Now that I’m well into the third trimester of pregnancy, I am really starting to “feel” like a waddling pregnant woman (to say the least). I’m finding myself more and more EXHAUSTED, but there is one aspect of my lifestyle that surely gives me an energy boost: my pregnancy diet!
Now, I’m already up 38 pounds this pregnancy (and I’m 32 and a half weeks!), so this is not a diet designed to “stay slim” or unrealistically control weight gain during pregnancy. But rather, this pregnancy diet was created to meet all nutritional needs to ensure that baby gets a healthy start!
A disclaimer: there are pregnant women out there who only gain the “recommended” 25 pounds during pregnancy who follow a very strict diet plan. I am not one of these women (and, the recommended weight gain can vary due to where a woman is starting out, i.e. over or underweight). Yes, I focus on getting my baby girl her dietary needs, but I also allow myself some treats (seriously, what fun would pregnancy be with no treats?!?!?!) So if you consider yourself a woman wanting to have a healthy approach to your pregnancy diet but still want to get some fun in, read on. 
My Pregnancy Diet Plan:
Breakfast: I always drink water first upon waking. After 7 or 8 hours of no hydration, I know this is a must. Then, I prepare one of my signature smoothies (available in my book), and couple that with either 2 boiled eggs with a slice of peanut butter jelly toast or a bowl of oatmeal. (I take my prenatal at this time too).
****I have been allowing myself a small cup of organic coffee on very tired mornings. My midwife approved it, so check with your Dr. before consuming caffeine!
Snack: Handful of cashews with apple or another serving of smoothie.
Lunch: Sandmich! I use whole grain bread (Ezekiel is best), turkey, slice of cheese, spinach, and mustard. Sometimes I pair with some chips as a treat! Midday Snack: Hummus with whole grain crackers and fruit, usually grapes 
Dinner: One of my all time favorites–spaghetti. I cook mine with whole grain pasta, tons of spinach, onion, bell peppers, and ground turkey. Healthy, filling, and yummy!
Post Dinner Trizzeat: One of my prego faves like ice cream, a few cookies, or some other sweet treats!
Blog post about managing cravings here
Later Night: I am notorious for staying up pretty late, and when I do, I usually am sipping pregnancy tea. Helps calm me and get ready for bed. Also haves many health benefits for moms-to-be.
Bonuses:
*Add chia seeds to your water–great source of Omega 3s and fiber to assist with baby’s brain development in the third trimester!
*Constipation is normal in pregnancy. Fight it with eating a diet full of green veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Oh–and tons of WATER too!
*Limit any drink that is not water. If I am drinking juice, I opt for V8 since theirs has fruits and vegetables in each serving.
*My cheat day is usually Friday or Saturday. My cheat choice? Pizza
As always, thank you guys for liking, sharing, and pinning!
Have a great rest of the week!
xoxoxoxoxo
Monica Bencomo
www.foodandfitnessnetwork.com
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Monica is the author of 7 Habits of a Healthy, Happy Mom, and has been featured on Fox, the Food Network, and Univision. Her passion is in working with moms to help them get their fittest and discover their dreams. You can find more of Monica on her blog, Momswearheels.com, and Instagram.
