Pregnancy Superfoods

During pregnancy, you begin to require more nutrients than you used to. Additionally, those nutrients should act in the best interest of your body and your child. Here are some superfoods to ensure you get all the proper nutrients you need for a successful pregnancy.

Beans such as chickpeas and lentil supply fiber, protein, calcium, zinc, and iron. These are nutrients that benefit not only the baby, but the mother as well. These are also easy to prepare in a variety of dishes, so it’s easy to incorporate these into your daily routine.

Lean cuts of beef, such as top sirloin steak, pack protein, vitamins B6, B12, and niacin as well as zinc and iron in highly absorbable forms. Beef is also concentrated in choline, required for brain development and peak cognitive powers.

For the folate, fiber, calcium, lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenoids to foster healthy vision, and potassium for fluid balance and normal blood pressure. Broccoli also contains the raw materials for vitamin A production in the body.

Cheese supplies concentrated amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium for your bones and your baby’s, plus vitamin B12 and protein (use reduced-fat varieties, such as Cabot 50% Light Cheddar to save on calories, fat, and cholesterol).

Eggs supply the gold-standard of protein because they provide all of the amino acids you and your baby need to thrive. They also include more than a dozen vitamins and minerals, such as choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Certain brands supply the omega-3 fats baby needs for brain development and peak vision, so check the label.

It’s an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D — bone-building nutrients mother and child require every day. Milk also packs protein, vitamin A, and B vitamins.

Try incorporating some of these superfoods into your everyday diet. You’ll be glad you did.