Protein-Rich Foods Should Be Mandatory In Your Diet During Pregnancy

 

Protein is very important for the baby's growth, and it is more essential to find foods that pack a protein punch. Protein helps in building the skin, muscle, hair, and bones. A private ultrasound scan in Watford would allow you to check on the development of the same for the baby. Moreover, when you are rearing another life inside you, it becomes more important to consume good protein sources to ensure the baby's normal growth and reduce the risk of low birth weight. Though most of the women in Watford get a sufficient amount of protein, some protein sources are better for your baby than others.

Here's a list of the food items you should include in your diet during pregnancy and rely on them throughout the pregnancy period.

1) Eggs

Eggs are a rich source of protein, and a large egg contains 6 grams of protein. Eggs also make a satisfying breakfast or lunch. When you are pregnant and don't feel like cooking anything, an omelet is a quick recipe that you would make on the go. Adding veggies and cheese to the omelet would make it filling and provide you with a sufficient amount of proteins at the same time. Scrambled eggs are also very easy for you to make, and you can punch it up with a taco or quesadilla.

2) Lean Meat

Lean meats are meats with a lower fat content and therefore a lower calorie count. Lean beef, pork, and chicken are excellent sources of high-quality protein. You can add a small portion of beef, pork, or lamb to stew, vegetable soups, salads, rice, and noodle dishes. You can also add plenty of healthy grains, legumes, and vegetables. The leaner the meat, the more amount of protein is included in the meat.

3) Dairy

Dairy products are very much crucial for the healthy growth of a baby. A mother should intake three to four servings of dairy foods a day. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good dietary sources of protein, vitamin D, and calcium. A single cup of milk serves 8 grams of protein, whereas a cup of soy milk serves 6 to 7 grams. You can add milk to creamy soups, pasta sauces, smoothies, pancakes, hot chocolate, and waffle batter. You can grate Parmesan cheese on omelets, scrambled eggs, bean soups, and rice or grain dishes.

4) Legumes

One cup of cooked legumes can provide you with a protein content of 15-18 grams. You can add legumes in vegetable soup, meat stews, pasta, or rice dish. Bean and lentils can be used to make patties as they taste delicious, and they also serve as meat-less loaves or the tasty filling for tacos.

Therefore, a protein-rich diet and a fetal health scan in Watford would help you keep your baby healthy and monitor his/her health at the same time. Apart from the foods mentioned above, nuts are also a must-have in one's diet during pregnancy.