An amazing thing happens when we find out we’re pregnant: We actually start to scrutinize how we handle the bodies we’ve been living with, often with very little respect, for at least two or three decades! Prenatal yoga is a great way to pay a bit of homage to your changing body and the crazy miracle it’s performing to produce a new life, but diet changes matter, too.
Pregnancy is a great time to re-evaluate what you put into your body, and what it means for you and the life within. Here are two easy diet changes you can start making–today!–that can provide a major health boost, with very little effort required on your part. (NOTE: If you have been instructed by your doctor to stick to a specific diet, adhere to that advice).
Maqui berry. If you haven’t heard of this superfood, you’re missing out on some major health benefits.
All berries are loaded with vitamins A, C, E and folic acid, selenium, calcium, and healthy polyphenols, but Maqui berry (also called the Chilean wineberry), contains 10 times the antioxidant power of a blueberry. It’s thought to reduce inflammation, ease arthritis, suppress blood glucose and regulate cholesterol. (Sound like a helpful tool in pregnancy)???
You can enjoy its benefits by mixing the freeze-dried powder form, sold by health food retailers in store and online (expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $40 for about a three month supply), into a yummy morning smoothie of blended fresh berries, milk and yogurt. (I drink it, and it is indeed, delicious).
Get plenty of fresh berries in your diet too–the darker the better. Stick to organic berries or better yet, get them from local markets when possible to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
Get green. Pregnancy is a time of new experiences, so if you haven’t paused in the “greens” aisle of the grocery for a while, it’s a great time to open your mind and experiment! Not only are they inexpensive, greens that are leafy and dark, like kale, spinach and dandelion greens, are loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They can also boost the appearance of your skin, nails and hair, according to celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder.Â
They’re also inexpensive! Kale, for example, will only cost about $2 for the “bunch.” Toss them lightly steamed with a hint of coconut oil and sea salt, or olive oil and sea salt, for a healthy side dish. You can throw them into your standard salad greens, too. If you have a hard time getting your veggies down, throw them in a juicer with an apple or pear.
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