Many expectant mothers think they need to eat more animal products in order to make sure that they and their baby get the nutrients they need. But a plant based diet can be an excellent source for all the protein, iron, and choline required for a healthy pregnancy. 

Prenatal nutrition starts with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Plant based foods are high in fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar and alleviate the constipation that often comes with pregnancy. Plants are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect both mom and baby’s cells from damage caused by stress, sun, and environmental toxins.

But pregnant women do need extra protein, iron, and choline, nutrients found in higher quantities in red meat and poultry.

Protein

During pregnancy, the average woman needs around 70g of protein, 20% more than when not pregnant. Fortunately, there are many protein-rich plant foods. Legumes like beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and soy foods like tofu, tempeh, and edamame are good sources. Pumpkin, hemp, sunflower and flax seeds are high in protein as are many nuts like almonds, peanuts and pistachios. Whole grains, such as quinoa and wild rice, also contain protein. And unlike meat, these  foods also come with  fiber, complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and healthy fats.

Iron

Women also need to double their iron intake during pregnancy. Iron helps produce blood that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the womb. While beef is an excellent source of iron, it’s not the only one. Kidney beans, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and fortified whole grains are also good sources of iron. Try pairing them with ingredients like bell peppers, oranges, and broccoli, that are  rich in Vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron, especially the non-heme iron found in plants. 

Choline

Choline is an essential nutrient that supports a baby’s brain development. It’s recommended that women increase their intake of choline by 30%. Nuts, legumes and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, and bok choy are the excellent plant sources of choline.

Plant Based Prepared Meals Now

Plant based eating may do everything from making you feel better, keeping you healthier, and maybe even helping you live longer. Don’t wait – order easy prepared meals to your doorstep now. Eating nutrient-dense foods does not have to be hard. Territory makes it easy!