Pregnancy Diets: What to Eat When You're Expecting

"Oh, you're so lucky to be pregnant -- you can eat any and everything you want. All. The. Time." Sure, we've heard hype like that too. And while we admit it would be nice to have an excuse to eat an extra 300 calories a day (really, that's the recommended amount) without any guilt, we also know that going food crazy isn't the healthiest way to embrace a pregnancy diet.

Skip ahead to see the foods pregnancy diets should consist of -- now.

In fact, most doctors agree that too much of anything (even ice cream, pickles and French fries -- the well-established mom-to-be cravings) is not a good thing when it comes to your pregnancy diet. That said, you can -- and should -- treat your expanding middle with respect, care and attention in order to provide your baby with proper, essential, and important nutrients for growth.

"I always tell patients to keep it simple, consuming foods from all of the various food groups, while limiting those that are high in fat or simple sugars," explains Dr. Jeff Livingston, M.D, an OB-GYN in Irving, Texas. "Moderation, serving size and portion control are all factors, too, to help you look and feel, inside out, the absolute healthiest and best that you can."

In addition to eating right to maintain pregnancy health, it's vital to keep moving -- exercising as you would regularly with some modifications, per your doctor's orders and recommendations, and to take a multi-vitamin (preferably a prenatal one) daily; these, in conjunction with colorful, healthy pregnancy diets and plenty of water, will keep you and the belly in tip-top, gorgeous, shape.

Here, a few pointers, compliments of Dr. Livingston and Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (and mom of four), Kim Sakovich, also from Irving, Texas, to help you properly (rather than literally) eat for two.

See the foods pregnancy diets should consist of -- now.

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