Now that you’re pregnant, you’re wondering if your decision to become vegetarian can still be carried out successfully throughout your pregnancy. And while it is feasible for you to obtain all the vitamins and minerals your body will need throughout pregnancy through a well-planned, nutrient-dense vegetarian diet plan, cautious planning and observation will probably be crucial for your overall success transitioning to vegetarianism throughout your pregnancy. In other words: take it slow and be smart!
A great vegetarian diet has a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, lentils, and nuts and some eggs and dairy or their equivalent should you so choose. Fast food, extremely processed junk foods, and canned fruits and vegetables are eaten rarely if at all. It is imperative which you make wise food options at this crucial time, since a pregnant woman only needs approximately 300 more calories per day and about 10-16 additional grams of protein; nevertheless, the body's need for certain vitamins and minerals increases significantly.
Each and every bite you take is important when you're pregnant. Although the RDAs (recommended everyday allowances) for almost all nutrients increase, particularly essential are folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamin B-12. Attention to adequate quantities of vitamin B-12 is crucial for vegetarians who choose not to eat eggs and dairy.
Work closely with your healthcare professional throughout this transition. The changeover from a meat-eating to some vegetarian diet plan can be rough on your entire body as it really goes through a detoxification process throughout the transition. So, you need to ensure your baby is getting all of the vitamins and minerals it needs at this time, and is growing and developing at a healthy rate.
Start really slowly; perhaps only one or two days per week consuming a vegetarian diet. Gradually work in soy- and plant-based proteins into your diet, and small by small use them to replace proteins obtained from eating meat products. Be certain to adequately supplement your diet having a high quality prenatal supplement, and get adequate amounts of exercise and exposure to sunlight to promote your body to naturally create vitamin D.
With cautious planning, observation, and your healthcare professional’s guidance, the transition to vegetarianism throughout your pregnancy can be a cleansing and wholesome begin for both you and your baby to some lifetime of optimal health.