Is it healthy to follow a vegetarian diet while one is pregnant?!


Question: Is it healthy to follow a vegetarian diet while one is pregnant?
Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It is okay but always better to include lean protein in your diet.
Many pregnant women develop a craving for red meat sometime during the pregnancy.
The body's subliminal demand for iron.
If you want meat eat it. We are not that far removed from our primal ancestors and they were meat eaters. Let your instincts guide your diet. Within parameters of course.
Good luck.



No. Humans are omnivorous which means we are evolved to eat both meat and vegetables under normal circumstances. It might be O.K. to experiment with your diet while not pregnant, be a vegan or whatever, but, while pregnant you are responsible for more than one life and must follow strict dietary guidelines. Speak to a doctor for more exact advice. Congrats on being preggo.



I would think so, as long as you are receiving all the essential nutrients. I think your two biggest concerns would be getting enough protein and getting enough iron. Luckily, it is completely possible to receive adequate amounts of these nutrients through vegetarian sources. Good sources of vegetarian protein include:

-eggs/egg whites
-beans/legumes
-nuts
-peanut butter/almond butter
-tofu
-low fat/fat free milk or soymilk
-yogurt/greek yogurts
-cottage cheese
-fish (consult your Dr. about this--I know there are concerns about mercury content in fish during pregnancy)

Iron from meat is absorbed more readily and easily by the body than iron from other sources, but things like green leafy vegetables (spinach), tofu, beans (esp. lima beans), tempeh, blackstrap molasses, soybeans, and enriched cereals/wheat products. There are also iron supplements available, but DEFINITELY discuss this with your Dr first before taking, as I am unsure as to whether or not they are safe during pregnancy.

Best of luck, take care!



Don't you have to like meat to get pregnant anyway?




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