Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive times for women. During this time, a woman experiences a lot of changes in her body. Her food cravings are rapidly increasing too. She is not only taking care of her own health but her offsprings as well. A pregnant woman should not give up with all the food she loves to eat. However, she also needs to ensure that what she is eating is healthy and good for the development of the growing fetus inside her womb. Here are some great healthy eating tips for conceiving women.

Watch Your Serving Size
Nutrition experts say that pregnant women must have an estimated 300 extra calories every day during this crucial period. But the extra calories will always depend on their weight before they got pregnant. Pregnant women need to take close accounts of their serving portions and follow an appropriate serving recommendations by their health care provider. They may be eating more than what is needed and may not be good for their condition.

Daily Serving Food Guidelines

Pregnant women should watch what they eat and how they eat. They need to eat healthy and nutritious foods essencial to the growth of the baby inside them. They must remember that fatty foods like cookies, doughnuts, and chips, and sweets like sodas and candies do not provide adequate nutrition for their baby. Here’s some interesting food guidelines.
* Pregnant women should consume 5 1/2 of protein daily which is equivalent to 1 egg, 1/4 cup cooked dry beans, 1/2 cup nuts, 1 ounce chicken, meat or fish and a tbsp of peanut butter.
* 1 1/2 cup of fruits which is equivalent to 16 grapes, 1/2 frozen, fresh or canned fruit, and 1/4 cup of dried fruit.
* 6 oz of grains which is equivalent to 1/2 cup cereal, 1 small pancake, 1 slice bread and 1 small tortilla.
* 3 cups of milk per day which is equivalent to 1 cup yogurt, 2 oz processed cheese, and 1 1/2 oz of natural cheese.
* 2 1/2 cup of veggies, where 1 cup is equivalent to 1 cup vegetable juice and 1 medium baked potato.

Pregnant women should also take regular dose of folic acid. It is actually recommended that women of child-bearing age need to take at least 40 micrograms of folic acid each day, before and after birth. Folic Acid helps prevent serious birth and spinal defects. Grain products, green leafy vegetables, beans, vitamin-fortified breakfast cereals and orange juice are great sources of folic acid.