Eight breakfasts for a healthy pregnancy

Breakfast is always an important meal, but particularly while you are pregnant. Here are some healthy breakfast ideas to help provide nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy.

• A whole wheat English muffin topped with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese is a great way to start the day with fiber and protein. Add a cup of sliced fruit such as strawberries or melons on the side to add in more fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
• An omelet with spinach and other fresh vegetables served with a slice of whole wheat toast will help you start the day with a good source of folate and protein.
• Cold cereal can be an excellent breakfast. Cereals are most often fortified with iron and folate as well as other many other vitamins and minerals. Choose a fiber rich cereal such as bran flakes and top with fresh berries or bananas.
• If you need a quick breakfast on the go, grab a sliced apple, cubed cheese and a handful of almonds. Mix it together in a Tupperware container and eat these finger foods on the go for a good source of protein, healthy fats and fiber.
• For a little extra omega-3’s in your day, mix 1 Tablespoon of ground flax seed into a bowl of oatmeal and top with chopped walnuts and raisins.
• Yogurt is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Try a tropical yogurt parfait with regular or Greek yogurt, chopped pineapple and mango and 2 Tablespoons of granola.
• Wrap up a breakfast that is packed full of protein, folate and iron. Start with a whole wheat tortilla, spread 2 Tablespoons of hummus on the wrap, and top with a slice of cheese, thinly sliced veggies, ½ cup of spinach or romaine lettuce, and lean protein such as turkey, chicken or lean ham (if using lunch meat, re-heat in the microwave to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria prior to eating).
• For days you are running short on time for breakfast, grab a high fiber, high protein granola bar and a piece of whole fruit such as an apple, pear or orange.

The breakfast ideas listed above are for healthy, normal pregnancies. If you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns, discuss an appropriate diet with your doctor and/or dietitian. Log in to MyChart to send a secure message to your provider.