Slim Naturally Articles >The Pregnancy Diet

Becoming pregnant may seem like the perfect excuse to eat nothing but your favorite foods, but in reality there are a lot of considerations you have to take when it comes to what you put in your mouth. While the saying goes that you are now eating for two, you should not actually be eating double what you are used to. In fact, you only need a few hundred more calories than normal to keep the baby healthy and happy. The real challenge is in knowing exactly what to eat, and what foods you should avoid.

Most doctors will tell you to avoid fish because of the mercury risk, and undercooked meat, eggs, and soft cheeses because of the bacterial risks. These are good precautions to take, but you should not eliminate these foods completely, either. Low mercury fish is fine in moderation, and is actually very healthy for you. Your body will need protein, too, which can be found in meats and cheeses as well as in eggs. Do not dismiss a well cooked steak or a slice or two of cheddar.

The most important thing to keep in mind about your pregnancy diet is to keep it well rounded. If you want to gain the weight in your pregnant belly instead of in your butt and thighs, stay away from double desserts. Avoiding desserts altogether is a better idea. If you really want something sweet, bite into some seasonal fruit or try yogurt with a little bit of honey. The less sugar and fat you ingest, the less your body has to cope with and possibly store.

Fruits and vegetables are very important to your growing baby, and it is important to keep him or her well stocked up. This means eating smart, too. Try spinach instead of lettuce in your next salad, for example, for a nutritional boost and a great taste. You should be supplementing these with your prenatal vitamins, but do not think that vitamins excuse you from eating right; the prenatal pills are designed to supplement – not replace – a healthy diet.

As you have likely heard before as well, exercise is also important toward keeping you healthy and ready for the baby when it comes. Drop things like soda and coffee, drink lots of water, and add some items from the food pyramid instead of sticking to sugars and fats. You will be the envy of every other pregnant woman in the neighborhood, and you'll be back in your old pants in no time.