Diet and pregnancy

Food is a vast subject in general, but when it is associated with pregnancy, it is enough to make you not know where to start! Between food prohibitions, foods to favor, eating what you want or on the contrary monitoring weight gain, in short, we can't cope!

I propose to give you some advice here, or at least some broad outlines to inspire you, knowing that the best judge of what you need is yourself and that in case of doubt, the best advice will be that of your doctor.

Let's start by freeing ourselves from guilt

First, stop feeling guilty and let yourself be. It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy and it is absolutely not the time to start a diet, however it is also not appropriate to "double" your quantities under the pretext of "eating for two".

Of course your caloric needs will increase, but little by little throughout the pregnancy - about 100 calories in the first trimester, 340 in the second and 450 in the third. Eat when you are hungry: it is quite possible to have three meals a day, or several small ones throughout the day if you prefer to eat small quantities at a time.

Provide the necessary vitamins and minerals!

Then, the important thing during pregnancy is to provide the right vitamins and minerals necessary for the baby's development and your health (iron, vitamin B12, calcium, etc.): eat everything, favor fresh and unprocessed foods (industrial products are often too rich in salt, sugar and fat, which can thus promote gestational diabetes). You will find vitamin B12 in fish, iron in lentils, meat or spinach for example.

You can drink tea and coffee but be careful not to exceed 300mg of caffeine per day (for information 250ml coffee = 180mg of caffeine). Above all, make sure to hydrate yourself well (at least 2L of water per day), but avoid sodas (too sweet).

Follow common sense: hydration and pleasure!

Finally, there is no specific diet for pregnancy, the recommendations are the same as for everyone: eat everything, fruits and vegetables are the most important part of the meal, hydrate well and above all enjoy your food and feel less guilty.

Let us remember that meat and fish should be eaten well cooked, raw foods - meat, fish, eggs, etc. - should be avoided and fruits and vegetables should be washed well before consumption, especially if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis.

In short, eat what you like and take care of yourself, enjoy your meal!

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