Sure, you’ve heard it before: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (though that probably hasn’t stopped you from dashing out the door with just a stomach full of coffee). But now that you’re eating for another, this meal is even more essential — and may be in need of a makeover. It’s your first opportunity to pack in the nutrients you need to keep going through the day and get your growing baby off to a great start. Make it a good morning with these yummy recipes, some of which you can make ahead of time so you can sneak in some extra z’s (a must when you’re dealing with pregnancy fatigue).
Some more things to keep in mind about pregnancy and breakfast:
•If you’re a latte lover, you’ll have to cut back on those morning cups of joe (too much caffeine during pregnancy is a no go). Aim to drink no more than two cups of coffee a day — or a total of 200 mg of caffeine — and instead rely on your breakfast foods to give you an energy boost. Combine low-fat protein (like lean meats, beans, or eggs) with a complex carb (like whole grains and fresh fruits) to get an extra kick.
•Speaking of eggs, be sure to avoid the runny variety (like sunny side up or poached), since they pose a salmonella-poisoning risk. Mixing up a batch of pancakes instead? Resist the urge to lick the batter off the spoon if it contains raw eggs.
•A glass of OJ is still a great way to start your day, but you should be sure that it’s pasteurized (aka has been refrigerated continuously). The same goes for dairy products, whether it’s your morning glass of milk or a dash of cheddar in your breakfast burrito.
•In fact, it’s probably best to avoid all soft cheeses for the next nine months — it’s usually made with unpasteurized milk, which can contain listeria. So yes, that spinach and feta omelet is off the menu for now.
One other major morning meal snag — morning sickness. If you can’t stomach breakfast during pregnancy, try eating small portions throughout the day to keep your tummy just full enough to quell queasiness. Always opt for bland complex carbs that will sit well in your stomach, like dried apricots, whole-grain crackers, and dry whole-wheat toast. Just eat whatever healthy foods you can get down (even if that means a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast). And most important of all: Stay hydrated!
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Monday, August 1st 2016 at 10:10AM
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