Congrats you are pregnant, and now it is time to change the way you eat to help your baby grow in a healthy environment. Pregnant women should eat three regular meals and 2 snacks. Here is what to eat during pregnancy and what not to eat.
How many calories should I eat during pregnancy?
If you have a normal BMI, it is important for you to eat 1800 calories during the first trimester, 2200 during the second, and 2400 during the third. If you are overweight or underweight, the calories will change. If you would like to know how many calories you should eat according to your body, then click here.
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
- If you have a normal BMI, you should gain about 25-35 pounds during the entire pregnancy.
- If you have a lower than normal BMI, you should gain about 35-45 pounds.
- If you have a higher than normal BMI, you should gain from 10-20 pounds.
What to eat during pregnancy per day?
- 8-10 cups of water
- 2-4 servings of fruit
- More than 4 servings of vegetables
- 6-11 servings of bread, cereal, and grains
- 3 servings of protein (It should include 2-3 servings of low mercury fish per week.)
- 3-4 servings of dairy
- Prenatal vitamins
- You can eat cravings and sweets occasionally.
Try to incorporate these in your daily meals. If you would like some meal ideas for pregnancy, check out Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.
Some superfoods for pregnancy include sweet potatoes, berries, dark leafy greens, broccoli, avocado, salmon, and eggs.
What not to eat during pregnancy?
- Alcohol
- More than 150 mg of Caffeine
- Raw Meats
- Anything Unpasteurized
- Undercooked Eggs & Meats
- Too Much Organ Meat (Avoid Too Much Vitamin A)
- Raw Sprouts
- Processed Junk Food
- Certain Types of Fish: Shark, Swordfish, Raw Shellfish, King Mackerel, Tilefish, Marlin, and Bigeye Tuna.
If you would like some ways to lose weight after giving birth, click here.
***Disclaimer: This not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
