You think you're eating for two, but that second person does not need much to grow and thrive. Your body needs 300 extra calories a day, according to the American Pregnancy Association, and those extra calories should come from nutrient-rich foods. Making smart food choices during your pregnancy gives your baby the nutrients she needs to develop and keeps you healthy despite the inevitable weight gain.
Protein
The American Pregnancy Association recommends 75 to 100 g of protein a day. Divide this up into a couple of meals. Replace the ground chuck with lean ground meat. Have a turkey sandwich for lunch. Grilled chicken breast is an easy dinner entree and one that is high in protein. Throw it on the grill or bake it in the oven and serve with a few healthy sides for an easy dinner. Other sources of protein include tofu and nuts.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have never been as important as they are now. These foods are rich in nutrients that your body needs during pregnancy. Vegetables, such as lentils and asparagus, and fruits, such as grapefruit and melon, give you folic acid, which helps protect your baby from acquiring birth defects, such as spina bifida. Fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, oranges, peppers and potatoes, also give your body Vitamin C, which aids in your baby's tooth and bone development.
Grains
You don't have to cut carbs out of your pregnancy diet, but make smart choices when it comes to breads and grains. Choose whole-grain or whole-wheat breads over white. You can also meet your daily grain intake, suggested to be three servings by the American Pregnancy Association, through cereal and oatmeal.
Iron
Eating iron-rich foods is important during pregnancy, as it helps to build your baby's bone and cartilage and supplies oxygen to provide energy and aid in growth and development. The American Pregnancy Association recommends 27 mg of iron a day. Greens -- collard, turnip and spinach -- are good sources of iron, as is beef tenderloin. If you're having trouble getting the right amount of iron every day, try an iron-fortified cereal.
