For vegitarians and/or nutritionists My sister is a vegitarian and she is pregnant.?

Question

I am a little worried and want to know so I can tell her to eat them. What foods can she eat to get the proteins and other nutrients that the baby needs? Thank you

Answer 1

Hi. Not to worry. Soy foods are complete protein, with the 9 essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Soy can be used in the form of milk (including vanilla and chocolate), beans or edamame and tofu- which is chewy like meat when frozen and thawed, or soft for smoothies and other desserts and dips. Beans and rice combined make a complete protein. There are vegetarian protein powders, but check labels for use in pregnancy. If your sister is vegetarian but not vegan, then dairy products have protein, though not the very best kind, which is plant-based. Eggs, too, of course. Whole grain breads, cereals and bars will have protein, as do nuts and certain seeds. There's plenty of good information online, to set your mind at ease. Lots of variety in the diet and a good multi-vitamin are essential. Blessings to you, your sis and little niece or nephew. My friend, Betty was vegan in her last pregnancy and that's all this daughter has ever been. She's a very healthy six-year-old because Betty is a good cook who uses lots of wholesome ingredients and serves up plenty of variety. By the way, the soy burgers, burger crumbles, chick patties and sausages are very good sources of protein and flavor. Look for Boca and Morningstar brands in larger grocery stores in the frozen section. There are canned foods available, too.
Bragg's Liquid Aminos is available at the Health Food Store and can be sprayed or sprinkled on just about anything. It's from soy and tastes like soy sauce, but doesn't have the sodium.

Answer 2

For everyone who says you need meat to be healthy: You are complete idiots that don't have he slightest idea what you are talking about. You do not have to have meat in a healthy balanced diet, nor do you even need milk. Meat is just for lazy people who can't be bothered making proper food, or for people who are under the illusion that you need it. As long as you are getting the necessary proteins and nutrients from somewhere in your diet, vegetarians CAN be extremely healthy, and in some cases healthier than meat eaters because most meat people eat is normally smothered in some substance that is full of colours flavourings and preservatives.

Answer 3

She doesn't NEED meat to be healthy through her pregnancy. Try to help her out with beans, all different kinds, in order to get the protein she needs. Peanut butter is also VERY good in the proteins. She needs to make sure she's still getting the fruits she should be getting, as well. Try to help her out with well rounded meals-beans for the protein, peppers or something else for flavor AND vitamin C...just try to eat lots of everything.

When I was pregnant, the best thing that I was told to help me get all of my veggies was eat a fruit and/or veggie for every color of the rainbow (ROY G BIV). Strawberries, Oranges or Carrots, Yellow Peppers or Bananas, Green beans or Peas or any green veggie, Blueberries, (I guess blueberries work for indigo too), and finally....Eggplant (or another purple fruit/veggie). If you sit and think about it, there are SO many different types of them to eat, getting enough each day, with the variety to keep you from getting bored, should be easy!

Answer 4

Tell her to talk to a nutritionist or her doctor about making the right eating choices. Her doctor will give better information than people on the this site telling her stuff through you.

Answer 5

A good source of protein is peanut butter, and broccoli. If it becomes a problem then I am sure her OB will let her know. Her OB may also tell her which foods have the best sources of protein and iron, which are important during pregnancy.

Answer 6

Depends on how strict a vegetarian she is. The best source of protein are eggs if she eats them. Also beans and legumes. Don't forget tofu....although I'd rather eat the eggs. :) Also there are supplements she can take.

Answer 7

Make sure she talks to her doctor about her diet choices. She needs to eat healthy and can probably do so with her choice of diets but to make sure she gets the proper nutrition, she needs to talk to an expert and probably take the normal vitamins/minerals and maybe some additional ones to make sure the baby gets the proper nutrition.

Answer 8

I think the only vitamin lacking for a vegan is B12 which is only in animal foods. she should take a vitamin B12 daily or just take a multi vitamin. if she is taking prenatal vitamins then she will be just fine. a vegan taking prenatals is probably a lot healthier than you or me. the lack of B12 is what makes vegans so skinny and disfigured.

Answer 9

She can eat the same stuff as she was eating before if it was healthy and well balanced.

Whole grains, fruit and veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds etc.

Answer 10

I didn't eat meat while I was expecting. Tell her lots of peanut butter & tofu!