Twin pregnancy requires you to eat more than your usual diet. If you are already on a healthy and balanced diet, then you just need to add around six hundred calories in your diet. It will be sufficient for you as well your twins to be in the best health.
Twin pregnancy is a great time to include better food selections that would assist in the sound development of your baby. You require extra amounts of protein to develop cells, carbs to stay energized, iron for combatting anemia, calcium for fortifying bones of babies, and folic acid to prevent neurological, and birth defects in babies.
Include varying food groups to ensure that you obtain the maximum level of these nutrients in the diet.
Protein
Protein is necessary for creating human cells, and developing bones in the person. It is a vital element in your healthy pregnancy diet. As a mother of twins, you need to increase your protein intake.
You can prepare a trail that comprise of various nuts such as almonds, cashews, raisins, pistachios, peanuts, walnuts and some nutritious seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds etc.
This is a delicious snack and provide you several other nutrients than just protein. For example, besides proteins, almonds also offer fiber, and Vitamin E. Cashews also offer selenium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. Raisins have good amounts of B vitamins called folic acid that helps in the prevention of birth defects.
Eggs are considered to be the high-protein food, that have good amounts of choline in it. The Omega 3 fatty acids contained in it helped in boosting the development of brain function, memory, and vision in fetus.
Chicken is also a tasty and low-fat protein source that you can eat in a variety of ways to satiate your taste buds, and get the necessary nutrition.
Whole-grain bread with veggies, like sliced cucumber, finely chopped spinach, celery, and green lettuce is a good way to add protein to your diet.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein. Besides it, this food also has B vitamins like thiamin, potassium, zinc, and niacin. It also offers iron and healthy fats.
Calcium
Calcium is another very essential element for efficient development of your teeth, bones and sound functioning of muscles. As you have a twin pregnancy, you need more amount of calcium for proper development of your babies.
Some of the calcium rich foods are dairy foods such as cheese, yogurt, milk, calcium-fortified bread/cereal, soy drinks, and orange juice. Choose non-fat, or low-fat foods so that it provides you the necessary nutrition without increasing your body fat, and weight.
Energy
A woman who is expected to give birth to twins also require good amounts of complex carbohydrates that provides her the necessary energy to execute varying bodily processes efficiently. Packed with fiber, these foods also help in boosting digestion and preventing digestive issues in the body.
Vitamins
All Vitamins like Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K are essential for healthy pregnancy. You need to increase the intake of this nutrient to ensure healthy development of your twin babies. Dark, and leafy green veggies, fresh fruits, dry fruits, are the best ways to gain enough vitamins.
Papaya is one of the best fruits that is not just loaded with Vitamin C and Vitamin A, but also contains proteolytic enzymes that aids in the digestion of protein in the body. It is one of the ideal ways to cure constipation in expecting mothers.
Spinach is known to be a powerhouse for pregnant ladies. This dark green leafy vegetable is loaded with folic acid, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. It is rich in fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids bioflavonoids, and lutein that are of great importance during pregnancy.
Fiber
Due to increase in the progesterone hormone, pregnant mothers often deal with constipation. To prevent its occurrence, it is required to drink plenty of water, and consume fresh vegetables, and fruits.
Include complex carbs such as whole wheat grains, like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat breads in your daily diet. Stay away from highly processed, and unhealthy junk foods.
Also read: Third Trimester Pregnancy Diet; What To Eat And What To Avoid?
Conclusion
If you are pregnant with twins, then your body requires extra nutrition. The additional calories that you eat should come by including healthy food sources that gives you all the necessary nutrients like protein, energy, fats, vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
The above-mentioned foods not just offer you the much-needed nutritional value, but also imparts an appealing taste. Along with it, you need to check with the doctor to prescribe you a personalized diet program that meets your nutritional needs effectively.