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Pregnancy Food Guide
Pregnancy Food Guide
Developed by a scientific panel organized by the Brigham and Womens Hospital, a Harvard teaching affiliate. This education material was supported by a grant from the Egg Nutrition Center.
Introduction
What you choose to eat when youre pregnant may influence you and your babys health now and for years to come. Pregnancy is a good time to review your nutrition.
Weight Gain
Steady, gradual weight gain achieved through balanced and healthy nutrition is best for you and your baby
D D
Stay energized. Include protein (like egg, poultry or fish), carbohydrate (like fruit, vegetables or cereal) and healthy fat (like olive oil or nuts) in every meal & snack While awake, try to eat every three hours Enjoy healthy foods first and plan for an occasional treat Drink plenty of water; Limit soda, coffee, juice drinks and other sweetened beverages Try to be physically active at least 30 minutes each day. Avoid exercising on your back Every pregnancy is unique; Consult with a registered dietitian (R.D.) for your personal nutrition needs Eat enough for a healthy weight gain but you do not need to eat for two
SNACKS
Pudding with nuts or Low fat yogurt with fruit or Hummus with carrots
LUNCH
Turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato on whole grain bread, low fat yogurt, apple, or Taco with low fat cheese, greens, tomatoes and a side of beans, banana or 1 slice pizza, salad, watermelon
SNACKS
Peanut butter on apples or Low fat cheese and crackers or Small handful of nuts and raisins
DINNER
Chicken, rice and beans, carrots, green salad or Fish, broccoli, sweet potato, three bean salad or Tofu, bowl of vegetables, buckwheat noodles, cucumber and tomato salad
SNACKS
Hard cooked egg with carrot sticks or Whole grain cereal with low fat milk and berries or Low fat cheese and pear
Healthy Protein
D Good sources of protein are chicken, turkey, fish, low fat
dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, peanut butter, lean meat, tofu D Fish Eat about 12 ounces, 2 average meals, a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish. If you are not able to eat fish or choose not to, try eating other sources of DHA including walnuts, wheat germ, canola oil, flaxseed oil and omega 3 enriched eggs or consider taking a supplement with DHA
HANDFUL = 1 OR 2 OZ.
(1 serving of nuts)
PALM = 3 OZ.
(1 serving of meat or fish)
THUMB = 1 OZ
(1 serving cheese)
Healthy Fats
D Pregnant and breastfeeding women need healthy fats for babys development D Eat healthy fats throughout the day such as fats found in olive and canola oil, fatty fish (salmon,
herring and sardines), avocados, peanut butter, salad dressings, nuts and seeds D Avoid trans fat or foods with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fat (like many packaged and processed foods, fried foods and fast foods) D Limit saturated fat (like butter, lard, whole milk dairy products, high fat meats such as sausage and bacon)
Healthy Carbohydrates
D Fruits and vegetables are healthy sources of carbohydrates. Eat them often and throughout the
day. Try for five to nine servings a day. Eat dark and brightly colored fruits and vegetables because they are richer sources of vitamins and minerals. Choose whole fruit rather than juice whenever possible. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are acceptable. However, canned fruits in syrup are higher in sugar and canned vegetables are higher in salt. D Eat whole grain products including whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain pasta, seeded rye, barley, quinoa, wheat berries, bulgur, millet and kasha. Limit instant grains and refined carbohydrates (like cookies, soda, instant rice and instant oatmeal)
Fluid
D Drink enough water to never feel thirsty and so urine is light in color D Choose pasteurized low fat milk and lightly flavored waters D Limit juices and other sweetened beverages, which are high in calories
Breastfeeding
D Breast milk is the perfect food for babies D Most women will produce sufficient milk even if their diet is not perfect D The same nutrition recommendations apply to pregnant and nursing
mothers: Eat well and stay hydrated D Prenatal vitamins have more iron than breastfeeding mothers need. Breastfeeding women should consider taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement for non-pregnant women
Choline
When consumed during pregnancy, choline may promote brain development and memory function early in life. The richest sources of choline are eggs, beef liver and chicken liver. Two eggs provide about half the recommended daily intake of choline for pregnant women.
