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May

Pregnancy Healthy Eating – Do You Care For It Ever?

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Pregnancy Healthy Eating – Do You Care For It Ever?

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Pregnancy Healthy Eating – Do You Care For It Ever?

By: Varadharajan R
Posted: Jun 13, 2010

It is most important that you pay special care for pregnancy healthy eating, because knowing what to eat during pregnancy can add better things for you. You are eating healthy diet means your baby is also getting healthy during your pregnancy. You have to manage your pregnancy by eating healthy diet, and if necessary nutritious diet with multivitamin or prenatal vitamin as prescribed by your doctor. If you are already having a constant care for pregnancy and healthy eating, you need to make only a few changes in your menu to compensate your needs. It is more important to care what you are eating than how much. What you eat right before and during your pregnancy can affect the health of your growing baby.

No doubt, you need nutrition during pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy. But, it doesn’t mean that you are to double the intake quantity of food. An extra calorie may be sufficient to add with your usual intake of food. Care should be given to get the required amount of vitamins, proteins and other minerals. Low calorie diets will affect the baby leading to mental retardation. According to research report of American Dietetic Association, a woman with early signs of pregnancy needs only an extra 300 calories per day more than what she was taking before pregnancy.

Healthy Eating Diet For Healthy pregnancy And Fertility

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There are several factors that can increase the chances of getting pregnant. However, the simplest and easiest way is choosing a healthy daily diet. Nutrients and vitamins present in the food are very useful in boosting the fertility rate, which automatically translates into greater chances of pregnancy.

Healthy diet for pregnancy is essential not only to boost fertility and reduce the risk for pregnancy-related problems but also for the overall health of a woman as well.

The following are essential nutrients and vitamins that can definitely help a woman increase her chances of pregnancy

Proteins from vegetables

Although protein is highly available in red meat, better and healthier alternative for protein source are found in vegetables. Beans, lentils, and legumes are a great source of protein, as well as spinach.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates still play an important role in the balanced diet as it provides the much-needed energy for daily activities. However, do away with refined sugar, white rice, white bread, and other processed sources. Better substitutions for these are brown sugar, brown rice, and whole grain bread. Switching to less processed alternatives can have a significant effect in the diet.

Fats from Dairy Products

Full-fat dairy foods help women increase fertility rate. Ice cream can help in the ovulation process. However, they should also monitor their intake as they may also acquire fats from other sources.

Multivitamins

These supplements help women on fertility issues. But before rushing to the drugstore to get one, they should always seek a physician for advice to which multivitamins they should take.

Iron

Foods with high levels of iron can help prevent fertility-related problems. Furthermore, iron is needed to maintain healthy supply of blood to the fetus, making it essential part of pregnancy diets. Good sources of iron include green vegetables, beans, lean meat, and poultry products. Protein sources, such as meat and poultry, help maintain healthy level of iron.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Foods containing high levels of these nutrients should always be a part of pregnancy diets as it helps with the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Milk and vegetables are very good sources of calcium and vitamin D.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is necessary as it helps on the production of a woman’s sex hormones and increase fertility rate. Good sources include citrus fruits.

Monounsaturated Fats

While Trans fats, which are commonly known on food labels as types of hydrogenated oils, are bad for people’s health, not every fat is bad. Monounsaturated fats, like olive oil, helpful to relieving fertility problems.

Omega-3

Omega-3 doesn’t only boosts fertility but also greatly improves heart condition, thus it is an essential part of pregnancy diet. This highly important nutrient is commonly found in fish.Flax seeds are also good source of omega-3.

However, healthy pregnancy diet should be maintained along with the avoidance of unhealthy foods and vices to effectively live a healthy lifestyle. The following should be avoided.

Alcohol – It can greatly reduce a woman’s fertility rate, as well as pregnancy-related problems.
Cigarettes – this should definitely be avoided. Cigarette smoking has always been linked with birth-related physical defects, as well as other health problems.
Caffeine – as with alcohol, it also reduces the chances of pregnancy. Avoid high-caffeine beverages like coffee, tea, and tea, and foods like chocolate.
Processed foods – These contain chemicals, preservatives, trans fats, and other unhealthy substances that can affect fertility rate. Processed foods include canned goods and foods coming from fast food chains.
Fish with high mercury content- Mercury can cause pregnancy-related issues such as birth defects. Avoid king mackerel, swordfish, shark, and tilefish, as these fishes are known to have high levels of mercury.

