Foods to give your energy levels a healthy ‘kick’ during pregnancy

Most pregnant women can testify to the exhaustion and utter lack of energy felt especially during the first and last trimester. The first trimester is a time when your body is adjusting to the hormonal changes resulting in your energy levels taking a undesired nose dive. In the last trimester, with your bulging belly and now bigger baby is zapping any energy resources you have. There are many ways to help give you the spark you need such as rest, exercise, drinking plenty of water and food. Food especially can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep enough energy in reserve for you! So what foods should you include in your diet and what should you avoid?

Remember that eating sweets or drinking a cup of coffee will only give you temporary high after which will make you feel more tired than before. Not quite the result you are looking for. Caffeine is also thought to be unwise to ingest during pregnancy so try limiting your intake as much as possible. Choosing energy boosting foods mean foods that contain the right nutrients rather than appearing to give energy like so many products advertise. Nutrients are what give us energy! Carbohydrates are the main source of energy meaning it would not be ideal to cut this from your diet. It is the complex carbohydrates that you want to keep in your diet. Pregnant women fear gaining too much weight so many cut

carbohydrates from their diet altogether which can result in a significant dip in their energy levels.

(courtesy of BabyNature)

Q: What types of foods contain complex carbohydrates?

A: Complex carbohydrates include foods such as rice, oatmeal and foods that contain whole wheat. These foods not only contain the ‘good’ carbohydrates but are also high in fiber, which is important especially for women in their second and third trimesters.

Other forms of foods to incorporate into your diet are those that contain Vitamin C and beta carotene as these will also help to support and strengthen your energy levels. Such foods will include carrots andbroccoli and a variety of fruits. Vitamin C is not only good for our immune system and energy levels but is also known to help relieve feelings of nausea – which can be an added cause of fatigue in pregnancy.Blueberries are also a wonderful option to snack on during the day as they have high anti-oxidant properties helping to give your brain the stimulation it needs.

If you are fatigued but highly strung and need to relax – then consider incorporating vitamin B6 into your daily food intake. Vitamin B6 helps to produce serotonin known to have a calming effect on pregnant women. Such foods would include chicken, bananas and sweet potato.

And remember! Smaller meals and eat as much fresh food as possible. Avoid processed or canned food as they are high in sugar.  Eating right can help to prevent or alleviate some milder health complaints pregnant women complain of such as fatigue. So start writing that shopping list and get yourself on the right track to feel more energized!