You probably know that when you become pregnant, you should eat as healthy as
possible. While there are many rules, like skipping caffeine and not eating certain
processed meats and soft cheeses, there is also a very simple way to stick to a healthy
diet. This is when clean eating comes in. It is an easy way to start moving to a more
natural, healthy, and organic approach to what you put in your body for you and your
growing baby.
Avoid the Some Foods
Eating a clean diet while pregnant is the same as any other time you are pregnant. You
still want to be sure to avoid the foods that may be unsafe for your baby, such as any
raw meat or seafood, and fish that might contain mercury, like swordfish and king
mackerel. Chunk light tuna in the can or pouch is okay in moderation, but limit the
quantity since it does have a small amount of mercury. Soft cheese like feta is often
allowed with clean eating, but not when you are pregnant.
Wash and Rinse Everything
This is especially important when you are eating fruits or vegetables with the skin on.
Any type you use fresh produce, you want to be sure you wash it very well just in case it
has any chemicals on it. This is true even for organic produce. If you are using anything
from the can, including vegetables, you also want to rinse and drain it really well.
Similarly, when using rice or beans from the bag, rinse those as well before cooking
them. This is just an added precaution that is important to keep in mind when you are
pregnant.
Eating Clean is Great for Pregnancy
The good news is if you have been following a clean diet before getting pregnant, it is
totally fine to continue it while you are pregnant. Just make sure you follow your doctor’s
orders with what you can and can’t eat safely. If you were eating lunch meat before,
replace it with roasted chicken instead. This is a cleaner option anyway, so it will be
better for your own health as well as your baby’s. Make sure everything you eat is
organic, washed regularly, and as fresh as possible, and you will have a happy, healthy
baby.
It is still a good idea to let your doctor know you are on a clean eating diet just in case
they have additional recommendations for you.