First trimester is considered as an important period during pregnancy and the expectant mother should be cautious during this trimester. The first trimester extends till week 13 and your body requires all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The below foods are packed with nutrients required for your health and baby’s development in the first trimester:

• Green Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach or peas soup can help you suffice your appetite even if you are suffering from morning sickness. Carry it to work, squeeze little lemon juice or add fresh herbs and have it when you’re hungry.
• Brown Rice: Replace your white rice with brown rice which is rich in fibre, folate and iron. Add equal amounts of vegetables along with rice in your meals to achieve nutritional boost.
• Boiled Eggs: Try to include eggs often in your diet. Hard boiled eggs are easy to make and also provides the essential nutrients.
• Bran Cereals: Never skip your breakfast due to morning sickness or lack of time. Carry a small box filled with bran cereals, add milk and have it when you are hungry. Bran cereals are rich in nutrients and good for health.
• Beetroot: This folate and iron rich veggie can be useful to avoid anaemia and provide nutrition. Try beetroot salad or side dish to get all the nutrients.
• Legumes: Include lentils and all varieties of beans to your diet as they are rich in protein and vitamins. Some of the beans include lima beans, kidney beans, black eyed peas, chick peas etc.
• Oranges: Citrus fruits are good throughout the pregnancy period if consumed as fruit. Try to limit your juice intake to 1 glass per day to avoid gestational diabetes.
• Smoothies: If morning sickness interferes with your appetite, try fruit smoothies. Have smoothies with less sugar and low fat cream or yogurt. Avoiding high fat diet is better than opting for weight loss remedies in the later stages of pregnancy.