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During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to take care of your health. Not only is your own body more vulnerable with all the new demands being placed on it, but you have a little one who needs to be properly nourished to get the best start in life. Here are my top 10 foods to stock up on before your due date. 1. Leafy green vegetables All veggies are good, but ones like spinach, silverbeet and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals that can be particularly useful to pregnant women, like folate, calcium, iron, potassium, and more. They also contain fibre and antioxidants, which are great for the digestive and immune systems. With leafy greens, darker=better so try not to reach for the iceberg lettuce! 2. Avocados Famous for the healthy fats they contain, avocados also contain nearly 20 other important nutrients, including vitamins C and E (which can be hard to get from food sources). 3. Chia seeds A staple of the “superfood” market, chia is healthy for anyone, but for pregnant women who want a convenient package of protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it’s an especially perfect option. 4. Sweet potatoes Folate, vitamin C, fibre, plus immune-supporting antioxidant beta-carotene (which converts into vitamin A when the body needs it), plus they taste delicious? Yes, please. 5. Eggs (preferably organic or at the very least free-range) Plenty of protein and 12+ vitamins and minerals means that an omelette or quiche will be the perfect breakfast for you and baby. Plus, eggs contain choline, which helps prevent birth defects and assist with infant brain development. 6. Bone broth Bone broths are a healing and nourishing food that should become a staple in any household. It’s especially important for expecting women as it heals your gut, promoting a strong immune system for you and your baby. You can make it with chicken, beef, lamb or vegetables. 7. Beans Another great, natural source of fibre and plant-based protein, beans also contain folate, zinc, calcium, and iron. Plus, beans are a very versatile ingredient with a lot of varieties and some delicious recipes: soups, stews, burritos, and more. 8. Walnuts Aptly shaped like a brain, this nut is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fat, making it especially important for vegetarians who forgo the salmon. And, of course, they contain the ever-important protein and fibre! 9. Greek yogurt Most whole dairy products contain calcium, protein, healthy fat, B vitamins, and minerals, and Greek yogurt is among the healthiest dairy products you can buy. Opt for organic as there is a lot of rubbish out there. 10. Alkaline water Especially if your pre-pregnancy diet was high in acidic foods, alkaline water can help balance out your pH levels. Countless mothers have claimed that it helps relieve morning sickness, so that’s a win-win! Equally as important as the foods you eat are the foods you limit. Although it’s perfectly normal to indulge an ice-cream craving now and then, don’t make it a nightly thing, and avoid keeping junk food in the house. A baby’s health inside the womb sets the stage for its life after birth, so do your best to make fruits, veggies, and healthy fats/proteins the centre of your diet. Do you have any “must eat” foods your mother swears by? Comment and share them with us! For more natural health tips visit our blog at: http://www.alkalife.com.au/blog
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