Pregnancy Diet

Do You Have To Give Up All Your Favorite Foods While Pregnant?

I have often wondered if a special pregnancy diet is really necessary. I have heard nothing but what to eat and not to eat since I found out I was expecting. If I were to listen to everyone who has given me unsolicited advice, I would not be allowed to eat or drink anything at all. It is almost impossible to know what is really dangerous and what is not.

I decided to use common sense when it came to eating while pregnant. There was no reason to not enjoy all the foods I was used to eating before I got pregnant. When I did a bit of research I was shocked at how many foods I was to avoid for no real good reason.

While most people will tell you not to eat sushi as part of your pregnancy diet, I did. Women in Japan have been eating sushi for years and have no issues at all. This meal is also high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are very important while pregnant. The avoidance should be on foods that are raw that are not meant to be eaten raw. Chicken, beef, and store grade fish should always be cooked thoroughly no matter if you are pregnant or not.

You should also eat plenty of meat so that you can get the extra vitamin B and folic acid you require while expecting. It is the B vitamins that aid in neural tube and brain formation. I found that I could still enjoy the meats I enjoyed, including deli meats I had been eating all along. I just had to be sure that I stuck with foods I had always eaten prior to pregnancy.

As far as a pregnancy diet to make sure I did not gain a lot of weight, I just had to again use common sense. While I craved a lot of foods, I had to make sure that I was not eating too many empty calories or not eating enough.

There is no diet, per say, where you spend your entire time calorie counting or trying to lose weight. You just need to watch what you eat so you get the right nutrition and not gain unnecessary weight that will be impossible to lose.

The key I found in eating while pregnant is to eat from all the major food groups. Try to avoid tremendous amounts of junk food as well. Cravings are normal, but you must still try to keep control of them.

When it comes to the pregnancy diet, I truly believe it is what you make it. Each woman has to eat what is right for her. If you are afraid to eat anything that may be considered risky by some people, then do not eat it. If you gain more than you like in weight, remember you can always diet or exercise more after the baby comes.

Another key component to keeping fit while pregnant is to make sure to get proper exercise. If you are not used to being active speak to your doctor about what is right for you. It will not only make losing your pregnancy weight easier, it will keep you from over gaining.

Review by Karen Moose