Healthy Pregnancy
Breastfeeding not only forms a deep bond between the mother and the baby but it is the most nutritious food for the baby especially during the first few months of its birth. Breastfeeding and weight loss are two sides of the same coin. It brings the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size and shape and reduction of mother’s body weight before pregnancy.
Hormonal imbalance in the body during pregnancy is the main cause for food cravings and more appetite. The excess fat you gain is stored for the production of milk which is why breast milk rich in fat, is so important for the baby. Breastfeeding burns up to 550 calories each day as the process of producing more milk burns off the excess fat, especially around your hips and butt.
It is important to follow a proper healthy diet with breastfeeding, soon after your delivery. You must no longer ‘eat for two’. Add plenty of vegetables, fruits, fiber, calcium, lean proteins and zinc-rich foods in your diet, for increased milk production. You will not lose weight just because you are breastfeeding, if you stick to fast foods or junk foods.
Breast feeding releases hormones in your body that contracts the uterus and burn fat. In addition, doing simple exercises like walking, swimming or cycling, a month or two after delivery will help your weight loss.
A healthy pregnancy diet is necessary for the delicate life you are carrying. Keep yourself well informed on some basic requirements in your diet.
There is a general misconception that a pregnant woman can eat any amount of anything to sustain the needs of ‘two’. But the reality is that pregnant women should not eat more than 350 calories a day, over and above their normal consumption.
Processed foods and diet colas are high in sodium can cause swelling. Drinking large amounts of barley water will reduce swelling or bloating from normal pregnancy or toxemia. Water will keep your body well hydrated and prevent pre-term labor.
Eat whole grains, fruits and multi colored vegetables. Dark vegetables especially deep green vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins.
Include plenty of fiber to facilitate smooth bowel movements. Switch to eating many small meals in a day in order to restore sufficient nutrition level for you and your baby.
Protein must be a vital component of your diet during pregnancy. They are needed for your baby’s physical growth and development of the placenta. A minimum of 90 to 100 grams of protein should be taken every day. Chicken, milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, beans, eggs and fish are rich in protein.
Fulfill your body’s food cravings but do not go overboard. A balanced and healthy pregnancy diet will provide all the nutrition you and your baby needs.