There are also specific diet programs for different kinds of lifestyle. However, before taking a specific program, a woman should consult a nutritionist first to help guide her on the proper diet.

Healthy pregnancy and diet should always come together. To put it simply: the healthier the foods in the diet, the better the chances of getting pregnant and having healthier pregnancy. Combined with proper exercise and avoidance to vices, a healthy diet will definitely yield great and satisfying results.

Alice J. Johnson

Pay Close Attention Here:
To increase your chances of getting pregnant there are some things that can’t be explained in a short article. Take a look here to find out more secrets on healthy pregnancy diet.
.

Article from articlesbase.com

Eating During Pregnancy: Tips to Help Keep You from Gaining too Much Weight

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During the next nine months, most expectant mothers are concerned about how much or how little weight to gain, along with eating during pregnancy. Your pregnancy eating plan can have a profound impact not just on your health and wellbeing, and not just on your baby’s nourishment and development, but also on how much extra weight you carry around during the next three trimesters.

Most women realize that gaining too much weight can make labor more difficult and can trigger a number of pregnancy health problems, such as high blood pressure. But gaining too much weight can also make it very difficult to return to your pre-pregnancy weight after giving birth. In this article, we discuss some tips and techniques for controlling your weight gain to a reasonable level during pregnancy.

How Much Is Too Much?

For one generation of moms, gaining any additional weight was forbidden. The next generation of moms was encouraged to eat heavily, hence the term “eating for two.” So what is an acceptable amount of weight to gain?

As you might suspect, the truth lies somewhere between these two extremes. Some weight gain is healthy and should be expected during pregnancy. But too much can cause the issues we discussed above. So if you limit your weight gain to between 20 to 30 pounds throughout the next nine months, you should be fine.

Beverages and Pregnancy

One easy way to restrict your weight gain during pregnancy is to stop drinking beverages that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Sodas, teas, and coffees should be enjoyed in very limited quantities. You should also restrict the amount of fruit juice you drink, as juice is usually high in sugar as well.

Even though water may seem bland and boring, it should be your drink of choice for the next nine months. Besides being calorie-free and all-natural, water can help you feel fuller for longer between and during meals. Drinking enough water can help combat water retention, which causes “water weight” gain. Water can also help aid in proper elimination, which can help with weight gain issues as well.

Pregnancy and Diet

The most profound ways you can curb your weight gain have to do, not surprisingly, with the food you eat. You should eliminate all processed foods from your diet. These foods contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, fillers, and other additives that can lead to weight gain. In addition, you should eliminate trans-fats and hydrogenated oils from your diet.

Instead, opt for fresh, whole, organic foods and healthy fat sources. Focus on fats such as organic butter, olive oil, and coconut oil as well as raw organic nuts, raw organic nut butters, and avocadoes. These healthy fats will help you feel satiated between meals and that will help control the urge to overeat.

The Importance of Exercise during Pregnancy

Even when you feel like it the least—such as your last trimester—you need to make exercise a priority during your pregnancy. Exercise will help keep you lean and fit for labor, will help you burn additional calories, and will even aid in stress reduction and combating sleep issues. Go for low or no impact forms of exercise such as yoga, water aerobics, swimming, and walking. Have fun with it—exercise with a buddy or find a prenatal class that challenges you and allows you to enjoy yourself.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Keeping stress at bay by using stress reduction techniques can help keep you from overeating or indulging in rich or fatty foods. Yoga and exercise may work well for you. Other expectant moms find that journaling or keeping in touch with friends can help ease the stress of pregnancy. You can also schedule a manicure/pedicure and a prenatal massage as a wonderful way to soothe stress during pregnancy. Find the ways to reduce turmoil in your life and you’ll be less tempted to overeat.

