Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

You are probably fully aware of what kinds of food you SHOULD eat during your pregnancy. But did you also know that what you DON'T eat at this time can be just as important?



Fish

While it’s true that fish is an excellent source for iron, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids, there are some fish that may be dangerous to eat while pregnant because of their high content of mercury. These fish may contain a high amount of mercury:

• Swordfish
• Shark
• King mackerel
• Tilefish

The FDA says it is safe to eat 12 ounces a week of the following:

• Shrimp
• Canned tuna
• Salmon
• Pollock
• Catfish
• Albacore tuna and tuna steaks should be limited to 6 oz a
  week.

Avoid eating raw fish to avoid getting bacteria or viruses.




Meat and Poultry

Make sure all your meat and poultry is fully cooked in order to prevent ingesting bacteria like E coli. Cook the meat until the juices are clear, but also use a meat thermometer to make sure. Meat should be cooked to 160 degrees.



Dairy Foods

Eating unpasteurized dairy products is definitely not on your pregnancy diet. Before eating, check the labels on the following list of soft cheeses to make sure they are not made with unpasteurized milk.

• Brie
• Feta
• Camembert
• Roquefort
• Mexican cheeses
  

Caffeine

Drinking too much caffeine daily can affect your baby’s heart rate and breathing, as well as the baby’s weight at birth and the measurement of the head. Your doctor may want to put a limit on your daily caffeine intake.

It has also been suggested that drinking too much herbal tea while pregnant my cause contractions and therefore cause an increase in the risk of miscarriages or premature labor.




Alcohol and Drugs

Because of the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, miscarriage, and stillbirth, there is no tolerance for drinking alcohol while you are pregnant. And, of course, avoid illegal drugs. Even over-the-counter medications should be run by your doctor before you take them.

Remember, it is important to know what kinds of foods to avoid while being pregnant. It is just as important as knowing what kinds are good for you.

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

As an expectant mother, your top priority should be healthy eating. Many women use their pregnancy as an excuse to “eat for two.” This is the worst possible thing you could do to yourself and your baby.

Here are a few healthy eating during pregnancy tips:

Healthy Eating Tips for Expecting Moms - The American Dietetic Association says that a pregnant woman needs only 300 calories a day more than she did before she became pregnant. This means, on average, you should consume about 2,500 to 2,700 calories per day.

The best foods for healthy eating are of course fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy products. You should try to include something from each of these food groups in every meal.

Caffeine should be avoided at all costs, as it may have an effect on your unborn child. Junk food like chips and chocolate that will affect your weight gain should be eaten in moderation as well. Some pregnant women keep fresh fruit, like red seedless grapes, on hand. They claim these fruits that are naturally sweet help to curb their sweet-tooth cravings for things like chocolate.

Why Healthy Eating is Important for You - Your body is adjusting to carrying this new life inside you. While you will need extra nutrients, you don’t need to eat double. The best thing you can do is incorporate a pre-natal vitamin regimine into your daily life. Taking vitamins will help precisely feed your body the extra nutrients you need.

All too often, pregnant women pack on pounds unnecessarily. They eat in excess, thinking that after they have their baby, all the weight will magically disappear, too. It doesn’t work that way. If you wouldn’t ordinarily eat fast food five times per week, then don’t assume that kind of lifestyle just because you’re pregnant. Adopt well-rounded and balanced meals instead and treat yourself once a week to that craving you’ve had.

This way you’ll be able to keep your weight gain to a healthy level and also provide your baby with all the nutrients he or she needs for the best start in life.


Want more tips on eating healthy during your pregnancy? The Pregnancy Without Pounds ebook is a great resource to help you gain only the weight you should...the healthy way.

Should You Really Eat For Two?

A common misconception among pregnant women is that when you’re pregnant you are eating for two, so you can eat more. This really isn't the case. Many women find they relax and tend to overeat during pregnancy - your figure is going to be shot for a year anyway, right? Wrong! Think about after the birth of the baby. Those pounds can be mighty tough to lose, especially when dealing with a steady diet of 11pm, 2am and 5am feedings = no sleep!

You can avoid gaining too much weight during your pregnancy if you eat smart. Here are some tips for how much you should eat during your pregnancy:

300 Calories
If you are at a normal weight for your age and height when you become pregnant, you should only add about 300 calories per day to your intake. Be wise in the choices you make about where these 300 additional calories will come from. Try to avoid empty calories like cookies and cakes, they have no real nutritional value and are high in calories.

Fruits and Veggies
Remember to stock up on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapes, apples and bananas are wonderful substitutes for chocolate. Fresh raw veggies, like baby carrots, celery and cucumbers can replace junk food. Keep your refrigerator stocked with these healthy snacks and eat at least five servings per day.

Fiber
You can never get too much fiber in your diet when you are pregnant. Fiber helps prevent constipation, which many pregnant women deal with during pregnancy. Foods like bran, raisins and whole grains can help.

Protein
Most doctors suggest that about ten percent of your caloric intake should consist of protein-rich foods. Protein is important during pregnancy and has a double effect as some foods that are high in protein are good sources of iron as well.

Remember, weight is tough to take off anytime...especially when you have a newborn in the house. Think smart and eat smart NOW, for the two of you LATER!