Low-carb and restrictive diets are not advisable during pregnancy. There is no medical evidence to know whether the diets are safe for both you and the baby. The same goes for weight-loss diets. It has been noted that low-carb diets could affect the weight of a baby and its developmental progress. You may also find that you are not receiving the right nutrients to keep you healthy.
Low-carb diets might have high levels of fat and will interfere with the amount of fiber, fruit, and vegetables you eat. You will miss out the essential minerals and vitamins such as calcium and folic acid. There are high levels of protein in low-carb diets. The likely effects of this diet include bad breath, tiredness and an increased risk of kidney stone development.
Nutritionists concur that a good diet should be based on the healthy diet pyramid where a quarter of a plate is carbohydrates. If possible, choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice, pasta, and multi-grain or wholemeal bread.
Wholegrain carbohydrates are a potent source of vitamin B, calcium, fiber, and energy for your pregnancy. Since constipation is common in pregnancy, high fiber foods could help ease the discomfort. The stomach breaks them down slowly which helps keep you energized throughout the day.
Sugary foods such as cakes and desserts contain saturated fats. Foods and drinks high in either sugar or fats could lead to weight gain during pregnancy. It is advisable to study food labels. This will keep you informed on the amount of sugar in the drink or food. If the content surpasses 15g of sugar for 100g of substance, that is considered a high consumption.To make your pregnancy a healthy one, you can include plenty of vegetables and fruits as well as regular exercise in your daily routine. If there is a need to address the weight gain issues during pregnancy, speak to your doctor early to manage your pregnancy weight.