Part Three – Can You Be Vegetarian or Vegan while Pregnant?

3. Variety in your diet is especially important. I suggest that you eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to take advantage of all the unique phytonutrients in different foods. Phytonutrients are the thousands of different naturally occurring compounds in plants that have a positive effect on human health. While providing color, flavor, and disease-resistance in plants, they also benefit the humans who eat them. And don’t rely too much on soy as your only major protein source. Soy contains natural phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Although getting some can be very healthful, getting too much may not be. Use seeds, grains, and other legumes for balance.

4. Make a point of eating organic foods. Because vegetarians tend to eat larger amounts of fresh produce, choosing organic is even more important to reduce pesticide exposure.

Read more from Can You Be Vegetarian or Vegan while Pregnant?

Part One – Vitamin B12
Part Two – Calcium
Part Three – Variety and Organics