Pregnancy is a very special and exciting time in the life of every parent. It is very important to watch your eating habits so that you can avoid pregnancy discomforts, complications and ensure that you have a healthy baby.
During pregnancy the first diet tip that I can give you and of course this is very basic is that you should eat a balanced diet that includes all the food groups such as cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products.
The next thought is – Does my diet change as per the changing seasons? Yes – your dietary intake should be modified as per the seasons to ensure that you get the best benefit.
1. Cereals: During winter, opt for millets like bajra as it is a good source of iron, protein and fibre. It also has anti-oxidants which will help to build your immunity.
2. Fruits: Choose seasonal fruits such as oranges, sweet lime, apple, guava and gooseberry.
3. Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables such as methi, spinach, fresh peas, sweet potato, drumsticks, carrots, beetroot etc., contain all the essential nutrients to suit the body’s requirements in this weather.
4. Dairy: Add milk to soups or consume milk with saffron or milk with ginger and turmeric. This can help make your body feel warm from within.
5. Nuts & Seeds: Consume small portions especially walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds.
6. Oils & Fats: Choose cold pressed oils or you can also cook your food in ghee but use a small amount. Excess ghee is not required.
7. Water: In winter you may not feel thirsty, but it is important to stay hydrated. Increase your liquid intake by adding different soups to your diet like tomato, broccoli, spinach etc.
Just like it is important to focus on what you must eat, it is equally important to focus on what you must not eat.
1. You may feel like having hot liquids but please avoid tea and coffee as they contain caffeine.
2. Your body may crave rich foods which will result in consuming too much of fried foods. These will only result in excess weight gain and hence this is a NO.
3. Control your sugar cravings as in the winter we tend to consume more sweets like sheera, halwa and panjiri.
4. Avoid excess consumption of ghee especially in halwa and vegetables.
The winter months can be very pleasant and with some simple dietary changes it can be a super healthy time for your pregnancy.
