A Balanced Diet
During pregnancy the developing baby draws upon the mother’s nutrient stores. For this reason it’s important that a woman starts pregnancy with an optimal store of vitamins and minerals.
What exactly is a balanced diet?
The Government in the UK uses the concept of the ‘Eatwell Guide’ to show pictorially the different types of food we need to eat to achieve a well-balanced and healthy diet.
The model splits a healthy diet into five key food groups: These are:
- Fruits and vegetables (1/3 of the food each day)
- Starchy foods which include breads, rice, potatoes, and pasta (1/3 of the food each day)
- Milk and dairy products (good source of VitA, B12 & calcium)
- Oils and spreads (eat in small amounts)
- Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (Eat more beans & pulses, 2 portions of fish per week, less red and processed meat)
What happens if we eat a balanced diet?
If we at a balance of food groups as outlines in the Eatwell Guide we will ensure that we are getting a balanced intake of nutrients. The nutrients that are needed by our bodies to function properly are:
- Carbohydrate (CHO)
- Protein
- Fat
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Fibre
- Water
Carbohydrate, protein and fat are known as the macronutrients because our bodies need them in large quantities.
Vitamins and minerals are known as micronutrients because we need them in small quantities.
All of the seven nutrients are essential for life.
If you’re planning a pregnancy and want more information on nutrition contact me for advice.
