According to WHO, in women, adopting healthy eating habits in adulthood is a tremendous advantage for those who are planning to conceive. This is, by all means, an open chance to maintain and promote the health of the whole family.
Many of such women end up sticking on to the makeover diet, even after pregnancy which, helps in bouncing them back to their pre-pregnancy size and shape with a reasonable ease. If you have been a candidate who has been successful at managing your Body Mass Index, then your diet may not need an overhaul. Whereas, if there is a discrepancy, then, we recommend a makeover of your diet, custom-made, to usher in the physical and clinical readiness before conception.
Although physical activity can be challenging enough to pursue with intent discipline, it is an inseparable part of a healthy make –over for overweight or obese women. Global standards talk of an hour of rigorous activity at least 5 times in a week for those who would want to maintain their weight.
Healthy eating plan before choosing to become a mother ideally hovers around embracing principles such as following discipline in:
Technically, changing the diet may also connote a twist-in-the-tale as it could also encompass a few other aspects such as pruning food choices in outside eateries, a strict control on fizz drinks and fast food, saying No to the junk, to list some of the many. This actually makes sense considering the numerous challenges that a working woman or home maker faces in the current era, particularly in the reproductive years of her life.
Moving close to nature has been a universal panacea for multiple ailments of the body, mind and soul. Undoubtedly, choosing a daily diet rich in natural food such as fresh fruits and vegetables, taking them in unprocessed versions as against their processed counterparts, choosing lion’s share of energy-giving Carbohydrates from complex sources such as Quinoa, millets, Maize, Boiled Rice, brown rice, broken wheat, etc., including a wide variety of protein sources such as Dals, legumes, nuts, eggs and so on – are some practical ways of enhancing the criteria levels for approaching a smooth pregnancy.
The usage and reputation of health foods, wonder foods have increased beyond measure in this techno era. Flax seeds, Olive Oil, Walnuts, Almonds, Fish, Spinach, Green Tea, Berries, and Oats are samples of healthy foods that have their striking impact in shaping a healthy start prior to conception.
It goes without saying that the outlook towards food choices and eating is a topic of interest where existing knowledge should meet ends with implementation and experiencing good results.
Contributed by-
Dr. Vidya Kumar (Cloudnine Hospitals)
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Yes, if you are planning to get pregnant, the earlier you prepare your body, the better for you and the baby. You can start cutting back on alcohol, smoking, and other unhealthy foods. You can start including foods that are rich in iron, folate, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It is not a must, but if you can change your diet before pregnancy, it can be beneficial.
Both partners need to focus on their diet and health before planning for a baby. Cut back on alcohol and other harmful substances. Both partners can benefit from including foods rich in folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein. Opt for whole fruits, fresh vegetables, and cut back on fish high in mercury.
Before planning to have a baby, a couple should consider various factors, including health, lifestyle, finances, and life goals. Consult a doctor and start taking folic acid and other medications that can help improve your health for a successful pregnancy. Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date and adopt a healthy lifestyle overall.
If you have any health issues, it is advisable to address them before conception, as they may not be treatable during pregnancy due to various restrictions. Ensure you are in the right weight range, increase your physical activity, and get fitter to cope with the increasing demands of pregnancy. You can also start altering your diet and lifestyle to support pregnancy.