Are you looking for the best advice for eating during pregnancy? Need advice on the best foods to eat while pregnant? Visit The Diet Solution Program: What to Eat While Pregnant for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy pregnancy. http://www.whattoeatwhilepregnant.com./

Article from articlesbase.com

Categories : Tips & Advice

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Mar

Eating during Pregnancy: Your Third Trimester

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By the time you’ve reached your third trimester, you’ve likely conquered many of the challenges of eating during pregnancy. During your first trimester, you made changes to your diet, such as cutting back on caffeine and sugar, to make a healthier lifestyle for both you and your baby. You also conquered the nausea of morning sickness.

During your second trimester, you learned how to eat protein with every meal and handle your cravings in a sensible manner. So when you reach your third trimester, your problems are less about how you eat than how to deal with the discomforts and special issues that arise during the last three months of your pregnancy. In this article, we will cover these special issues one by one.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You’ve probably been taking Omega-3 fatty acids throughout your pregnancy, at a rate of 1200mg per day. But it’s especially important to keep your fatty acid intake high during the last trimester. The proper amount of Omega-3 fatty acids can provide a wealth of benefits to both mother and child, such as:

• Decreased incidence of postpartum depression;
• Suggested easier birth and labor;
• Lower risk of premature birth;
• Babies tend to sleep through the night earlier.

Your pregnancy nutritionist can help you find a high quality fish oil supplement that will give you the DHA you need for your own health as well as your baby’s development. You can also boost your consumption of fatty acids by eating foods like walnuts, flaxseed oil, organic eggs, and wild salmon.

Dealing with Indigestion

Indigestion and heartburn become major issues during the last trimester of pregnancy, as hormonal changes in your body cause your muscles to relax in preparation for labor. This also causes the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach to relax, allowing stomach acid to back up into your throat.

There is no cure for indigestion caused by pregnancy, and most of the over-the-counter medications that ease the pain of indigestion are not safe to take while pregnant.

You should eliminate foods that aggravate this issue, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, and foods with a vinegar base. Try eating foods that neutralize stomach acid, such as papaya. You can also deal with the symptoms of indigestion by eating smaller meals more frequently, and by sleeping in an upright position.

Handling Fatigue with Ease

You may start feeling very tired during your third trimester. This is common as you might find it difficult to get comfortable for sleep, or find that the baby moves too often for you to get a good night’s sleep. A body pillow might be helpful, as it cushions your baby bump and can help you get into a comfortable enough position for sleep. Try “setting the stage” for sleep, too—a practice recommended by sleep experts.

Don’t watch television or stare at your computer screen for a few hours before bed, as this can interfere with your body’s natural melatonin production. Instead, dim the lights and play relaxing music. Take a long bath or shower and read an enjoyable book. You might try a cup of herbal tea. These preparations alert your body that it’s time for bed, and can help you get more restful sleep through the night.

Getting Your Exercise In

You may be tempted to give up exercise during this last stage of pregnancy, but it’s crucial to stay in shape for your upcoming labor. Try low or no impact forms of exercise that are easier on your body. Yoga, swimming, and walking are all excellent ways to stay fit without getting exhausted during pregnancy.

Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress. It can also help promote restful sleep. So make sure you are getting at least 15 minutes of gentle movement per day. It will make all the difference to your pregnancy.

Are you looking for the best advice for eating during pregnancy? Need advice from a real pregnancy nutritionist? Visit http://www.whattoeatwhilepregnant.com/for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy pregnancy.

Article from articlesbase.com

Eating For Two

Posted by: Your Maternity Resource | Comments (0)

Doesn’t it get to you when your grandmother tells you something totally in contrast to what your OB said? Did you get into a fight with your best friend over your doctor’s advice because she thinks hers is better after bearing 5 kids?

Being pregnant is already hard as it is without people making all the fuss and throwing their two cents each at you. The several physiological and emotional changes may be easier to bear than the debate over the nutrition during pregnancy that your friends and family are having. These well-meaning people may just want the best for you but your OB can give you the best advice on the proper nutrition during pregnancy. The following half-truths and total misconceptions may have cropped up during the debate:

1st Myth: Double your food intake because you’re eating for two people.

