Many vegetarian women worry that they are not getting enough protein in their diet, and this bothers them more when they are expecting. However, vegetarians should worry more about getting Omega-3 fatty acids. This is because “How To Get Proteins In Pregnancy In A Vegetarian Diet?” is not as tough as it sounds.
Proteins can easily be derived by having a well-balanced healthy diet during pregnancy. Proteins are composed of amino acids which play a crucial role in building tissues and cells for a healthy functioning organ.
In This Article
- Protein In Pregnancy
- How Much Protein Do I Need During Pregnancy?
- What If I Have Low Proteins In Pregnancy?
- 10 Ways To Get Proteins In Your Vegetarian Diet
- FAQ’s
Protein In Pregnancy
Proteins are essential for the healthy growth of muscles, bone, and even hair. Your baby requires protein for building up his organs whilst in your womb, especially during the second trimester and the third trimester. The baby is on a growth spree during these trimesters and so is your body – to accommodate the growing baby.
How Much Protein Do I Need During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the protein requirement increases by 25g per day. A non-pregnant woman needs to have 45 g of protein every day, and now that you are pregnant, you must have at least 70 g of protein in your diet daily. Do not aim to have measured protein every day, just ensure that you do have an average of the requisite protein in your diet in the course of a few days or a week.
What If I Have Low Proteins In Pregnancy?
Not consuming enough protein during pregnancy can cause problems for both you and your baby. Your baby’s growth and development could be significantly impaired if you have less intake of proteins in your diet during pregnancy. Muscle tiredness, fatigue, and headache are some of the signs indicating low protein intake.
Proteins are essential for the healthy formation of neurotransmitters, serotonin, and melatonin. These neurotransmitters regulate bodily functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and metabolism. The deficiency of protein may cause a low birth weight for the baby and slow growth.
In This Article
10 Ways To Get Proteins In Pregnancy Through Your Vegetarian Diet
Since vegetarians may have to strive harder to fulfill their required protein intake for a healthy baby, below is a list to make this easier for you:
1. Dairy Products
For ages and time immemorial, dairy products are considered the second-best to eggs and poultry when it comes to the intake of proteins.
Milk
Milk is not only an optimum source of calcium, but of protein too! Just one cup of whole milk provides 8g of protein. So it’s a good idea to have 2-3 cups of milk every day.
Yogurt
Nowadays, flavored yogurts are available in the market, but these may contain added sugars thereby increasing the fat content. Opt for non-fat yogurts or simply make it at home as just one cup of yogurt contains 8-13 g of protein.
Cheese
Cheese is usually considered fatty but contains about 17-20 g of protein. It’s alright to have it occasionally. You can simply add cheddar or parmesan cheese on top of your toast and enjoy it with hot tea! Cottage cheese (Paneer, Feta cheese, and Ricotta cheese are popular choices.)
2. Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are rich sources of protein and are a staple in Indian households. Just one cup of cooked kidney beans, pinto beans, lima beans, and lentils provide about 19 g of protein. This bead-like food is a great source of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, thiamin, and niacin, with Soybean providing more protein than any other legume. Try and have them cooked at home, as canned beans run low on nutrients. You may try sprouted pulses for a change from usually cooked lentils!
3. Soy products
Soy products are rich sources of protein, and omega 3 fatty acids, and are great for people who are lactose-intolerant! Avoid going for ready-made vegetable soy products, as they are likely to contain MSG, which is not favored during pregnancy
- Soy Milk: Plenty of flavored options are available in the market. Do check the sugar content before buying.
- Tofu: Easily available in the market, just toss it into the griller and enjoy a tofu snack!
4. Nuts
Who does not enjoys warm, slightly roasted nuts? Nuts and seeds can do wonders during pregnancy. Nuts provide energy, essential fatty acids, iron, vitamins, proteins, and minerals to the body. Just one cup of nuts yields between 26-35 g of protein.
Some of them are rich in antioxidants too. Make some tasty dips and Stock up on Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts, Pistachios, Pecan nuts, Cashew nuts, and Chestnuts. Enjoy a refreshing nutty snack at any time of the day, and boy! Are they easy to carry!!
You may even slice them and add them to the usual dishes or salad. Do check for any allergies to nuts. A small handful of mixed nuts is enough for a day!
5. Seeds
Packed with carbohydrates and proteins, they help fight fatigue. Below seeds are recommended for women during pregnancy as they provide minerals, calcium, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and folic acid. Lotus seeds, Chia Seeds, Sunflower seeds, Sesame, Pumpkin Seeds, and Flax seeds are enjoyed by most women.
**Note: These seeds may have high calorific value, therefore practice moderation in their consumption!
6. Whole grains Are High In Protein
Wheat is widely used in our household, in the form of chapattis, bread, or even sweets. Other whole grains such as Brown rice, Oats, Mill, Finger millet, and Wheatgerm are great choices. The less processed they are, the healthier they become.
Whole grains must be added to the diet of an expecting woman to boost protein intake. This is fairly easy since nowadays the market promotes multi-grain pieces of bread, atta (flour), and even noodles!
7. Cereals
Nowadays cereals come in variants with no added sugar and are fortified with vitamins and iron. They additionally provide fiber and minerals. Do not fall for the fancy ones, as they tend to loose their nutritional value as they undergo processing and flavorings. You could opt for oatmeal cereals as they are largely unprocessed and are healthier
8. Dried fruits
They can be easily stored and eaten at any time without the hassle of washing, peeling, or slicing them! Some dried fruits can be incorporated into your diet to contribute to protein intake. These include Dried Apricots, Raisins, Dates, Prunes. You may bake healthy cookies using these dried fruits and enjoy your snack!
9. Vegetables
Vegetarians usually have about 2 servings of vegetables each day. Dark leafy vegetables can even protect against many forms of cancer as they are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein.
Veggies ate stocked with vitamins, minerals, calcium, iron, and proteins. To make the most out of it, add the below veggies for increasing protein. Spinach, broccoli, peas, and potato can be included in the diet
10. Munch On an Energy Bar
Feel free to munch on protein bars for a change! You may even try creamy Greek yogurt and peanut butter for taste. A smoothie is also perfect for the replenishment of lost energy. Watch out for the sugar content, though, lest it turns a negative health thing for you!
Now you have an idea about How To Get Proteins In Pregnancy In A Vegetarian Diet? Considering the above options, it doesn’t really look too difficult to make up for the protein intake for vegetarians. All you need is to keep an eye on what you are eating and what you need to add, it’s nothing out of the way!
FAQ’s
1. What Foods Have Lots Of Protein?
Protein-rich eggs are a wonderful food choice. Protein is abundant in tree nuts including almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are just a few of the many legumes that are packed with protein. Also high in protein are things like soy, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
2. How Does Protein Affect Pregnancy?
Protein is essential for the development of all of a baby’s tissues and organs, including the brain. It also promotes the development of the fetus and the mother’s breasts. It also helps your blood supply grow, which means more of your blood can get to your unborn baby.
3. What Causes Low Protein In Pregnancy?
Women who have severe morning sickness or vomiting during pregnancy are at increased risk for hypoproteinemia, a disorder characterized by dangerously low amounts of protein in the blood.
