MAGAZINE
Got stories to share? Become a contributor… click here
While Experts can agree that 75-100 grams of protein is recommended in your diet while expecting, I was still a little shocked when my mid-wife gave me that guideline. I was determined to meet this goal while keeping my primarily plant based diet, despite being flexible with fish and eggs. Most importantly, I wanted to give this growing baby and myself all the required nutrients!
According to the American Pregnancy Association, "Protein positively affects the growth of fetal tissue, including the brain. It also helps your breast and uterine tissue to grow during pregnancy, and it plays a role in your increasing blood supply."
Once I educated myself on protein rich foods both plant based and otherwise I would mix and match to get the max benefit out of my diet. I focused on finding meals and tastes that I truly enjoyed and was craving as a pregnant momma. Also, I wanted to make sure that I could indulge in them healthily.
So here is my ingredient and sneaky food lists I developed for maximizing protein while pregnant ranging from 1 - 40 grams:
And here are some of the delicious meals I made with the listed ingredients:
Don't be afraid to get creative with your meals and keep yourself feeling energized and healthy while you celebrate the life that is growing inside you. You both will benefit so much from it!
Personally, I noticed having more energy, a healthy weight gain and a positive birthing experience. And most importantly, I was blessed with a very healthy 8lb 21 inch bundle of love!
I can only hope but attribute those things to a healthy diet, as it was the first time out of 3 pregnancies that I was truly mindful about a protein rich diet.
I am so thankful my midwife shared the guideline with me and hope it can be of help to you on your pregnancy journey.
Happy eating with two in mind!
View more, it's free.
Share this
story
I am a toddler mom, married to my high school sweetheart. A stylist, salon business coach and manager turned stay at home mom after the birth of my identical twin boys who joined our family 2 weeks after my first born turned 2! I fell in love with coaching women to reach their full potential in business and beauty. After entering into motherhood I fell in love with the true capacity for which women have as mothers, and leaders in their new titles as "moms". I want every mother to feel their worth, through the grit, the joy and everything in between.
wordtoyourmoms.comBecome a contributor… click here