We all know we shouldn’t eat sliced meats and sushi while pregnant. But what SHOULD we eat? I feel my best during pregnancy when I’m following a whole-foods focused, anti-inflammatory diet. Avoiding excessive amounts of dairy, refined grains, and added sugars, while aiming for simple, natural foods is the trick! This will keep energy levels up, and you’ll look and feel great. Don’t worry about portion sizes, and don’t try to reduce your carb load, but shift the types of carbs you’re eating (for instance, reach for a banana or whip yourself up a loaded baked sweet potato rather than reach for a Krispy Kreme).
Being proactive with the types of foods you’re eating and not waiting to feel like your starving (which is typically how you end up at a fast food drive through window or shoveling cookies in your mouth at midnight) makes all the difference in how you feel, how you look, and the positive fuel you’re giving your growing baby. Use the menu below for inspiration to eat well and be well every day!
Pregnancy Daily Diet Inspiration:
There might be more "feedings" in this sample diet than you're used to. Us pregos are a lot like infants - we need to be fed every 2-3 hours!! Hunger is the enemy and easily creates a hangry mom-ster when you're expecting. Breakfast: Chia Pudding - this one is so easy! Just mix 1 cup coconut milk with 3 tablespoons chia seeds and let soak in the fridge for 1-2 hours (or overnight). Mix with walnuts, berries, sliced banana, and/or a drizzle of honey for a perfect start to your morning.
Second Breakfast: Hard-boiled eggs
Lunch: Salad with Protein: The key to feeling satisfied here is to load up your salad! Nuts, dried fruit, some crunchy veggies for texture, more hard boiled egg, and your favorite protein. Top it off with a clean dressing like Tessemae’s or Primal Kitchen.
Snack: Smoothie! Put in a bunch of greens, your favorite frozen fruits & veggies, and a non-soy protein powder in water or almond milk for a deliciously refreshing pick-me-up.
Dinner: Cauli-Stirfry! Saute your favorite protein with sliced bell pepper, pineapple, and spinach with a half-rice/half-caulirice blend. Tamarind or soy sauce and a drizzle of honey create a delicious sauce for your creation!
Pre-Slumber Snack: Banana - this fruit is also a carb and loaded with natural sugars & potassium, so you’re less likely to wake up at 3am either ravenous or with a charlie horse!
Last thought - I’m a huge believer in the 80/20 rule. If you’re eating well the majority of the time and you occasionally find yourself NEEDING the cheeseburger or the hot fudge sundae, I won't judge you. In fact, I’ll probably JOIN you! After so much intentionality with your diet it’s great to treat yourself - remember, joy and happiness are good for your pregnancy too! :)
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