Not exactly. An extra 300 calories is enough for most women. The baby inside your womb does not need the meal of a full-grown human being. Thus, the recommended weight gain is just about 24-35 pounds. This actually varies depending on the woman’s height and build, and the number of babies she is carrying. Your doctor can tell you the right nutrition during pregnancy to achieve the correct weight gain as well.

2nd Myth: Drinking coffee is a no-no.

This has remained to be a debate up to now. While most studies found out that 3 or four cups of coffee a day will have no dangerous effects on the baby, some doctors and other health practitioners still insist that java causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. If it is too much to bear not being able to drink coffee, make sure you lessen your intake. A cup or two a day is better than not having any at all.

3rd Myth: Herbal teas are safe.

Generally yes. However, intakes of large doses of herbs like peppermint and raspberry leaf are said to result in contractions and preterm labor. If you need tea as part of your nutrition during pregnancy scheme, check with your doctors which contents are safest.

4th Myth: Alcohol and cigarettes taken in moderation is ok.

For alcohol, possibly; but for cigarettes, don’t even think about it. The glares you get from your parents and your hundreds of aunts may not scare you enough to throw out those sticks. But the harmful contents in cigarettes can get inside your baby’s system which may result in complications. Premature and low birth weight is also a possibility.

Even if have the urge to throw out your mom and your mother-in-law out of the house when they insist on a better nutrition during pregnancy, they sometimes have a point. Their might not be based on any science, but all the same — they mean well.

Read about carbs in broccoli, carrot tanning oil and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips website.

Article from articlesbase.com

Categories : Nutrition

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Jan

Eating During Pregnancy: The First Six Months

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Understanding your diet and how to change your eating during pregnancy is one of the most common questions the expectant mother has. Each trimester has its own set of needs, issues, and difficulties you must address.

In this article, we will discuss the first two trimesters, or first six months of being pregnant, as these are the months in which the biggest changes take place. The information and tips contained in this article should give you a better idea of how to change your diet once you become pregnant.

Understanding First Trimester Nutrition

During your first trimester, you are likely facing the issue of morning sickness, which occurs due to major hormonal changes as your body accommodates itself to pregnancy. The best remedy for nausea is ginger, sliced up and boiled to make a tea.

But during this time you may also be stepping back your consumption of caffeine and sugar, and detoxing from these chemicals can make your nausea worse. During this time, you should step down your consumption slowly rather than attempt to go off these substances cold turkey, or you could make yourself quite sick.

During this first trimester, you will also begin taking your prenatal supplements. You’ll need to find an excellent prenatal vitamin with high levels of calcium, folic acid, and iron. You’ll also need to begin taking Omega-3 fatty acids to help your baby’s cognitive development.

This first trimester is about implementing great change, so make what strides you can without getting stressed out. The most important thing to keep in mind during these first three months is that every step toward getting healthy is a step in the right direction.

Understanding Second Trimester Nutrition

During the second trimester, your nausea and morning sickness will likely abate. This leaves you more open to eating foods of any kind, but it helps to work up an appetite for protein. Protein contains the amino acids your baby needs to develop teeth, hair, bones, and develop fingers, toes, and internal organs. Aim for a serving of protein at every meal.

During this trimester, you may notice your cravings beginning to set in. Physicians and health experts are mixed on what actually causes cravings. Some experts feel that they signify a lack of some nutrient in your diet. Others feel they don’t have a particular significance.

During this time, you can indulge your cravings in moderation. If you feel like your cravings are too bizarre for normalcy, or if you crave things uncontrollably, mention this to your physician at your next examination. She can run a dietary panel to make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Second trimester nutrition is about finding balance. Now that you have likely curbed your bad habits, you can kick your health into high gear by eating the right foods, exercising regularly, and fighting stress.

Avoiding Stress during the First Six Months

Pregnancy can be a stressful experience, but giving into stress is one of the worst things you can do for yourself and your baby. Instead, find ways to cope easily with the stress triggers in your life. Exercise is a great way to stay in shape and battle stress. Prayer, meditation, and yoga can also provide huge mental benefits.

