Fueling Your Pregnancy with Protein-Packed Foods
Pregnancy is such an incredible journey, and taking care of your nutrition is crucial during this time. Protein is one nutrient that plays a vital role in the growth and development of your baby. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for a lot of mamas-to-be to stomach the foods they’re used to eating. Luckily, getting your protein fix doesn't have to be complicated or boring.
Here are some high-protein, easy-to-stomach foods you might want to try during your pregnancy.
1. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is an absolute superstar when it comes to protein content. It's not only creamy and versatile but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a snack or mix it with fruits and granola for a satisfying breakfast. With around 15 grams of protein in a single cup, it's an excellent choice to support your baby's development while satisfying your taste buds.
2. Eggs
Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and other essential nutrients like choline, which plays a vital role in baby's brain development. I know a lot of women tend to get nauseous from eggs but if you’re one of the lucky ones, feel free to whip up a quick and easy omelet or enjoy a sunny-side-up egg with whole wheat toast in the morning. With around 6g of protein per egg, they're a pregnancy protein powerhouse.
3. Lean meats
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef are rich sources of high-quality protein that can be easily incorporated into your meals. This too, can be nauseating for some women but if you’re able to continue eating meat, try some grilled chicken breast, turkey meatballs, or lean beef stir-fry. This can add a flavorful punch to your day while giving your body the protein it needs to support your baby's growth.
4. Legumes
Legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are not only affordable but also packed with goodness. These plant-based powerhouses offer a combination of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Cook up a tasty lentil soup, add chickpeas to your salads, or make a delicious black bean chili. With around 15 grams of protein per cup, legumes are a tasty and nutritious addition to your pregnancy diet.
5. Nuts and seeds
For a convenient and protein-packed snack, nuts and seeds are your answer. Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds are excellent choices. Grab a handful of mixed nuts for a quick and satisfying snack or sprinkle seeds on top of your yogurt or salads. These little protein-packed wonders also provide healthy fats and important vitamins and minerals.
6. Quinoa
Quinoa is a great alternative to other grains because it's a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids. It's versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish. With around 8 grams of protein per cooked cup, quinoa is a fantastic addition to your pregnancy menu
7. Protein shakes
Shakes are a great alternative when all else fails. Yes, we want to always opt for real, wholesome meals/foods. But sometimes, our bodies have other plans for us. And when this happens, falling back on protein shakes can be a great option to keep our protein up without having to actually chew food and risk getting sick. You can expect to get around 20-30g per serving in a shake.
Pregnancy is a wonderful time to nourish yourself and your growing baby with delicious and protein-rich foods. Yes, our appetite tends to change and sometimes we can’t stomach the same foods we did pre-pregnancy. But try your best! If you absolutely can’t stomach certain foods, obviously don’t force yourself! But by incorporating foods such as Greek yogurt, eggs, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds, and quinoa into your diet, you can ensure you're getting the protein your body (and baby) needs.