One of the many concerns women have during pregnancy is weight gain. Thoughts like “oh I’m getting too fat, will I be able to push when the time comes?” clouds their minds.
As valid as these concerns may seem, it is essential to remember that weight gain during pregnancy is normal.
Whatever the case, a pregnant woman should avoid dieting or attempting to reduce weight during her pregnancy. It is preferable to concentrate on eating healthy foods and staying active. You and your baby may have issues if you do not acquire enough weight during pregnancy. During the first trimester, most women gain 2 to 4 pounds (1 to 2 kilograms), then 1 pound (0.5 kilograms) per week for the remainder of the pregnancy.
You can still change your diet to receive the nutrients you require without gaining too much weight. To obtain help creating a nutritious diet, speak with your doctor.
Healthy eating tips to note while pregnant
Here are some healthy eating tips to note and consider while pregnant;
Healthy choices
Take snacks made with fresh fruits and vegetables. They are high in vitamins and low in fat and calories.
Consume whole-grain bread, crackers, and cereals.
Reduced-fat dairy products are the way to go. Every day, you should consume at least 4 servings of milk products. Using skim, 1%, or 2% milk, on the other hand, will significantly lower the calories and fat you consume.
Choose low-fat or fat-free cheese and yoghurt as well.
They are foods to also avoid or limit that are naturally high in fat and contain excess calories which cause excessive weight gain:
Sugary beverages, which are rich in calories, soda, and fruit drinks, can be replaced with water.
Snacks like chips, sweets, cake, cookies, and ice cream should be avoided or minimally consumed.
Limit your fat intake. Cooking oils, margarine, butter, gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, traditional salad dressings, lard, sour cream, and cream cheese are all fat sources. Lower-fat versions of these foods should be tried.
After each meal, it is advisable to exercise. Moderate exercise can help burn excess calories. Walking or swimming are usually safe for pregnant women, but just to be safe, talk to a doctor here for recommendations.