Protein...are you getting enough?

Good nutrition is very important during pregnancy. You body is growing a baby! You can't give your baby what you don't have, so it is very important is eat a well balanced diet. Every day you should include fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, fats and protein. The Brewer diet stresses getting plenty of protein. Protein is so important because proteins are the building blocks for your baby. Also, Americans tend to already eat plenty of carbs and fats. You should be eating 80-100grams of protein every day. It is helpful to keep a food diary and tally your daily protein. Protein can help prevent swelling and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.

Good sources of protein:

• greek yogurt
• other dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt
• seeds and nuts
• legumes served with rice or corn
• quinoa
• whole grains
• meats
  

The following links have some further recommendations for your daily intake, as well as a protein tracker.

http://www.birthingnaturally.net/nutrition/nut101/brewer.html

http://www.bradleybirth.com/PD.aspx