How To Eat A
Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
by: Beverley Brooke
Perhaps the number one complaint of
women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are
hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased
metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many
women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can
make healthy eating challenging.
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The first thing to remember is that the
idea that you should eat for two is wrong. You only need an additional
300 calories per day, and generally you don’t need these calories
until you are well on your way to the second and third trimesters.
So what can you do to help manage your
weight and stick to a healthy diet?
Remember that during pregnancy it is
vital that you do not cut back on your caloric intake. This has the
potential to rob your baby of essential nutrients that are necessary
for his/her growth and development. Here are some tips to help you
stick to a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy:
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Avoid skipping meals. If you have a
habit of skipping breakfast, you’ll find that you are not only more
fatigued but ravenous during your pregnancy, which will result in
overeating. Be sure that you eat each meal every day.
Try eating several mini meals
throughout the ay. This will not only help you feel fuller longer, it
will help minimize the nausea often experienced during the first
trimester.
Satisfy your cravings with nutritious
snacks. Have a variety of healthy things to snack on readily available
so you avoid overindulging in foods that are too decadent. If you are
craving something sweet, consider having some mini chocolates near by
or opt for a cup of hot chocolate. Both are far better for you than an
entire candy bar or piece of cake.
Exercise during your pregnancy. The act
of exercising in and of itself will be plenty to motivate you to stick
to a healthy diet. You’ll feel better about yourself and find that you
have more energy throughout the day. |
Avoid high calorie beverages. Soda pop
(which isn’t good for you anyway, particularly during pregnancy),
juices and other flavored drinks often contain a good 100-300 calories
per serving. Stick to water or flavored water during your pregnancy.
Drink lots of water. You may think you
are hungry when in fact you are actually thirsty at many points during
your pregnancy. In fact, the brains hunger and thirst centers often
get mixed up, so people often feel hungry when they are in fact
dehydrated. The better hydrated you are, the les likely you are to
overeat.
About The Author
Article by Beverley Brooke,
author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby",
visit
http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on pregnancy
health issues. |
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