Tackling Trimesters of Pregnancy with the Perfect Diet
As a new mom, one thing I can guarantee for sure is that everyone is very quick to give their opinions and suggestions on what to do and what not to do including what to eat and not to eat. Throughout my trimesters of pregnancy, I was told to eat as much as I can and frankly, whatever I want (Yay!!!). And that is exactly what I did along with fruits and veggies.
By the time my second trimester ended, I could see how bad my mood swings were getting but more than that my cravings were getting worse. So, I found myself eating anything and everything. That is when I realized it was time to take some guidance and incorporate the right diet for myself and my baby. A proper diet and yoga helped me with the mood swings, and the pains, alongside giving me the strength for my delivery. There was a list of questions that I found myself asking when I was going through my pregnancy. Let’s talkaboutthe takeaways for the new moms and new moms-to-be.
Can I continue with my regular meal regime?
One of the very first questions that I had once I knew I was pregnant was related to food. The simple reason is that food is something that would directly affect me and my baby. The very first thing my doctor did was to send me to a dietician to get a personalized meal plan prepared. You see, as the weeks advance, there are a lot of changes you will experience when it comes to food. While the initial weeks went fine, as my trimesters of pregnancy advanced, I became finicky about my food choices. I ended up not wanting to eat/drink things I loved before my pregnancy. I also ended up developing taste for new food items. With all of these changes happening naturally, it can get confusing. Therefore, it’s best to consult with a doctor and dietician asap!
I chose wisely with the help of my dietician. It’s true that when you are expecting, you should eat nutrient-driven meals as much as possible. Rather than clueless munching on unhealthy snacks, it’s time to be mindful of what you eat. I was told that it was completely alright to continue with my regular eating habits, but at the same time bear caution and be more selective about what I ate. Some of the tips that did work for me included breaking my meals into a five times ‘breakfast-snack-lunch-snack-dinner’ format. You see, the trick is not to eat too much in one go but rather take healthy, filling, light meals at regular intervals for proper absorption of nutrients and minerals. This helped me fight nausea and lethargy and kept me energetic throughout the day.
When it comes to food, it’s necessary to have folate-rich, iron-rich foods. Vitamin B6 sources also become essential. I switched to proper homemade meals that were infused with veggies and fruits. A diet rich in dairy, whole grain products, and proteins will prepare your body for labor. I switched to nuts, seeds, lentils, etc. For snacking, while it’s okay to give in to your cravings from time to time, I chose them to be prepared at home. The food you eat needs to be pure, safe to eat, and not contain added sugars, artificial flavors, etc.Foods rich in fiber such as apples, bananas, walnuts, oatmeal, etc helped me fight constipation during pregnancy. Having watermelon during my trimesters helped me with snacking while keeping me hydrated. Your trimesters aren’t the time to curtail calories. Regular intake of freshly made juices, smoothies, and healthy desserts that are low on added sugars satiated my hunger pangs without risking gestational diabetes. Last but not the least, staying hydrated is crucial. If you’re a non-vegetarian, my advice would be to cut down on your meat intake or switch to lean meats. Also, make sure that the meat is properly cooked. Raw meat can cause infection.
Are there any things I should avoid?
This was the next question in my head. As a result, yes, there are certain food items and dietary cautions that you can and should observe during your trimesters of pregnancy. The very first thing I learned through my experience was that you know yourself the best. Therefore, staying alert about how your body reacts to what you eat can save you a lot of trouble. I started avoiding food items that caused inflammation and bloating. If any food items make you uneasy and pukish, the best is to avoid them. Don’t eat anything that’s remotely too spicy, salty, sweet, or savory. Extreme flavors can disrupt your system. Apart from this, avoid seafood as much as possible. Caffeinated drinks, unpasteurized products, processed and fried food, alcohol, and smoke can do much damage and hence should not be divulged into.
At last, all I will say is, that pregnancy is meant to be enjoyed and cherished. Get your personalized diet plan and sail through your trimesters feeling good! Take Care.