You should also find another mom, or group of moms, whom you can relate to and talk to on a regular basis. Often having the support of others “in the trenches” can help you work through stress and emerge with a much more happy and healthy frame of mind. There are Moms’ Clubs in your area—check one out and begin meeting up with other local moms if you feel too alone or isolated.

Ready to learn about eating during pregnancy? Need advice on second trimester nutrition? Visit http://whattoeatwhilepregnant.com/ for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy pregnancy.

Article from articlesbase.com

Categories : 2nd Trimester

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Jan

Healthy Pregnancy Diet – Eating Well During Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is a stage that is associated with a number of important anatomical and functional changes, which include the increased requirements of some nutrients that are important for the proper development of your baby.

Therefore, it is very important to take preventive measures to ensure the best possible health for you and your baby. So, one of the most important considerations is to have a healthy pregnancy diet.

It is important to meet the nutritional requirements recommended during pregnancy, since the specific deficiency of certain elements can cause major complications to your pregnancy.

Some nutrients of vital importance during pregnancy are:

Folic Acid

Folic acid deficiency, for example, is associated significantly with certain birth defects in your baby, so it is of vital importance to increase its consumption, even before starting the pregnancy. The recommended intake must be increased to 147% to prevent the defects associated with deficiency.

Vitamins C and B12

During pregnancy the levels of vitamins C and B12 decrease gradually. That is why the recommended intake of these vitamins must be increased by 67 and 40% respectively.

Iron

Iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia that can occur during pregnancy.

Healthy Food Choices:

Tell yourself that making smart eating choices is non-negotiable. You have to eat healthy food. End of discussion!

There are some foods where you can find the nutrients needed for your pregnancy and are important for maintaining a balanced diet. These foods are based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, protein (milk, fresh cheese, red meat-preferably fat-free as chicken and fish), and reduce the intake of sugars and fats.

The deficiency of vital foods during pregnancy may have important consequences, either because of the loss of nutrients, or because they are not consumed in the proper amount to satisfy the demand of your pregnancy.

Healthy food is essential to avoid gaining massive amounts of weight during pregnancy. If you do, you are putting your baby at risk and setting yourself up for a long road of dieting after the baby is born.

Tell yourself that you and your baby are worth it, so you have to go to the store and stock up on healthy food.

Here you have a basic guide of foods for your pregnancy:

Fruit (2-4 servings): Remember that a serving is half cup of cut fruit, one medium fruit (like a pear or apple) or three plums.
Cereals (6-11 servings): one serving equals one slice of bread, 150 gr. cereal or 100 gr. rice or pasta.
Dairy (3-4 servings): A serving is a glass of milk, two yoghurts, 150 gr. of cheese or a pudding.
Meats (2-3 servings): A serving is a fillet of beef, chicken, fish, or two eggs.
Vegetables (3-5 servings): one cup of raw vegetables or half a cup of cooked vegetable.

For more useful tips for your pregnancy, visit my web page http://www.advice-for-pregnant-moms.com

I am a very simple and honest woman. I am from a humble family.

I was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. I think challenges are important to meet targets, and my goal is to be useful in life and help others in any matter related to women who want to become new moms, and care of babies.

Article from articlesbase.com

Categories : Healthy Pregnancy Tips

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Jan

Pregnancy and Nutrition ? The Importance of Eating Right

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While every woman should eat right at all stages of her life, pregnant women need to think about their diets like never before. While an occasional junk food splurge or slip up is not the end of the world, it is important for women who are or may soon become pregnant to pay careful attention to their diets and think carefully about the foods they eat every day. Proper nutrition is more important now than ever before – after all she is now eating for two.

While all vitamins and minerals are important, there are some nutrients that become even more critical during pregnancy. It is important for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to talk with their doctors and develop a comprehensive dietary plan – one that takes the nutritional needs of both mom and baby into account.

Protein – The Building Block of Life
Getting proper levels of protein during pregnancy is absolutely essential, since protein is critical to the development of the growing fetus. Pregnant women will need to eat more protein than their non-pregnant counterparts, a full 25 grams per day more – or a total of about 70 grams.

