Planning on expanding your family to add a little one is an exciting decision. One of the first thoughts that may occur to you is how best to prepare your body, mind, and soul to welcome your baby into your womb.
Importance of nutrition in the preconception stage
Pregnancy can be quite demanding on the body. A healthy body will be able to build on the needed resources through the pregnancy period and support a functional and healthy pregnancy. This has a direct impact on the baby getting the needed resources to withstand the rigours of labour, birth and adjustment to life on earth. It means a smoother recovery process for the mother and the ability to produce enough milk in the postpartum period. It is a well-known fact that our bodies and minds are connected. A well-nourished body means, well-balanced mental health. A healthy body also reduces your chances of pregnancy and postpartum-related mental health conditions.
At Veira Life, our experts focus on personalizing your nutrition and tweaking your lifestyle to help you start this journey on the best possible footing. However, one can be aware of some basic and key points that can be easily applied in your day-to-day life.
In today’s world, our exposure to depleted soils and questionable food choices affect our health and well-being. Optimal health and nutrition even before conception impacts the health and well-being of the baby. While most of the focus is on the mother-to-be as she carries the baby, the dad’s nutrition influences the baby as well. So we will talk about nutrition for your family as a whole.
Always Choose Whole Foods over Processed Foods
One of the cornerstones of nourishment is eating whole foods and cutting down on processed, mass-produced packaged food which is typically high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Whole foods are those which are closest to their most natural forms available, like meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and whole unpolished grains. Having a wide variety of colours in your diet means you are getting all the different micronutrients – vitamins and minerals. Our taste buds are also enhanced with different varieties, making it more appetizing to eat. Eating foods that are rich in folate, collagen, trace minerals, and antioxidants – and including a wide variety of colourful whole foods can go a long way in setting you up for a healthy, functional pregnancy.
Simple Strategies can Improve your Eating Habits
Follow the Circadian Rhythms
Carbs are not necessarily Bad Guys
All the major macronutrients are needed for the body- carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. While carbohydrates are vilified in many diets, did you know that they are needed to help transport proteins and fats to different parts of the body? Focusing on balance is key. While carbohydrates form the major source of energy in most Asian diets, you can consider switching to complex carbs, avoiding white rice, white flour (maida) and highly processed foods. Eating foods closest to their natural state can help the body get most of the nutrients.
Supplement if Necessary
Conclusion
Preparing your body for pregnancy is crucial for a healthy and functional journey. Nutrition plays a key role in supporting both your physical and mental well-being. Choosing whole foods, organizing your time for meal preparation, and following circadian rhythms can greatly benefit your overall health. Seek guidance from Veira Life experts to personalize your nutrition and lifestyle for a successful and healthy pregnancy journey.
How can Veira Life Support You?
At Veira Life, we are committed to helping you get the best start possible in your parenthood journey and staying with you every step of the way. Every user on the platform is paired with their dedicated Veira Coach. Veira Coaches are certified doulas, midwives, childbirth educators or lactation counsellors with years of experience supporting pregnant and new parents through their transition into parenthood. The coaches are available to answer any questions you have, ease your anxieties, even help preempt the challenges coming your way and support you in a holistic and compassionate manner. Register to try it out for yourself.
Author Bio
Chetana is a skilled and passionate Childbirth Educator trained in the Lamaze philosophy of childbirth preparation. She is also a Lactation Educator-Counselor and practicing midwife. She has developed a holistic childbirth preparation course which she has delivered to hundreds of families and has founded a highly rated natural birth center in Bangalore, India. She has over 11 years of experience supporting families through their journey and transition into parenthood.
