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4 Things You Should Know About Pregnancy Nutrition And Protein
Protein can also help curb hunger and even out oscillating blood sugar levels, so a portion of protein should be included with every meal, including snacks. Which sources of protein are best for pregnant women? In this article, we discuss which types of protein you should seek out during the next few trimesters. Organic, All-Natural Meat The most obvious source of protein is meat, especially beef and chicken. However, due to concerns about hormone levels in meat, you should make sure to switch to all-natural, organic cuts of beef and chicken. These may be sautéed in organic butter or coconut oil, grilled, or baked. Though most commonly consumed at lunch and dinner, you can also eat leftovers for breakfast. Organic, All-Natural Eggs Eggs have taken a beating in the press over the years, with concerns about the cholesterol they contain taking center stage. However, these concerns have been disproven, and a whole, organic egg remains an excellent source of protein as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. They are great boiled, or cooked in organic butter or coconut oil. Because they need very little prep time, they are great for a quick snack or meal, and most commonly, people eat them as a part of a balanced breakfast. Soy Products Soy products are not recommended for consumption by pregnant women. There are two main reasons for this. First, soy products generally contain a large amount of preservatives. Your pregnancy eating plan should contain foods that do not have a large amount of preservatives or fillers. Secondly, soy has been linked to the underdevelopment of sex organs in fetuses, a problem that could have long-ranging consequences for your baby. So steer clear of soy products in favor of other types of protein. Seafood There are grave concerns about the mercury levels that many types of seafood contain. Most women have questions about specific types of seafood, such as "Can I eat shrimp while pregnant?" The answer is yes! Shrimp, and other low mercury types of seafood such as crab, lobster, salmon, anchovies, and sardines, may be eaten during pregnancy, as long as you limit your consumption to no more than two six-ounce servings twice per week. Seafood that contains high levels of mercury, such as marlin, tilefish, shark, orange roughy, and grouper, should be completely avoided during pregnancy. If you have questions about which types of seafood are allowable for the expectant mother, a quick Google search should help you decide which varieties are safe for consumption. Nuts and Nut Butters If you don't like meat, seafood, or eggs, or if you are simply looking to add variety to your diet, then nuts and nut butters are an excellent source of protein. They're also convenient, making them perfect for snacking. They also contain high amounts of healthy fats, which will help with your cognitive functions, your baby's brain development, and with feelings of satiety during and after meals. Raw nuts are best, so seek out almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and others that have not been roasted and salted. Nut butters are another great way to go, and your local health food store probably has a huge variety of all-natural spreads to tempt your appetite. Try almond butter, cashew butter, and even macadamia nut butter in addition to fresh-ground peanut butter for an alternative snack or meal. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Are you looking for the best advice for pregnancy nutrition? Need advice which foods to avoid while pregnant? Visit whattoeatwhilepregnant.com for exercise recommendations and eating tips for a healthy pregnancy. |
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