What To Eat When Pregnant First Trimester? Pregnancy Foods For Breakfast, Dinner/Lunch And Snacks

You might experience a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and the infamous morning sickness throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. It's a remarkable yet difficult trip where what you eat is crucial to maintaining both your health and the growth of your unborn child.

Providing your body with nutritious food is important at all times, but when you're pregnant, a nutrient-dense diet is especially crucial. After all, the things you eat help your body maintain strength and develop a healthy baby.

A healthy diet for pregnancy contains the essential nutrients your body needs and provides the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, protein, and calories. Let's discuss some food options you might enjoy to fuel up for this thrilling adventure of what to eat when pregnant (first trimester).

The Importance Of Food During First Trimester Of Pregnancy

While eating foods packed with nutrients is essential during all stages of pregnancy, your first trimester is particularly crucial for the growth and development of the unborn baby. During this phase, each organ in the developing baby's body starts taking shape. 

A negative health issue in the first trimester may have an enormous lasting effect on the development of your baby's life. Let us have a look at some of the crucial points as to how food plays a big role during the first trimester.

First Trimester Pregnancy Foods For Breakfast, Dinner Lunch And Snacks

Breakfast

Poha 

Begin your day with a warm bowl of poha, a flattened rice dish flavored with veggies, peanuts, and aromatic spices.

Poha can be advantageous for both the mother and the unborn child throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Poha is a good source of important nutrients that might help fight exhaustion and morning sickness, such as iron, folate, and carbs.

During this critical time of pregnancy, these nutrients can boost the mother's overall health and energy levels while also being essential for the baby's development. 

Upma

In the early trimester of pregnancy, choosing upma can have benefits for both the mother and the unborn child. Upma provides important minerals like iron and folate along with a combination of protein and complex carbs. 

These nutrients assist the baby's growth, give energy, and aid with morning sickness. It's a tasty and wholesome option for a balanced morning meal when pregnant.

Idli with Sambar

During the first trimester of pregnancy, eating idli with sambar might be a healthy option for the mother and the unborn child. Idli is light and easily digested, and sambar offers protein and other necessary nutrients. 

This combination provides a healthy dose of essential vitamins, helps control morning sickness, and promotes the baby's healthy development—all of which contribute to a nourishing start to the day.

Lunch

Dal and Roti

A satisfying dinner of dal (lentil curry) and whole wheat roti is high in protein and fiber. For extra nutrients, serve with a side of mixed veggies or a green salad.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, choosing dal and roti for lunch is a smart decision that will help the mother and the unborn child. Roti delivers carbohydrates, whereas daal supplies protein and other necessary nutrients. 

This nutritious and filling lunch option promotes the mother's general well-being, aids in the fight against weariness, and supports the baby's development. 

Chichpeas Curry (Chole)

Enjoy a filling dish of chole (chickpea curry) with steaming rice or whole wheat chapati for protein and vitamins.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, having chickpea curry, or chole, for lunch is a healthy option for both mother and child. Packed full of protein, iron, and fiber, chole promotes healthy growth in the developing baby and guards against anemia. 

It also facilitates digestion and provides expecting mothers with a delicious, filling supper.

Mixed Vegetable Rice

With brown rice, a variety of vegetables, and aromatic spices, make a fragrant and healthy vegetable pulao or biryani.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, choosing mixed veggie rice is a wise decision for both the mother and the unborn child. 

This dish is a nourishing combination of vitamins, fiber from vegetables, and carbohydrates that aid in digestion and provide vital nutrients for the baby's growth. It's a tasty and nutritious lunch choice for a happy expectant mother.

Dinner

Tofu Stir-Fry

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the mother and the unborn child benefit from enjoying a delicious stir-fried tofu meal. In addition to packing a powerful protein punch, tofu is high in calcium, which helps the baby's bones grow. 

The pregnant mother's overall health and digestion are aided by the vitamins and fiber that the stir-fried vegetables provide. It's a tasty and wholesome option.

Dal Makhani 

A creamy and delicious black lentil dal makhani is eaten with whole wheat flatbread or jeera rice.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, having dal makhani for dinner is a delicious option for both mother and child. 

This meal provides a proper ratio of protein and other vital nutrients, promoting the baby's growth and assisting the mother in overcoming exhaustion. Its hearty ingredients also make for a gratifying and cozy dinner during pregnancy.

Bhindi Masala

For a nutritious and delicious dinner, serve okra (bhindi) masala with quinoa or whole wheat phulka.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, it's a wise decision for both mother and kid to enjoy bhindi masala for dinner. This dish helps with digestion and supports the baby's development because it is high in vitamins, fiber, and folate. 

It's a tasty and nourishing method to make sure pregnant moms are eating a balanced, healthy dinner.

Snacks

Nuts

The almonds, walnuts, or mixed nuts are excellent for providing protein and healthy fats.

Throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, nuts are beneficial for both the mother and the unborn child. 

Nuts are a great source of vital nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, and folate, which boost both the mother's and the baby's growth and energy levels. They guarantee a healthy pregnancy and are a quick and nutritious snack alternative.

Carrot Sticks with Hummus

Hummus and carrot sticks make a pleasant, crisp-bite, nutrient-rich snack. During the first trimester of pregnancy, there are benefits for both the mother and the unborn child when they munch on carrot sticks with hummus. 

Hummus delivers protein and good fats for energy, while carrots offer vitamins and fiber to aid in digestion. It's a tasty and wholesome food that guarantees a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Fruit Smoothie

For a tasty and healthy beverage, combine fruits, yogurt, and a little honey. During the first trimester of pregnancy, treating yourself to a fruit smoothie is a refreshing decision that benefits both you and the unborn child. 

It aids the baby's development and keeps the mother hydrated and invigorated while being rich in vitamins, fiber, and natural sugars. A tasty and healthful approach to satiating cravings and encouraging a happy, healthy pregnancy

Conclusion

Always remember to drink enough water throughout the day, and if morning sickness strikes, choose bland, easily digested meals like crackers or ginger tea. 

To develop a meal plan that meets your unique nutritional requirements during the first trimester of pregnancy, you must speak with your healthcare provider or a qualified dietitian.

You can also visit Healthy Master, which offers a variety of highly recommended foods that are suitable for pregnant women.