The Best Pre Pregnancy Diet for Women

The kind of diet you eat before getting pregnant has an effect on not only the chances of getting pregnant but also the health of your baby. If you are planning to get pregnant, you can prepare your body to be the perfect home for your child.

An effective pre-pregnancy diet needs to include all the key food groups sufficient levels of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and essential fats. But before you start to strip your cupboards bare, take heart: there’s no need to panic, and the last thing we want you to do is start an overly strict diet. We’re simply talking a few dietary adjustments here and there.

The Most Effective Pre-Pregnancy Diets

• Five portions of fruits and vegetables daily are important for providing the essential nutrients to your body for conceiving. Fresh fruits are best but you can also take tinned, dried or frozen. Fruit juices can also be taken.
• Eat a healthy diet as soon as you start thinking about conception. Even before you begin trying to conceive, start making changes toward better food options. Eat diets full of folic acid, or take folate supplements, as soon as you have intercourse.
• Fiber plays an important role in your pre-pregnancy diet as it helps to clear out toxins in your system and flushes out old hormone residues, ensuring that good nutrients get into your body. Whole grains, cereals, vegetables, seeds and fruits all provide you with fiber to keep your bowels healthy.
• Avoid fatty or sweet treats and sugary soft drinks and make sure you include foods rich in protein, calcium and iron.
• Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and regular cheese to meet your calcium requirements.
• Try to avoid foods with refined sugar and white flour. Some of the most common culprits are baked goods doughnuts, cake, even candy.
• Take foods rich in iron such as pulses, dried fruit, whole wheat bread, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals taken during breakfast. These build up the resources of iron before you need them during pregnancy.
• Water is an essential element of your pre-pregnancy diet plan. Your body is made up of two thirds water and is vital for good hormone balance and flushing out toxins. Aim to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day more if you are also drinking coffee and tea, as these act as diuretics and tend to dehydrate you.

Pregnancy is not always a great time for healthy eating. Between the nausea, the cravings, the intense smells and the exhaustion, your diet could take a hit. So, plan your pre pregnancy diet and stay away from alcohol, caffeine and all the food items that damage your health.