Most people think that vegan meals may not be appropriate for pregnancy. However, many dietetic associations have confirmed that a well-planned vegan diet can be suitable for the entire pregnancy life cycle.
In fact, pregnancy is an excellent time to consider healthy vegan meals and nutrition. The key to a nutritional vegan pregnancy meal plan is straightforward. You just have to include fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, wholegrain products, beans, nuts and seeds, which will help to meet most of your nutrient needs for a healthy pregnancy.
Before you start any vegan pregnancy meal plan, make sure you know all the necessary vitamins and calories you need for your pregnancy period as a well-balanced vegan diet can help your fertility and pregnancy go smoothly. It is vital to remember to eat healthy when pregnant. And even with a vegan diet, you still get to enjoy a delicious meal with the right amount of protein, fiber, vitamins and overall nutrients.
Here are seven foods to include in your vegan pregnancy meal plan:
1. Vegan Pancakes
You can start your morning with vegan pancakes consisting of blackberries and peanut butter. For lunch, you can have a light calorie white bean and avocado toast with sliced cucumbers.
Finally, for dinner, you can prepare a healthy falafel salad with lemon-tahini dressing. The plans offer a well-balanced dose of calories, protein, carbohydrates and fiber.
2. Banana Muffins
There is the concern that with a vegan pregnancy meal plan you may not be consuming the right amount of protein and fiber. You can alleviate these concerns with a banana muffin.
For this vegan pregnancy meal, you have a good range of protein and fiber. Start your day with a banana muffin and for lunch move to a healthy and leafy salad with some black eye peas.
End your day with a filling dinner consisting of roasted cauliflower and potato curry soup. In the soup, you can also add citrus, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli with regular meals to boost iron and zinc absorption. You can acquire a good source of the necessary minerals from enriched cereals, wheat, soy products, pumpkin, sunflower seeds and dark chocolate as well.
3. Vegan Oatmeal
Start your morning with a full bowl of vegan oatmeal and add a few raspberries as a topping. Your vegan pregnancy meal plan should also mash avocado and white beans to make a fiber-rich and creamy topping for your toast. And for dinner, prepare a healthy spinach wrap that is delicious and packed with the essential nutrients.
4. Strawberry Smoothies
Wake up to a refreshing strawberry smoothie that can be blended in about 5 minutes will all the ingredients. It is the perfect breakfast drink to satisfy the sweet tooth while staying healthy.
Tofu stir-fry with a bit of rice for lunch offers a flavored packed meal containing crispy tofu and fresh vegetables like broccoli and spinach. Your vegan meal pregnancy plan will be complete with brown rice and a mixed vegetable combination.
5. Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Warm apple cinnamon waffles are a hearty breakfast, and so is the baked potato lunch with sauteed tomato toppings. With a filling lunch, you can unwind with a simple, yet tasty mushroom soup packed with the essential prenatal nutrients.
6. Peanut Butter Toast
For a source of protein, you can start your morning with a peanut butter toast using whole grain bread and add a few toppings like banana, raspberries and strawberries. You can always experiment with different toppings.
For lunch, try out a new recipe like roasted carrot hummus with pita bread. You can add a mix of vegetables for a substantial meal. If you are looking for a low calorie, high nutrient meal for dinner, consider the Greek-inspired lentil with a bowl of freshly cut salad.
7. Blueberry Pancakes
Pancakes are irresistible, and yes, you can enjoy a healthy pancake while being pregnant. Ensure it is wholegrain and relish the sweet taste of the blueberries. This is a healthy and tasty way to jump-start the morning. For lunch, you can have a light yet delicious meal of mixed beans and crispy sprouts. And end your day with an all-time favorite veggie pizza. Homemade pizzas with fresh veggie toppings are the best way to ensure you are eating healthy during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy involves a significant change with not just your routine and sleep, but also the type of meals you eat. During this period, you have to exercise, evaluate your lifestyle practices, and keep tabs on your physical and emotional health. The food you eat will play a significant role in the development of your baby and your personal health.