Top 5 Foods to Boost Your Mood During Pregnancy

Top 5 Foods to Boost Your Mood During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is no doubt a special time in the life of anyone expecting a baby. But it can also be a trying time for the pregnant person. Nutrition plays an important role in the prenatal process because so much of your energy is going towards making a baby. 

Expectant people can be really low on energy and feel fatigued, which can negatively impact their mood. During pregnancy, bodies tend to overproduce progesterone which causes morning sickness and general nausea throughout the pregnancy, decreasing appetite. 

Proper nutrition can play a huge part in reinvigorating your energy levels and making you feel less sick. A healthy diet will not only make you feel healthier physically but will also boost your mood and make you feel rejuvenated throughout your pregnancy period. Make sure to check with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes in your pregnancy.

Foods That Boost Mood

1. Probiotics

Probiotics supplement the growth of healthy bacteria already found within the gut. For years they have been used to improve gut health and improve digestion-related issues. However, recent research has indicated a positive association between probiotic-rich foods and improvement in symptoms of depression. Foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics and are usually safe to ingest during pregnancy.

Not only do they provide nutritional benefits of their own, but they also aid in the digestion of other foods you eat during this time. And it’s true what they say, a healthy gut means a healthy brain - meaning you stay happy and healthy! 

2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in decreasing inflammation throughout the body, and they are also considered a key mood-boosting nutrient. Studies indicate people who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to suffer depressive symptoms.

Consuming foods like salmon and sardines in a healthy amount during pregnancy has been found to help elevate moods. It keeps you healthy and can even prevent postpartum problems like hair loss. 

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains are a healthy source of B vitamins and are essential to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These play an important role in regulating our mood. Consuming a healthy amount of foods like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice are said to provide you with these benefits.

Whole grains also keep you full for a long time, preventing any foul mood that arises from being hungry. Which is crucial for many people during pregnancy!

4. Green Leafy Vegetables

Spinach and other green vegetables are loaded with nutrients like iron and folate, a deficiency of which has been linked to low moods. Pregnancy is already a high-demand state, and most pregnant people can be iron or folate deficient.

Eating your greens has a number of benefits:

• They’re easily digested 

• Folic acid supplementation prevents neural tube defects in the baby

• Additional iron in food can help prevent iron deficiency anemia

• Can help prevent symptoms of depression such as low mood

       5. Proteins

Meat, chicken, fish, lentils, and legumes are all good sources of protein and are usually safe to consume in pregnancy. Proteins play a role in regulating blood sugar levels, keeping you and your mood stable for extended periods of time. 

Enjoy What You Like In Moderation!

Lastly, it’s totally okay to consume whatever you crave as long as it’s safe to eat and imposes no threat to you or your baby’s health. Relish those late-night treats and morning cravings because nothing boosts your mood quite like some of your favorite yummy foods! Remember, balance and moderation are key, but keeping yourself happy and healthy is the ultimate goal.

Your nutrition is just as important when you enter into your postpartum period! We recommend postpartum doulas to help you nurture and support you and your new family. They will make your life easier by taking care of household chores, and preparing delicious, nutritious meals. Send us a message to learn more!

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