Whole30 and Pregnancy
Is it safe for me to do a Whole30 program during my pregnancy? Will my baby get all the essential nutrients that he or she needs? These and more are some of the concerns of expectant mothers regarding the Whole30 program. The Whole30 program is 100% safe for most pregnant women. You can do Whole30 while pregnant, as it offers a wide range of health benefits for pregnant women.
Whole30 and pregnancy are increasingly becoming very popular. Many pregnant women are now embarking on this journey. The program is very much safe, even though it has its own challenges. However, with an adequate Whole30 pregnancy meal plan and the right support, you can start and finish this program in your first, second, or third trimester. Here are some of the amazing benefits of doing Whole30 while pregnant:
Whole30 and Pregnancy: Benefits of Whole30 While Pregnant
1- Understand How Your Body Responses to Some Food Groups
The Whole30 program helps pregnant women to better understand how their bodies respond to certain types of foods. Most people do not know that they are intolerant or sensitive to certain types of foods. Many people are used to the intolerance or sensitivity to the point that they start seeing it as a norm. It is when they remove certain food groups from their diet that they will notice the changes and feel the improvement in their lives.
Many pregnant women said they experienced great relief during this program, as they were able to eliminate some of the foods that are causing discomfort and other issues in their bodies. This program also eliminates many allergens from your diet such as legumes, soy, and dairy, which is highly beneficial to you and your baby.
After the 30 days, when you start reintroducing those foods gradually, you would be able to study how your body reacts to them. This will help you to know the foods that your body accepts and those that you should avoid completely.
2- Offers Loads of Nutrient
Many pregnant women are concerned if their baby would get sufficient nutrients while doing this program. Well, it might interest you to know that you and your baby are going to get all the nutrients you need during this program. Whole30 is a highly nutrient-dense nutritional plan, and it is good for almost everyone, including pregnant women.
While on the program, your diets will consist mainly of fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and proteins. These foods are all great sources of minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and fiber, which is exactly what you and your baby need to thrive.
Unborn babies require a lot of nutrients, and this increases the amount of nutrients your body would need. As your pregnancy advances, so would your calorie needs. Some of the vital nutrients you would also need include:
- Choline: Which you can get from liver and eggs.
- Vitamin C: You can get this from leafy greens, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, strawberries, and citrus.
- Iron: You can get this from fish, chicken, and meat.
- DHA: The fundamental source of DHA is fatty fish.
- Folate: You can get this nutrient from leafy greens.
3- Experience Fewer Pregnancy Issues
Pregnancy is a complete package, and it comes with many common complaints. Some of the common complaints during pregnancy include fatigue, nausea, pain, and headaches. Following the rules of Whole30 while pregnant helps to eliminate or reduce most of these complaints. Sticking to a whole-food-based diet will help you to free yourself from most of the common issues associated with pregnancy.
Thousands of people have done this challenge with life-transforming results. They experienced significant improvements and relief from headaches, painful inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, and more.
The program will also help you to sleep better while providing you with mental clarity, which is what you and your baby need. Whole30 might also reduce pregnancy complication risks like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
4- Loss Pregnancy Weight
Pregnancy comes with its own weight gain, and many pregnant women look for different means of shedding those extra pounds. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about losing those extra pounds with this program. The Whole30 program is not a weight loss program, but weight loss is just one of its numerous benefits.
By eliminating most of the junk and processed foods you eat, you would be able to reset your diet and develop better eating habits, which can help to put you back in shape. Hence, following this program while pregnant will help keep you fit, lose some weight, and be in perfect shape.
It would also help to enhance your self-esteem and confidence. Many people struggle with body image while pregnant and after giving birth. By choosing and consuming healthy foods, you will no longer battle with the issue of body image. In addition to shaping and enhancing your physical growth, eating healthy food is also important for your mental health. You should always opt for food that enhances your mental health, as your thoughts affect your unborn baby.
5- Create a Path to a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy
One of the major goals of the Whole30 program is to plant and develop healthy eating habits in people. After the 30 days, you would be able to make better food choices, as your body would have adjusted to the elimination of junk, unhealthy, and processed foods.
The Whole30 program will help you to create a path to a healthy, happy pregnancy. While pregnant, you and your baby need the healthiest diets ever, which is what the Whole30 program offers. You would be able to eat quality, real, and whole foods that will be highly beneficial to you and your baby.
Read more: Nursing and Whole30
Conclusion
You can embark on the Whole30 journey while pregnant. This program offers many great benefits, and pregnant women are not exempted. However, before you start this quest, you should consult your doctor. You might also need a certified Whole30 coach to guide you through the process and make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
