When you become pregnant, you might think about changing your diet to make the baby in your belly feel as good as possible. But it can be difficult to know how to organize your diet when you're pregnant, and you may be wondering what is actually good food?

Maybe you want to start eating the best food possible but are wondering how to go about it. Apart from the recommendations on what to avoid (certain types of cheese, alcohol, etc.), you don't have to change your diet unless you want to or feel you need to. If you do want to make a change, it doesn't have to be very difficult. To get a good balance between different nutrients, you can use the plate model when you put food on your plate. Another idea is to think in terms of the colors of the rainbow, to get a good variety of essential vitamins and minerals. You know best what kind of diet makes you feel good! Of course, it's healthy to avoid too much sugar and processed food, just like when you're not pregnant.

Recommended diet for pregnant women:

The Keyhole - quick guide to good eating habits:
If you want to find healthy food easily, you can use the Keyhole when shopping. Keyhole-labeled foods contain less sugar and salt, less or more healthy fat, and more fiber and whole grains than other foods of the same type. Fruit, vegetables, meat and fish can be Keyhole labeled. High-fiber breads, cereals and pasta can be Keyhole-labeled, as can lean meat and dairy products.

Have breakfast, lunch and dinner 
Try to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and then one or two good snacks. This will help you feel fuller and perhaps avoid cravings for soft drinks, pastries, ice cream, sweets or snacks.

You need extra water
It is good to drink plenty of water during pregnancy. Try flavoring your water with citrus or berries instead of choosing options that are high in sugar. If you decide to breastfeed, it is also good to drink plenty of fluids. A glass with every meal is a good mindset!

Get moving!

As important as eating well, it is important to exercise, preferably 30 minutes a day. This doesn't have to mean a workout at the gym. A walk at a leisurely pace is a good way to exercise when you're pregnant.

*

Here you can read about eating disorders during pregnancy.