Power foods during pregnancy

Healthy eating is of prime importance especially during pregnancy. When it comes to the best foods to eat while pregnant, it’s essential to choose the food items that pack plenty of nutrients into just a few bites and not empty calories. This will help you and your baby get the required nutrition.
Take a look below and you will certainly thank yourself later for making the perfect healthy eating choices during this phase.

1. Oatmeal
Oats are a great source of fiber that can keep your tummy full for long and also keep pregnancy constipation at bay. Most women experience discomfort in passing stools during this time and oats can act as a wonder food to give you the recommended dose of fiber everyday.

2. Leafy Greens
Green veggies such as Spinach is a great source of folate and iron.
Broccoli is also a must-have food during pregnancy. It is quite rich in fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and several other nutrients. It aids in absorbing iron from other foods.

3. Nuts
A handful of nuts everyday are enough to give you vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium and vitamin E, along with protein, fiber and healthy fats. They are an ideal on-the-go pregnancy snack that is loaded with nutrition.

4. Yogurt
Plain yogurt is one of your best bets to give you a steady supply of calcium and for your child’s growing bones. Try and avoid the flavoured ones as they have added sugars and preservatives.
In addition to above, the active cultures (i.e., good bacteria) in yogurt can also help prevent stomach upsets as well as yeast infections which are quite common in pregnancy.

5. Eggs
If you’re not a vegan, eggs serve as an excellent alternative protein source, since they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs. They are packed with a number of vitamins and minerals such as choline which promote development of the baby’s brain.

6. Avocado
This healthy green fruit is full of folate, along with vitamin B6, which promotes healthy tissue and brain growth for the baby. This superfood is also known to ease morning sickness in most pregnant women.

7. Carrot
Carrots are such an important part of Indian households. It’s rich in beta-carotene which is critical for your health and your baby’s developing eyes, skin and organs.