The amount of protein needed is equal to that found in three eight ounce glasses of milk or roughly seven ounces of chicken, meat or seafood. All pregnant women should monitor their protein intake carefully to ensure sufficient quantities are consumed each day.

The consequences of not getting enough protein can be quite severe, and that is why maintaining a proper nutritional balance is so important. Insufficient protein levels could; result in restricted growth of the fetus, causing a host of problems down the line.

Iron – An Essential Element
Iron is one of the most essential parts of a good pregnancy diet. Women who are pregnant should ramp up the amount of iron in their diets by a full 50% in order to ensure proper fetal development and growth. Iron is vital to the production of hemoglobin – the protein used to carry oxygen. During pregnancy the need for hemoglobin – and iron- increases sharply, so pregnant women will need to eat plenty of iron rich foods.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both mom and baby. In the case of mom a lack of iron can cause fatigue and a general lack of energy. Low iron levels can also result in low birth weights and other problems in the child.

Calcium- Essential for Strong Bones
Calcium is another essential element for the growing baby, and it is important for pregnant women to increase their consumption of this vital nutrient. Growing babies need plenty of calcium for the development of strong and healthy bones, and if there is not enough on hand mom’s body may steal it from her own bones. This lack of calcium could have serious consequences for the mother, including reduced bone mass and even osteoporosis.

By paying careful attention to nutritional requirements and developing a comprehensive dietary plan for the pregnancy, a pregnant woman can reduce her chances of complications with her pregnancy and birth defects in her unborn child. A good diet is always important, but when you are responsible for another rapidly growing life, eating right is even more essential.

The Pregnancy Safety Database is a great resource for up to date guidance on issues that may impact pregnancy. Pregnancy-Safety.info, the maintainers of this database for expectant mothers, sponsored this article.

Article from articlesbase.com

Categories : Nutrition

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Dec

Eating During Pregnancy: Scaling Back on Bad Foods

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When you first find out you’re pregnant, chances are you will need to make some changes to your eating during pregnancy diet. If you are addicted to caffeine or sugar, you can make huge, beneficial changes to your body and support your baby’s wellbeing by scaling back or eliminating them from your diet completely.

However, if you are truly dependant on these chemicals, it may be best to step your consumption down rather than eliminate them by going cold turkey. Here’s what you need to know to cut back slowly, and minimize the impact of detox on your body.

How to Limit Your Caffeine

Caffeine can cause serious withdrawal symptoms if you have a regular coffee or tea habit. So it’s best to step down your consumption slowly over time. Physicians agree that you can have up to 150mg of caffeine per day throughout your pregnancy. That’s the equivalent of one cup of coffee or two cups of black tea.

So aim for that amount as your first goal, slowly scaling back until you reach 150mg per day. Then if you wish to eliminate caffeine completely, switch from back tea to green tea. From there, you can step down to white tea. Eventually you can get by with drinking only herbal teas. This is a process that takes a long time, but it can definitely be worth it while you are pregnant.

Scaling Back on Sugar

Scaling back on sugar and eliminating artificial sweeteners from your diets should be a major goal during your pregnancy. Fortunately, you can–and should, if at all possible–cut back on these foods immediately when you find out you are pregnant. Fortunately, there are all-natural sweeteners available that can help satisfy your sweet tooth.

These include raw honey, stevia, xylitol, and agave syrup. Use these all-natural products in lieu of your other sweeteners and you may not even notice a difference. They do not contain any of the troubling chemicals that artificial sweeteners contain, but they also don’t pack the caloric punch of real sugar.

Is It OK to Indulge?

As you are whipping your diet into shape, you may wonder if it’s okay to indulge during second trimester nutrition—or during any time of your pregnancy at all. Throughout the next nine months, your primary goal should be cutting back on the amount of stress in your life. If you stress too much about food, you are undoing all the hard work you aim to accomplish. So yes, it’s absolutely fine to splurge within reason while pregnant. As long as you keep your diet on track and indulge in moderation, you should be fine.

Coping with Stress

So how should you cope with stress during pregnancy? There are several ways you can cut back on your stress levels and stay healthy during the next nine months. Begin by making sure you are getting enough exercise.

