It’s crazy to think that in just 25 weeks, there will be a little baby Wardo in our arms. Time has flown. Sharing our news yesterday was so exciting. I'm still on a high from the love and support from family and friends near and far.
As I enter the second trimester, I am really trying to focus on being the best that I can be. I have got back into the swing of yoga, attempting an earlier bed time and what I put in my body has become increasingly important. While I am not a doctor, I have learned some valuable advice from my own doctor, friends and family in the past few weeks about staying healthy during pregnancy.
Exercise.
Moderate exercise is not only considered safe for pregnant women, it is encouraged. Exercising 30 minutes a day is proven to help circulation, strengthen muscles and decrease stress. Try brisk walking, swimming, or yoga. Remember, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Hydrate.
Pregnant or not, staying hydrated is important. Drinking lots of fluids during pregnancy can work wonders easing indigestion and constipation and flushing your body, and baby’s, of waste and toxins. Make sure to get at least 8 cups of fluids a day - water, milk, juice and decaf coffee or tea all count. And if you’re like me and still need your morning coffee, make sure to limit yourself to less than 200 mg of caffeine a day.
Get some rest.
It's normal to feel tired as your body works to protect and nurture the developing baby. The fatigue you feel in the first few months is due to high levels of pregnancy hormones, such as progesterone. You can also thank this hormone for the never-ending trips to the bathroom, which in the middle of the night is not ideal for your sleep cycle.
Take your vitamins.
While most nutrients needed during pregnancy should come from food, prenatal vitamins do play an important role. Make sure your supplement contains at least 400 mcg of folic acid, which reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Eat smart.
What you eat during pregnancy could give your developing baby the healthiest possible start in life. Eating small meals throughout the day will help keep your energy up, minimize bloating and gas, stave off light-headedness by keeping your blood sugar in check and keep morning sickness at bay. You don’t need to eat for two when you’re pregnant, but you do need to aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet whenever you can.
While the cravings have not been anything out of the ordinary for this salty-loving girl, one of my go-to meals lately has been Eat Smart's salad kits.
While the cravings have not been anything out of the ordinary for this salty-loving girl, one of my go-to meals lately has been Eat Smart's salad kits.
Eat Smart offers a wide variety of fresh, nutritious and delicious salads to choose from, but my favourite is the new Plant Powered Protein Sweet Kale Salad Kit. Loaded with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, chicory, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds, and a yummy poppyseed dressing, you can't go wrong.
The single-serve, individually-wrapped 7 oz container is perfect to take to work for lunch - just toss and enjoy. And with 11 grams of plant-based protein and a good source of fibre, it is the perfect fuel to keep me going throughout my busy work day.
The single-serve, individually-wrapped 7 oz container is perfect to take to work for lunch - just toss and enjoy. And with 11 grams of plant-based protein and a good source of fibre, it is the perfect fuel to keep me going throughout my busy work day.
Eat Smart salad kits are perfect for those looking for innovative, convenient and healthy eating options that are easy to integrate into your busy life. Protein has turned over a new leaf with a deliciously satisfying way to power your day.
Do you enjoy salads? Have you tried Eat Smart salad kits?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
