Pregnancy and Vegetarianism

Pregnancy is a time that any woman will want to eat healthier than any other time in her life. It is a miracle that another human life can be contained inside your own. That miracle is partially possible because your baby will share everything that you eat or drink. If you eat nutritious foods that stimulate growth and development, you will almost definitely have a healthy, full term baby. There are of course other factors that also come into play as far as that is concerned. If, on the opposite end of the spectrum, you eat unhealthy foods or do not eat enough nutrition, you're baby will not have as good of a chance at developing correctly and may even be born prematurely because of those decisions. The growing baby will need protein, vitamins and minerals as building blocks for tiny systems. If your body is not able to sustain the healthy development of your infant, it will react by aborting. This is not any cause for fear if you can maintain healthy eating during your pregnancy. A vegetarian diet can be sufficient if you follow the listed hints and guidelines.

Variety is the Spice of Life
For your baby's health, vary your intake of calories. Make sure that you eat protein, fat, and carbohydrates while you make sure you are getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Folic acid and iron are of the most essential minerals. In addition to the regular nutritious foods that you consume, make sure to also take a prenatal vitamin. This will ensure that you are getting enough nutrition for yourself in order to best support your baby. Prenatal vitamins are not a substitute for good eating however.

Eat Frequently, Not Densely
Eating densely is, in other words, eating extremely large amounts during a few meals over the course of the day. It is normal to be hungrier than normal while you are pregnant, but the answer is eating healthy snacks throughout the day. On your vegetarian diet, make sure to include a variety of food groups. Although snacking on fats and sugars is very tempting during the second trimester, proteins will be more satisfying in the end and will be better for your baby. This is not to say that protein is the only important thing to eat, but it may be the most difficult to remember to eat when you are pregnant.

Increase Calories
While it is important not to eat too many fats and sweets, you do need to eat more calories now that you are pregnant. On a vegetarian diet it can be difficult to make the calories add up while still eating nutritiously. Drink 100% juices and soy milk. Also, look for higher fat vegetables like avocados.

There are a few differences in eating requirements for pregnant women who are vegetarians. It is possible to eat and stay healthy, as well as to help your baby to grow healthily. A vegetarian diet contains all of the necessary nutrients even for building babies. All you have to do is eat smart and choose your foods with care.

Latest Vegetarian News

01/25/2012
Go green, eat greens
HEALTH professionals these days advocate eating more fruit and vegetables (up to 13 servings of fruit and vegetables a day) and less meat. It's not just for health; environmental reasons are equally important.

Go green, eat greens

01/26/2012
Traveling with a tricky diet
Traveling with dietary restrictions, whether medical necessity or by choice, is getting easier. People with conditions like celiac disease are sharing their struggles and tips online to find safe and delicious food abroad.

Traveling with a tricky diet

01/18/2012
Meatless for a day: Explore the bounty produce, legumes and grains offer
Here’s the truth: I hate meat substitutes. Seitan doesn’t resemble “steak.” Soy “meat” is no replacement for chicken. And non-meat tacos — save those filled with straight-up veg — are a letdown at best. It’s a big, joyless eating experience, and I want no part of it.I’m not alone.“A friend gave me barbecue ribs made from a meat substitute, and they were awful,” recalls Marc Bernard, executive ...

Meatless for a day: Explore the bounty produce, legumes and grains offer

01/31/2012
Wellness: Food for thought
There are few things more essential to human life than food. And in a city with a dizzying array of options and philosophies, opinions are diverse — and sometimes vehemently held. Xpress spoke with three local foodies offering different takes on how to eat well — and sustainably. Meat “I grew up in north Florida, and I was around really poor quality meat for many years,” says Karen Fowler of The ...

Wellness: Food for thought

01/17/2012
Who owns the new Australian dietary guidelines?
For those who missed the announcement, Australia's 24,000 GPs and 3500 dietitians will soon have a new weapon in their battle against big bellies and hard arteries, writes Geoff Russell. Read more on the blog...

Who owns the new Australian dietary guidelines?

01/31/2012
Wellness: Food for thought
There are few things more essential to human life than food. And in a city with a dizzying array of options and philosophies, opinions are diverse — and sometimes vehemently held. Xpress spoke with three local foodies offering different takes on how to eat well — and sustainably. Meat “I grew up in north Florida, and I was around really poor quality meat for many years,” says Karen Fowler of The ...

Wellness: Food for thought