15 Power foods to keep you energetic throughout pregnancy!

15 Power foods that will keep you energetic throughout pregnancy!

Pregnancy is a magical time but it also does tend to wear you down.

You easily feel famished and fatigued even if you've just had a full meal.

Why? It's because of your growing baby's nutritional demands.

Once you've made it past your second trimester--past the bouts of morning sickness--it's time to widen your dietary choices.

Our advice? Go for these 15 power foods that are sure to keep you healthy and energized throughout the rest of your pregnancy!

Salmon

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which is a nutrient essential for your baby's brain and eye development.

It is also a great source of B vitamins and protein.

Broccoli

Being rich in calcium and folate, broccoli is one of the best things to include in your prenatal diet.

It's fiber-filled and packed with disease-fighting antioxidants!

Leafy greens

Adding green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and turnip greens to your regular prenatal diet ensures that you're getting enough iron and folate!

Oatmeal

This is a delicious alternative to your regular morning toast because it's filling and it lowers your cholesterol!

If you prefer it sweet, avoid pre-made oatmeal. Go for the plain version and just add maple syrup or splenda later on.

Oranges

Obviously a great source of Vitamin C, Oranges are also rich in fiber, and folate.

They are also good snack options to keep in handy because the high water content found in oranges keeps you hydrated and feeling full.

Whole-Grain Bread

Break up with white bread because whole-grain bread has so much more to offer!

This type of bread has lots of iron, zinc, and fiber. Consuming this regularly assures that you get the right amount of daily fiber.

Lean Meat

During pregnancy, you may find yourself having an intense craving for meat.

This is your body's way of telling you that you need twice your regular dose of iron.

So it's imperative to consume as much iron and protein as possible!

Soy foods

If you're a vegetarian, soy foods like tofu are a healthier alternative to make sure you get the right amount of nutrients--including protein--without having to eat meat.

Bananas

They're not only rich in potassium; they keep you from feeling tired easily.

Cut up some bananas to add to your smoothie or yogurt when you're in a rush!

Nuts and Peanut Butter

A good snacking option would be to go for peanut butter sandwiches instead of chips to keep you feeling full all day until dinner time!

Dried Fruit

To satisfy your sweet tooth while pregnant, dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, and cherries are healthier choices!

Cheese

Though some types of cheese aren't recommended during pregnancy, cheddar and mozzarella are great to add to your diet because they help you meet your daily calcium requirement!

Eggs

Eggs are always a good idea. Have them as an omelette or poached, this healthy and yummy addition to your diet will keep your unhealthier cravings at bay.

Beans

Beans are packed with awesome nutrients like iron, folate, calcium and zinc.

What's great is that you can add them to virtually any dish: soups, pasta, or salads.

Berries

To curb your unhealthy sweet cravings, go for berries!

But more than an alternative to sweets, berries are packed with potassium, vitamin C, fiber and folate.

photos: pexels and pixabay

READ: 15 Foods you should eat to boost your sex drive

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.

Calculate your due date

Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

English