Healthy Summer Superfoods to Eat During Pregnancy

Keeping healthy during pregnancy has never been so important as during the summer months. With temperatures soaring, it’s vital you eat the right stuff and get all the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Here are some of the best foods to eat when you are pregnant during the summer season.

Cheese

Whilst cheese is a great source of calcium for anyone, pregnant women should also indulge in cheese but stay away from soft cheeses as these can be rife with bacteria. Instead, stick to hard cheeses as a great source of fats and proteins as well.

Spinach

Pretty much all your green, leafy vegetables are a good choice but spinach is definitely the king of superfoods. With high levels of folic acid, vitamins and minerals, spinach can help to reduce the risk of birth defects and provide you with everything you need.

Avocados

Their rise in popularity means that avocados are everywhere, and it’s just as well. Rich in vitamins and potassium, avocados can be a great refreshing treat during the hot weather. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, in a salad, or on the BBQ.

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Oranges

Fruit as a whole are a great source of vitamins and nutrients which can also help to keep you feeling fresh. Instead of eating oranges, include a glass of orange juice in your diet. A brilliant source for vitamin C, drinking a glass with your meal can also help your body to more readily absorb iron into the blood.

Chickpeas

Whilst focusing on ensuring you have all the right vitamins and minerals is a top priority, you can’t forget other vital food groups such as fibre. Chickpeas are a great source of fibre, iron, folate and magnesium, and can also help to regulate glucose levels in the body. Why not try adding some chickpeas to a salad to help you feel fuller for longer?

Eggs

When it comes to cooking food in the summer, eggs are the ideal solution. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but come loaded with a whole host of nutrients, fats and proteins. However, when cooking eggs, ensure they’re cooked correctly to avoid food poisoning, especially as those who are pregnant will be particularly susceptible.

Blueberries

Not just suitable for pregnant women, blueberries are a great summer snack for everyone. Filled with antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, folate and fibre, blueberries can give you a lot of what you need to help you stay healthy and keep baby growing.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the perfect summer fruit and are widely enjoyed. For those in the middle of pregnancy, strawberries can provide a rich mixture of vitamins and calcium.

Sweet potato

Finally, last on our list is sweet potato. A very underrated superfood, sweet potato can be used to replace any potato-based food currently in your diet and provide you with vitamin A, a vitamin vital to the healthy development of your baby’s immune system. Plus, they’re a tasty snack when you’re feeling peckish.

Adding some of these superfoods to your diet will have a big impact on the health of both you and your baby. And whilst you spend time sheltering from the harsh summer sun, why not try out a few different recipes and cook up some tasty snacks with some of our favourite superfoods.

Resources:
http://www.mybaba.com/top-ten-summer-superfoods-to-eat-during-pregnancy/
https://www.lifealth.com/nature-and-health/superfoods/summer-superfoods-every-pregnant-woman-must-consume-dc/69603/