Just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up your favorite meals. When lunchtime rolls around, you may be scrambling or in a rush to have something that will be healthy for you and Baby – the good news is that there are simple, healthy, yummy options for you to consider.
What kinds of food should I have?
You should eat foods rich in nutrients that will benefit you and Baby. The essential nutrients include vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, folate (found in prenatal vitamins and fortified grains as folic acid), calcium, choline, DHA, iron, protein, and zinc. You don’t need to have all these in one massive meal of several different foods. You can have them throughout the day, and you may be wondering where to find all these nutrients. There are many possibilities, but here is a list of some great lunches you can easily prepare on your own that have the essential nutrients to benefit you and Baby.
Perfect pregnancy lunches
- Egg salad: Eggs contain choline, an essential nutrient to help Baby’s brain growth and development. Try it in a wrap or a sandwich.
- Cheese quesadilla: A quesadilla with preferably whole milk cheese contains protein, calcium, and other vitamins.
- Pita bread pizza: This pizza with some tomato sauce, veggies, and cheese has calcium, protein, and several vitamins and minerals found in vegetables.
- Vegetable soup: A veggie soup is loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients like folate, iron, and Vitamin A.
- Chopped chicken salad: This salad has protein, iron, and could have other nutrients depending on if you add vegetables or mix in any other good foods. Try adding tomatoes or other fruit to get vitamin C as well.
- Turkey burger: A good turkey burger with lean turkey could be topped with cheese or maybe a veggie spread. This meal will surely keep you full and provide you with several essential nutrients.
Read more
Sources
- “Nutrition During Pregnancy: FAQ001.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 4/15/2015. Web.
- James A. Greenberg, Stacey J. Bell, Wendy Van Ausdal. “Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy.” U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institute of Health, Fall 2008. Web.
