Nutrition during pregnancy is such an interesting topic. There are countless opinions – and it feels like even more obstacles. Here’s how I’m approaching eating this pregnancy.
Daily Staples
I have a few staples that I incorporate into my daily routine.
- I take a daily prenatal [I use the Theralogix brand – complete prenatal – which is actually a three-pack of vitamins].
- I drink Shakeology every day – which is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, antioxidants, pre and probiotics, and superfood phytonutrients.
- I drink a clean protein recovery drink after my workouts every day – not only for muscle recovery but also for the added protein to my diet.
- I am focused on getting plenty of protein with this pregnancy – not just because of the normal benefits for me and the baby – but also as a goal to try and prevent preeclampsia if possible.
Treats!
Before I dive into the HEALTHY STUFF and the stuff I stick to the majority of the time – let me also tell you, I’m human, I’m pregnant, and I also enjoy foods/treats that aren’t the picture of health.
My typical [occasional] treats may include:
- straight-up candy [something like a snickers bar or some kind of gummy are my go-to]
- family pizza night
- frozen yogurt [I keep my portions small because it’s not my favorite dessert but my son + husband are big big fans]
- organic pop tarts
- healthier candy options on hand from Smart Sweets or Lily’s
What I Eat In A Day
Now let’s dive into how my nutrition looks throughout the day! [It’s not too different from my pre-pregnancy days, to be honest!]
Breakfast: I usually have avocado toast, 2 over medium eggs, and either 1 slice of regular bacon or a couple of slices of turkey bacon. This is my go-to favorite breakfast and if I’m feeling pretty hungry I’ll pair it with a bowl of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries & blueberries.
This is usually what I am eating – but alternatives may be: a greek yogurt bowl with granola, honey, chia seeds, and fruit.
Lunch: I typically eat my Superfood smoothie [vegan cookies and cream or vegan chocolate are my go-to flavors]. I make my smoothie with water, ice, and banana.
I love this lunch because I usually have a working lunch. I’m sitting down and trying to knock out some work in my home office & this way I can keep working while fueling my body.
If I’m taking a lunch break & not working through – I will go for a sandwich [with reputable deli turkey meat, completely safe] and a salad.
If I’m on the go & need to stop somewhere fast – my go-to is the Chick-fil-a Cobb salad.
Snacks: if I didn’t have my Superfood smoothie for lunch – I will have it for my snack. It usually replaces a meal when I’m not pregnant – but during pregnancy, I also will incorporate it as a healthy snack that is full of nutrients and protein.
- Beachbar
- Apple
- Peanut/Almond Butter toast with bananas + honey drizzle
Dinner: most nights we cook dinner here at home for the family. I like to switch it up but keep it as healthy as possible. My usual routine is to make 2-3 meals a week and then have leftovers on the other days.
Here are some of my favorite DINNER recipes:
- Healthy 20-Minute Chili Lime Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Recipe
- Asian Turkey Meatball Bowls
- Quinoa Power Bowls with Maple Chipotle Brussels and Smoky Butternut Squash
- Cuban Chicken Rice Bowl
- Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Crispy Honey Ginger Salmon Bowl
You can see a theme here. We like bowls, we like tacos, and we like a lot of warm or roasted veggies with dinner!
Drinks!
While you’re pregnant it’s so important to stay hydrated, so I’m focused on tons of water, usually with a lot of lemon juice added to it! I also drink a lot of sparkling water + Pellegrino because I love the bubbles.
During my workouts, I drink a non-toxic electrolyte mix called hydrate. I also drink this during hot practices with my son, Roux!
Ya’ll know I love my clean & safe pre-workout. It has the caffeine equivalent to one cup of coffee – on days when I’m working out early in the morning & sweating. My favorite flavor is Strawberry Lemonade & usually mix it in with the electrolytes I shared above.
[side note: I also plan to use this during my actual labor + delivery]
Plus, I drink a superfood smoothie every day and usually drink vegan chocolate or vegan cookies & cream. Here is a link to a sampler if you want to try it – just be sure to email me before you make your first smoothie so I can help you make sure you make it correctly for max taste results!!
How I Build My Meals
When I’m planning out my meals, I look for lean protein, fresh veggies, and good flavor involved without a ton of unhealthy junk or heavy carbs. We aren’t a family who stays away from healthy carbs – but we don’t do weekday meals like pasta, etc. We also like to incorporate seafood at least once a week and do a meatless option once a week too if we can. I tap into my nutrition program resource from my Fit Camps for meal ideas all the time and also love using the “Beachbody Blog”. There are so many ways to make delicious meals that are super healthy OR healthier versions of some classics too.
Another really fun addition to my virtual Fit Camp + nutrition resources this year was the PREGNANCY nutrition program we launched to go along with our pre & post-natal fitness programs. I mean, what an excellent resource! I use this all the time! First, I watched the learning videos that walked me through what to know about nutrition during pregnancy, the important nutrition needs of each trimester, overcoming obstacles, and even settling into postpartum and caring for nutritional needs even after the baby comes. Then I dive into the recipe ideas and meal plans.
If you want to check out the program, it’s called 2B Pregnant [2B is the basis of the program which focuses on intuitive eating and not on restrictions or calorie counting].
