Food to Eat When Pregnant
In pregnancy, one should eat at at least 7 servings every day of fresh fruits and vegetables (three servings of fruit and four of vegetables).
A serving of fruit might be: 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, dried or canned fruit (without syrup), 1 medium apple, banana, orange or pear, 3/4 cup fruit juice, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or 3/4 cup grapes. A serving of vegetables might be: 1 medium-sized baked potato, 1/2 cup vegetables (cooked or raw) such as broccoli or carrots, 3/4 cup vegetable juice or 1 cup raw leafy salad greens. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible (organic is best).
Whole-grain breads, Cereals and Pasta
You will need 6-11 servings of whole grain breads, cereals and pasta every day. A serving might be: 1/2 cup cooked pasta, 1/2 cup cooked whole-grain cereal, 1/2 cup brown or wild rice, 1 large corn tortilla, 1 slice whole-grain bread, 1/2 bagel, about 2 cups ready-to-eat cereal, 1 medium muffin, 1/2 hot dog or hamburger bun or 4 small crackers.
Meats, Fish and Beans
Three to four servings of meats, fish and beans every day is essential. A serving might be: 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1/2 cup cooked (dry) beans, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/3 cup nuts, 2 -3 ounces cooked lean meat, poultry or fish (a piece of chicken or a hamburger patty about the size of the palm of your hand) or 2 cooked eggs. There are specific fish a pregnant woman needs to stay away from and others that need to be eaten in minimal amounts.
Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
Why are Dairy, Iron and Protein Important?
Why is Calcium and Water Important?
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
Taking Supplements