Salt does not need to be restricted in pregnancy for most women. Foods that are less processed will contain less salt. To avoid excessive salt, limit intake of highly processed foods such as canned soups, boxed pasta and rice mixes, salted snacks, and salty seasonings.
Dining Out
Eating out can be challenging especially when you are trying to eat healthy. Portion control is key since the servings at most restaurants are oftentimes 2 to 3 times larger than at home. Use the portion guide available on page 3. Selecting the right restaurant and planning ahead are important ways to eat out more healthfully.
D Choose lean meats that are baked, broiled, D or grilled D Include vegetables and a whole grain starch like D brown rice or whole wheat pasta D Drink low fat milk as a beverage whenever D possible D Enjoy a fresh fruit cup for dessert D Limit foods that are fried and prepared in butter D or cream sauces D Be mindful of the calories from the bread basket.
Can I get enough calcium if I do not drink milk? Yes. In addition to milk, you can also get calcium in fortified orange juice, cheese, yogurt, sardines, soups cooked with bones or through a calcium supplement. Are artificial sweeteners safe to use while I am pregnant? Yes, except saccharin. I am a vegetarian. Do I have to eat meat? There are many alternative sources of protein such as dairy products, soy beans and nuts. See a registered dietitian (R.D.) to address your individual needs. How can I reduce my constipation? Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Have 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Include whole grains in each meal and snack. Be active every day. Can I eat spicy food while I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Yes, if it is comfortable for you. Spicy foods will not harm your baby. Can I have caffeine? Limit your caffeine to 1 small cup of coffee (10 ounces) or 2 cups of light tea (20 ounces) a day. Can I eat eggs when I'm pregnant? Yes. Eggs are a low-cost, nutritious food to eat when pregnant. Eggs provide the highest quality p rotein available, along with 18 vitamins and minerals. Eggs are also an excellent source of choline, a nutrient that, when consumed during pregnancy, may be key in the brain development and life-long memory capacity of your infant. As always, do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. How are my nutrition needs different if I am pregnant with twins? You should eat a meal or snack every two hours while awake and consult with a registered dietitian (R.D.) about your individual needs. Ive heard I cant drink alcohol while Im pregnant or breastfeeding. Is that true? Do not drink alcohol while you are pregnant. During lactation, if you choose to have a drink, wait a few hours before nursing.
Acknowledgments
Developed by a scientific panel organized by the Brigham and Womens Hospital, a Harvard teaching affiliate. This education material was supported by a grant from the Egg Nutrition Center. SCIENTIFIC PANEL MEMBERS Robert Barbieri, M.D. Chairman, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kate Macy Ladd Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology Brigham and Women's Hospital Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D. Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Senior Scientist,USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging Tufts University Kathryn G. Dewey, Ph.D. Professor Department of Nutrition University of California, Davis Miriam Erick, M.S., R.D. Senior Clinical Dietitian Department of Nutrition Brigham and Women's Hospital Jane Hanrahan, M.S.,ICCE-CD President International Childbirth Education Association Daniel Hoffman, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Barbara Luke, Sc.D., M.P.H., R.D. Professor of Nursing, Obstetrics & Pediatrics School of Nursing and Health Studies University of Miami Kathy McManus, M.S., R.D. Director of the Department of Nutrition Brigham and Women's Hospital Julie Redfern, R.D. Coordinating Nutritionist Department of Nutrition Brigham and Women's Hospital W, Allan Walker, M.D. Conrad Taff Professor of Nutrition Professor of Pediatrics Director, Division of Nutrition Harvard Medical School Walter Willett, M.D., Dr. PH. Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition Chairman of the Dept. of Nutrition Harvard School of Public Health Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical