It’s having enough protein!
We recommend pregnant mammas intake about 100g of protein a day.
That’s like the #1 thing your body is utilizing to create that baby inside of you, so you need it!
Low maternal dietary protein intake can cause embryonic losses, intra-uterine growth restriction, and reduced postnatal growth due to a deficiency in specific amino acids that are important for cell metabolism and function.
Here are some easy ways for you to up your protein intake – save this post so you can refer back to it on the daily:
-Take your collagen daily – If you take collagen supplements, they can count toward your daily protein needs—up to a point. Collagen has eight of the nine so-called essential amino acids your body needs in order to make protein.
-Grab an organic, no-sugar-added protein powder and sprinkle it into your cereal, your salad, your juice, your water, and yes, of course, make a smoothie out of it!
-Fish is THE BIGGEST source of protein when you’re trying to rack up that intake – of course, always choose wild caught in the USA when you can!
-Grab some pre-packaged organic chicken bites to throw into any dish for added protein. You can get those at your local Costco in bulk!
-Greek yogurt in the morning with your favorite berries sprinkled on top, and your pure maple syrup or honey as a sweetener makes for a DELICIOUS sweet protein intake!
-Boiled eggs, of course! Takes three minutes to boil them, peel them, and pop ‘em in your mouth. You can make a bunch at a time and refrigerate them to have them ready throughout the day!
-Egg bites! So easy! Whisk a few eggs, some Greek yogurt, and your favorite cut-up veggies and cheese, and pop them in the oven. There are recipes EVERYWHERE!
-Peanut butter seed bites – Rolled Oats – grind about a cup in your food processor. Peanut Butter – use natural creamy peanut butter for best results. About two tablespoons. May substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free recipe. Honey – may use honey or maple syrup – about a tablespoon as well
And also though…
-BEWARE of protein bars. Many marketed as healthy are actually full of sugar that will make you crash plus synthetic ingredients that are just no good for you. There are some good brands out there, just be sure to read your ingredients! Your local farmer or mom-and-pop cafe likely has some that are made of whole ingredients like cacao, nut butter, honey, etc.
Have more protein intake tips that we haven’t mentioned? Share them with us!
