Pregnancy is a journey that brings both physical and emotional highs and lows, akin to a roller coaster ride. However, the prospect of meeting your little one at the end makes every experience along the way worthwhile. It is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet during this time. Being pregnant naturally makes one more cautious about everything, and eating healthy is no exception. During the summer season, there is an abundance of delicious fruits that are best enjoyed, especially the seasonal and locally grown produce, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, good sugars, and fibers. These fruits and vegetables provide energy, keep you full, and are beneficial for your hair and skin, digestion, and bowel movements, helping to prevent constipation.
Here are some recommended foods for the summer season:
- Water-rich fruits such as melons and watermelons can help maintain hydration levels.
- Fruits such as peaches, plums, lemons, kiwi, and guava provide a lot of Vitamin C, absorb iron and build immunity.
- Apples are a great source of iron and fiber.
- Avocados are rich in good fats and fiber.
- Bananas help prevent leg cramps.
- Mangoes are enriched with Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
- It is also essential to drink plenty of water, lassi, coconut water, buttermilk, and lemonade to stay hydrated.
It is worth noting that some fruits, such as mangoes, watermelon, melons, grapes, chikoo, and bananas, are sugar-rich and can raise your blood sugar levels, which could lead to gestational diabetes if consumed excessively. Therefore, it is best to limit intake to 2-3 portions to reap their benefits. Some people avoid papaya and pineapple entirely due to concerns about miscarriage.
Here are some foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- Sugary drinks like Rooh Afza, shakes, and thandai are high in sugar, which is not good for your health.
- Processed foods, sugary foods, and sugar-laden sodas are full of empty calories and should be avoided.
- Limit your coffee and tea intake as they are diuretic and contain caffeine that can harm the baby.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided completely.