Easy ways to change how you eat to beat pregnancy fatigue.
The one pregnancy symptom I’ve been able to count on throughout the entire pregnancy is fatigue.
In the first trimester, it was from nausea and the hormones. Even though I’ve ditched nausea and the hormones have leveled out during the second trimester, I’m still finding myself fatigued on a regular basis. Not only are simple tasks sometimes leaving me a little more than beat, but pregnancy has already kicked into high gear for me.
Since getting more sleep isn’t always an option, I’ve learned how to eat to beat pregnancy fatigue instead. Hopefully, this will help those that are struggling like I am!
Never Skip A Meal
Before I was pregnant, I would skip a meal from time to time. It was never ideal, but it happened. Now? Nope. Not a chance. Not only am I low on energy because of it, but I’m starving later. And starving = poor food choices. Or bigger meals later that leave me feeling completely stuffed and uncomfortable. If you can’t enjoy a full meal, ensure you have snacks.
Start with a good breakfast
This was more important for me during the first trimester as an empty stomach pretty much always meant nausea. But even now, it’s a great way to start my day. I try to opt for complex carbs and protein. Things like whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins are my first choices along with some yogurt or milk. These foods stay with me long enough to get my energy up and prevent me from having low blood sugar levels.
Change your meal size
Large meals are a thing of the past. Eating too much when there’s a baby pressing against my stomach makes me feel like I will always be full. Not only that, but it also means I’m more likely to be tired. Your energy will be diverted to aiding in digestion instead of helping you feel alert and focused. Opt for smaller meals and eat more often. I usually have my 3 average sized meals with 2-3 snack sized meals in between. I usually go for nuts, snack mixes, cheese, and vegetables for my snacks as well.
Eat During The Day
Don’t eat your biggest meal at the end of the day. If you’re wanting a bigger meal, try to have it during breakfast or lunch. This way, the calories will help you maintain your energy throughout the day. If you eat a larger meal at night, that energy is wasted.
Get Enough Iron
When I used to donate plasma, from time to time I’d be turned away because I had low iron levels. I adjusted my diet to ensure that this didn’t continue. Foods that are iron rich include:
- Red meat
- Pork
- Poultry
- Dark leafy greens
- Beans
- Dried Fruit (also a great option for snacks as they don’t fill you up as quickly as fresh fruit)
- Iron-fortified foods
Low iron levels can easily lead to fatigue. Be sure to check with your doctor on this one as diet alone may not be enough. An iron supplement could be necessary as well.
These tips have helped me eat to beat pregnancy fatigue for the past four months now and I’m hoping they’ll continue throughout the rest of the pregnancy. If only I could figure out how to beat the pregnancy insomnia, I’d be pretty darn happy!
do you have any tips on the best ways to eat to beat pregnancy fatigue?
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