Pregnant women face a mind-boggling number of decisions that include choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed, epidural or natural childbirth and revealing your baby’s gender or keeping it a surprise. Deciding what is best for both you and your baby can be stressful.

Choosing what to eat each day can also be overwhelming. There is no one-size-fits-all list of perfect foods for moms-to-be, but consider these pregnancy-friendly, nutrient-dense foods when you want the best:

At just 78 calories, whole eggs rank among the best foods for pregnant women. They are packed with protein and dozens of vitamins and minerals. Cook eggs until firm throughout, about four minutes. Caution: Undercooked or raw eggs are not safe for anyone, especially pregnant women.

Struggling with leg cramps, nausea or anemia? Avocados may help. Bursting with potassium, magnesium and iron, avocados are no-cook daily options for women on the go. They are also a source of healthy fats which aid in your baby’s brain development.

• Keep it simple:
  • Sprinkle avocados with salt and pepper or Everything Bagel Seasoning
  • Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil or balsamic vinegar
• Serve it stuffed: Crack an egg into half of an avocado. (Remove the pit first.) Bake at 425 F for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg is fully set.
• Make a toast: Use smashed avocado as a spread on toast and sandwiches.

Oatmeal is a pregnancy superfood. Packed with folic acid, iron and calcium, oatmeal soothes sensitive stomachs and helps prevent constipation. Serve it plain or with a twist:

1. Keep it interesting: Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger. Top with sliced bananas or dried fruit. Splash with milk or maple syrup.
2. Make overnight oatmeal: Prepare no-cook oatmeal at night and wake to a breakfast treat. Check out the link below for a yummy overnight oats recipe.

https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/recipe/overnight-oats-cinnamon-apple

Feeling hungry? You are not alone. Pregnant women need extra nourishment and calories to grow their babies. A daily dose of bran cereal fills growling stomachs for the whole morning and prevents constipation. Enjoy it with milk and fruit, or sprinkle it on yogurt and smoothies.

How can broccoli make your pregnancy better?

• Say hello to regular bowel movements and goodbye to constipation.
• Enjoy better control of your body’s sugar levels.
• Welcome broccoli’s high iron amounts that can help prevent anemia.
• Celebrate healthier bones, thanks to broccoli’s calcium and magnesium content.

Eat it raw, steamed or roasted — but eat it often.

You are on an extraordinary journey to a new adventure. What you do today influences your baby’s tomorrow. Sparks of joy, positive thoughts and relaxing walks are woven into your baby’s future.

It is your time to change the world. Put your heart and soul into it, supermom.

For more information about nutrition and pregnancy:

https://bit.ly/3Luzvhd