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Nutrition is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re someone who works out or not, your diet and nutrition play a big role in your health. For women who are used to working out regularly, diet is also a part of their plan to get in shape. But for pregnant women, these workouts may become tiresome or strenuous. Therefore, when you’re pregnant, you must resort to simple workout routines that do not cause too much strain on you or your baby. The best thing to do is to consult your medical professional while choosing your workout plan. There are also several prenatal workout classes that you can join to engage in appropriate and safe physical activity. What’s more, is that you will make a lot of friends in this place that is going through the same journey as you and that will make you feel comfortable and secure.
Another huge part of being pregnant is the nutrition that you consume. You might be somebody who always ate the right things and followed a balanced diet but when it comes to pregnancy, everything changes. Your diet, health, and nutritional needs are drastically different once you conceive and you must pay attention to what’s needed. Plus, if you’re used to regularly exercising, your nutritional needs differ according to that too. So here are a few nutritional tips and recommendations for you to follow during your pregnancy before and after your workout.
Pre-Workout Nutrition
Just like with normal women, before a workout, it is best to snack on foods rich in complex carbs that give you energy slowly so you have enough left post your workout too. What works best is to have small meals that do not include saturated fats and refined sugary foods. Moms generally think it’s okay to consume a cookie or a muffin pre-workout to get that instant boost of energy. But what happens is that these sugars break down easily which results in quick fatigue. So here are some of the foods that are recommended by nutrition experts as pre-workout snacks for pregnant women:
1. Multigrain Toast
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Toast is always considered a healthy snack. A multigrain or rye toast is a great pre-workout snack because the flour contains complex carbs. Adding some avocado to it makes it rich in saturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You could also add a dash of lemon to beat nausea if you suffer from morning sickness.
2. Fruits
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Nothing more delicious than a bowl of fruits! Having a bowl of cut fruits not only gives you energy in the form of carbohydrates but also acts as antioxidants for your body. You could add some sunflower seeds and raisins to your bowl to help you get that extra boost of nutrition.
3. Soaked Nuts With Milk
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Not the first time you’ve heard about milk and nuts! Soaking some nuts like almonds overnight, and consuming it before your workout gives you energy as well as the right fats. A glass of milk keeps you hydrated for your workout session and increases the calcium levels in your body.
4. Sweet Potatoes
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Baked foods are another great alternative to unhealthy foods. Baked sweet potatoes provide you with the best complex carbs and have a whole lot of fiber. You could grate some cheese to boost your protein and calcium levels. But beware not to overindulge in cheese as it has a high-fat content.
5. Granola
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Don’t we all love granola bars? They are delicious, healthy, and even tasty! Granola bars are a great source of energy that you need for your workout. Choose ones that are filled with nuts and coconut which are great during pregnancy. But be careful not to choose the ones that are deep-fried and contain refined sugars. You could combine them with yogurt to give you the best pre-workout snack.
Post-Workout Snacks
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Many people believe that post-workout snacks are not as important but they play a vital role in maintaining your health. After you’re done with your workout, your body is tired and is looking for energy. This is the best time to indulge in hydrating foods.
Apart from the above-mentioned pre-workout foods (that are great as post-workout foods too), another energy providing food includes smoothies. They not only provide energy but also boost your body with incredible hydration. You could add greens, veggies, fruits, proteins, and good fats to make your favorite smoothie shake and enjoy your post-workout reward! Comment below and let us know if this article was helpful. What are your favorite healthy snack options?
