Top 5 Energy Foods During Pregnancy

Sugar gives us energy, right? Well, not good energy – plus it usually putters out eventually.  Find some real energy boosters that will last below:

• Oatmeal – Do your best to get something in you before you head out the door in the morning!  Breakfast is like fueling up your vehicle for the day – it is a must.  Oatmeal is great for its long-lasting combo-fuel of fiber and complex carbs.  The vitamin B in oatmeal also helps with energy.  Back to my point about sugar – watch out for flavored oatmeal as it can have a bit too much sugar.  Use natural sweeteners on regular oatmeal instead like brown sugar, honey or fruit.
• Almonds – Just a small handful of almonds pack a great energy boost.  Not ideal for a meal but great for your “I’m starving” moments throughout the day.  They contain the good kind of fats to keep you going plus calcium, protein, zinc & iron.
• Lean meats – Choose lean red meats if possible for the greatest source of protein, zinc, vitamins and iron.
• Yogurt – What a fantastic source of healthy, energy producing protein, calcium and magnesium!  Another warning about the flavored options here – look for the non-flavored options on the lower shelves and add your own honey or fresh fruit as a sweetener.
• Bananas – besides helping with leg cramping, bananas are also a great source of energy.  Their potassium, fiber, and vitamins prove more filling than most fruits.

Some other energy-packed foods include lentil beans, dark chocolate, peanut butter, brown rice, multi-grain bread, pumpkin seeds, oranges, apples, spinach, black beans, eggs, broccoli and sweet potatoes.  Besides food, exercising, a good night’s sleep and compression stockings (check out Preggers) are great ways to boost energy during pregnancy.

What else has kept your energy up throughout pregnancy?

*This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments.