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Ideal Diet During Pregnancy
Started
by senn senn
on January 5, 2010
A good diet is inclusive of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, vitamins and good amount of water.
Protein
A good intake of protein in regular diet aids in cell growth and blood production. Fish, peanut, tofu, lean meat, poultry, egg whites and pulses are all rich in protein
Carbohydrates
Food with carbohydrates helps to produce energy that is necessary for the body. Bread, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits and vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates.
Calcium
Food rich in calcium is a must during pregnancy that aid in developing strong bones and teeth. It also helps in muscle contraction and proper nerve functioning. Milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, sardines or salmons with bones are carriers of protein. Calcium intake is very important during pregnancy, as the baby demands a high supply of calcium. So it is necessary for the mother to increase the intake of calcium to prevent the loss of calcium from her own bones.
Iron
A good intake of iron helps in the production of red blood cells that keeps anemia at bay. Lean red meat; spinach, cereals and iron fortified whole grain breads supply a lot of iron to the body. Vegetables like drumsticks and beetroots are also rich in iron
Vitamin A
Vitamins are providers of healthy skin, good eyesight and also aid in developing strong bones. Carrots, dark green leafy greens and sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin A
Vitamin C
Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices carry vitamin c that is required for healthy gums, teeth and strong bones.
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How about for a Vegan diet during pregnancy? This post doesnt really apply to us, unless you're a flirt ofcoarse.
Well, Alicia does address the fact that there are plant based foods with as much or more protein and nutrients in them as meat...I would think that these foods would be as good or better for pregnant women than meat.
I am a vegan pregnant woman for the third time and I've had 2 healthy babies so far. I have been successful on a plant based diet for all of them. The main concern I find from vegan women during pregnancy is getting enough calcium and protein. You can always drink ricemilk or soymilk fortified with calcium. This also goes for orange juice as well. I add sesame seeds to everything!!! (Soup, salads, sauteed greens, etc..) As far as protein goes, I eat lots of Tempeh, beans, nuts, tofu, edamame(soybeans in the pod) and seitan(wheat gluten-high in protein, low in calcium). Also taking a vegan pregnancy vitamin during pregnancy will take care of any added vitamins you might need. I hope this helps anyone who has questions about a vegan diet during pregnancy. -Temple
Thanks Temple. I am new to being a vegan and am trying to become pregnant. This is helpful. Did you put your kids on a vegan diet too? Any concerns there?
carol d -
I was Vegetarian (mostly vegan) during pregnancy and had a healthy baby, I nursed successfully while being Veg and kept him totally Vegan for his first two years of life... The midwife did check my iron often, but I never had a problem.
As for keeping him Vegan, It was my opinion that the first year they don't need any animal products, since mothers milk covered most of the nutrients. He ate lots of foods though when he was ready and I just didn't feel meat or dairy products needed to be in there. He was a healthy, smart and happy kid.
I think the hardest part was friends and family and the comments... But I wasn't one to worry much about that.
When he was close to three years old, his Daddy's influence took over and the boy started eating cheese, chicken and eggs. That is when his major health problems started. And we shifted back.
My Hubby is now Veg also, and therefore, the influence is much better. *wink*
Not sure this helps.
This is great! Thanks for the info. I have a husband who wants to be on board, but can't quite stop eating meats, so I am sure we will have some debates about it going forward. But I am glad to know that health wise it can be done and can be beneficial.
But I dread what my mother in law will say if I try to do this! ;) But as you say, I am not one to worry too much.
thanks,
Ah Yes, my MIL was the worst! In fact she tried to slip him some cheese and told him it was orange broccoli.... knowing that he loved broccoli... Grrr!!!
Later when he was about 2, my Dad tried to give him turkey and he said in two year old speak... "Gampa, tookeys go gobble gobble on the outside, not in my belly"
Awww.. I did love that 2year old speak... ha ha... much different these days :-)
Hey Carol D.. Yes, my whole family is on a vegan diet. I actually had a friend ask me the other day what I feed my kids because they are sprouting up so quickly. I told her they were completely vegan. As a matter of fact, my 3 year old wears a necklace that says vegan on it, that I purchased from the PETA website. When people ask her what the word means she says, "I don't eat animals." I beam with pride when she says that. My kids look very healthy. They eat lots of tofu, tempeh, some seitan, lots of edamame, hummus, some pasta products, eggplant, brown rice and veggies sauteed, peanut butter and other nuts. My son is 13 months. He eats all that as well. There's a book called, The Vegan Lunchbox, by Jennifer McCann, that I highly recommend. It gives great ideas of what to pack in kids lunchboxes who are vegan. Good luck with everything. -Temple
These are great ideas Temple. Thanks.
Do you guys eat a lot of nutritional yeast? I tried it for the first time this week and it was NOT a favorite, although was OK. But I have heard that it is really goo d for nutrition. What do you think? Is this important in pregnancy and/or feeding kids...
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