Reblogged

Awesome info!.........

http://swankybaby.net/2012/08/first-trimester-foods-to-eat.html

First Trimester Foods To Eat

by Swanky Babys Mom

If you are in your first trimester and you are able to hold it down, there are some great foods that will also really benefit you and the baby.  Babble.com put together a list of some super foods that will give you lots of nutrition during the beginning of your pregnancy. They list some good tips on how to eat these foods too!

Spinach

Why It's Important: Spinach is high in folic acid, which is crucial in allowing your baby's neural tube to properly fuse in the first month after conception.
Tips to Incorporate It Into Your Diet: Keep a bag of frozen spinach in the freezer and add them to scrambled eggs in the morning,  berry smoothies or a regular salad mix.
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center  

Lentils

Why They're Important: Protein is important during each trimester, as it aids in the proper growth of your baby's tissue and muscle.
Tips to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet: Lentil soup is the most obvious way to eat them, but you can also try making lentil burgers (with spinach!).
Source: LiveStrong

Citrus Fruit

Why It's Important: Citrus fruit is also very high in folic acid, which can help prevent birth defects.
Tips to Incorporate It Into Your Diet: Juices are the easiest way, but you can also use fresh lemon juice with olive oil for a clean and crisp salad dressing. Or try roasting a grapefruit -- it's delicious! And you can always slice up oranges for your salads, too.
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Nuts

Why They're Important: Pregnant women need an extra 60 grams of protein a day beginning the first trimester of pregnancy.
Tips to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet: Try crushing some up in a Ziploc bag with a kitchen mallet  and sprinkle them onto your yogurt or on top of your cereal. The crushed nuts are also yummy as an ice cream topping.
Source: LiveStrong

Cottage Cheese

Why It's Important: Cottage cheese contains both calcium and protein, which are good for muscle and bone development.
Tips to Incorporate It Into Your Diet: Cottage cheese isn't just for eating straight up. It can be used in lasagnas (instead of ricotta), quiche, and even pancakes.
Source: LiveStrong

Asparagus

 Why It's Important: Asparagus is high in Vitamin D, of which many women are deficient.
Tips to Incorporate It Into Your Diet: Like spinach, I also often toss asparagus into my scrambled eggs in the morning, as well as cut it up into my salads.
Source: Mayo Clinic

Eggs

Why They're Important: Aside from being an excellent source of protein, eggs are high in calcium and Vitamin D as well, both of which are needed for your baby to properly form bones.
Tips to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet: Add hard-boiled eggs to your tuna salad (obviously watching your intake of tuna during pregnancy), or bake a frittata on the weekend with your favorite veggies.
Source: LiveStrong

Broccoli

Why It's Important: Broccoli is surprisingly high in iron, which is needed in the first trimester to form red blood cells in your baby.
Tips to Incorporating It Into Your Diet: Try some broccoli slaw. Follow your favorite cole slaw recipe and simply sub broccoli, or get creative and make your own with cranberries and nuts.
Source: LiveStrong

Beans

Why They're Important: Beans are a great source of protein, which is needed for muscle growth and energy.
Tips to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet: Try taco night with beans instead of meat. Or toss some into your salad. Black bean burgers are also yummy!
Source: LiveStrong

Yogurt

Why It's Important: Yogurt is high in calcium and Vitamin D, and eating it ensures your body is getting enough, which prevents your baby from having to "steal" it from your bones.
Tips to Incorporate It Into Your Diet: Top a cup of yogurt with your favorite granola and some berries. Or make a smoothie. And you could always freeze vanilla yogurt mixed with chocolate chips for an alternative to ice cream.
Source: Mayo Clinic

Okra

Why It's Important: Okra is high in folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects.
Tips to Incorporating It Into Your Diet: Gumbo is a great way to eat your okra, but you can also lightly fry it with some flour and olive oil.
Source: University of Georgia

Chicken

Why It's Important: Chicken is high in iron, which creates red blood cells and helps your body get enough oxygen.
Chicken is far too versatile to suggest any rarely heard ideas for consuming it! But do note that it's best for pregnant women to eat organic, hormone-free meats during pregnancy.
Source: LiveStrong

Collard Green

Why They're Important: Collard greens are high in iron, and many pregnant women lack enough iron.
Tips to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet: Few things compare to some down-home collard greens, but you can also add them to your favorite fall soup recipe.
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Salmon

Why It's Important: Salmon is high in calcium and Vitamin D, and is one of the safer fish to eat while pregnant.
Tips to Incorporate It Into Your Diet: Add some cooked salmon to your pasta primavera, or toss some in your morning eggs.
Source: Mayo Clinic

Lean Beef

Why It's Important: Beef is a great source of iron, and as long as you don't eat it under cooked, beef is great for you and your unborn baby. Remember: grass-fed, organic, and hormone-free is the best choice for expecting moms!
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center