  • How to prepare yourself for a trouble free birth
  • Nursing tips
  • How to regain your figure

  • All this and more....





  • "CLICK HERE to Download the COMPLETE EBOOK".

    Nice products for your baby:

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    How to lose baby weight after pregnancy.

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    Please leave your comments:

    • Stephsibert Jan 11, 2012 @ 12:21 pm | delete
      Great post! Thank you for sharing! Stop by my lens and let me know what you think about taking fish oil during pregnancy!

      squidoo.com/Fisho-oil-and-pregnancy-nutrition

      Would love to hear from you!
    • PninetyxReviews Sep 7, 2011 @ 2:38 am | delete
      Wow! What a great job you did with this lens. Very informative et useful! Thank you! 5 stars.
      Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Mars Jul 30, 2011 @ 5:04 am | delete
      Nutrition is definitely important during pregnancy as you are not only eating for yourself but for your baby as well. This is a great post and certainly informative.
      DePuy Hip Recall
    • topamaxmedication2 Jul 6, 2011 @ 4:57 pm | delete
      You have a very informative lens Mtaberna, I have a good time reading on this one. Maybe you can have a review also regarding Topamax, cause their are many complaints regarding on this one. All are "Topamax Side Effects" and they are pregnant women who have taken the medicine.

      Thanks!
    • Jonathan Apr 28, 2011 @ 2:18 am | delete
      Thanks for the excellent lens and the nutritional tips presented. I am saddened when I observe what some pregnant mothers are eating, with little thought for their baby's development and wellbeing. There's plenty of acid reflux remedies to assist women through their pregnancy.
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    You don't have to give up all the foods you like when you're pregnant. You just need to make sure that most of your choices are healthy ones... more »

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