Low or no-impact types of movement are best, such as swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga. Taking time for prayer and meditation can also be a huge help for keeping your perspective during pregnancy.

You should also cultivate your friendships. If you have friends who are moms, lean on them often for help and support. You can also find a Moms’ Club in your area to help you gain perspective on your impending parenthood.

Finally, you should know that every step you take towards making your diet healthier is a step in the right direction for you and your baby. Don’t feel overwhelmed, as though you must make all these changes at once Implement them slowly, as you feel comfortable, for the best results. Every change you make will have a huge impact on your baby’s health—and yours too.

Ready to learn more about the healthiest, easiest eating during pregnancy? Need advice on second trimester nutrition? Visit http://whattoeatwhilepregnant.com/ for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy pregnancy.

Article from articlesbase.com

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Categories : 2nd Trimester

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Dec

Cravings and Eating During Pregnancy: How to Handle Them

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One of the most common issues that come up while eating during pregnancy is the subject of cravings. Cravings are usually an issue that first surfaces during three to six months into your pregnancy; therefore, it’s an issue that is of particular interest to second trimester nutrition.

Most women wonder, should they give in to cravings? Or ignore them altogether? It depends on what you’re craving as well as any underlying causes beneath your needs for certain foods.

Common Pregnancy Cravings

In a recent study among pregnant women, 40% preferred sweets, 33% craved salty snacks, 17% craved spicy foods, and 10% desired sour foods. Cravings are experienced by over half of pregnant women at some point during their pregnancy, though it most commonly surfaces during the second trimester, as mentioned above.

Though the most cliché pregnancy craving is pickles and ice cream, women can crave anything from eggplant to Cheez Whiz to ice and even cigarette butts. Sweets are definitely the most commonly desired treat, and among sweets, chocolate leads the pack as the most commonly-desired indulgence.

Salsa, jalapeno peppers, chips, and citrus fruits are also common pregnancy indulgences, reflecting some pregnant women’s desire for spicy, salty, or sour foods.

What Do Cravings Mean?

Sometimes the urge to eat certain foods during pregnancy can become overwhelming. So what causes these strong urges? Is it merely hormonal, or does a craving point out a nutritional deficit? Studies are mixed on what may or may not contribute to cravings.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have a profound effect on your senses of taste and smell, which could cause a woman to desire certain foods. Some nutritionists believe that certain cravings can signify a nutritional deficit. Cravings for ice, cigarette butts, and even dirt—a pregnancy condition called pica—can be caused by an iron deficiency.

Cravings for red meat can signify a need for protein, while cravings for chocolate may alert a practitioner to a deficiency of magnesium. Cravings for certain fruits may signify a need for beta carotene or vitamin C.

Other studies state that there is no real link between cravings and nutritional deficiencies. However, if you are having an overwhelming craving for a certain type of food, it’s wise to consult with a nutritionist or your OB/GYN or midwife, who can check for nutritional deficiencies.

How to Handle Cravings

While cravings cause no harm, indulging in them too often can cause you to gain weight if you are craving too much of the wrong kind of thing. So, for example, what should you do if you are craving ice cream? You might try indulging in a more healthy treat that could give you the same emotional payoff as consuming the real deal.

If your passion is ice cream, maybe you could try a little frozen yogurt on occasion. If your passion is chocolate, you might try eating a little bit of high quality dark chocolate every day. Chocolate does have caffeine, so make sure you keep your overall caffeine consumption below 150mg per day.

Studies show that increasing your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids can actually help to suppress your passions for certain foods. You should be taking 250mg of Omega-3 fatty acids throughout your pregnancy. Try eating foods high in these fatty acids, such as leafy greens, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and organic eggs

Get Emotional Support

Stress can also contribute to cravings, particularly for sweets or foods high in saturated fats. So seek out ways to get the emotional support you need and reduce your stress levels. Exercise, meditation, and spending time emotionally connecting to those you love can be excellent ways to reduce stress and with that, reduce your cravings.

Ready to learn about eating during pregnancy? Need advice on second trimester nutrition? Visit http://whattoeatwhilepregnant.com for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy pregnancy.

Article from articlesbase.com

Categories : 2nd Trimester

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