Indulging in good food seems to take a back seat during pregnancy. However, this huge sacrifice should not deter mommies-to-be like you from eating healthy meals and gobbling up two servings. This page contains some helpful dieting guidelines for you and for other women who are well on the family way. Check them out in the following list.

1. Ditch eating in small portions.

Pregnancy is not the perfect time to worry about your thickening waistline and widening pelvic frame. You can worry about your body shape after you have given birth to your baby. Do not be alarmed by spurts in your appétit for good food. Eating bigger portions of healthy food during pregnancy is pretty normal, as you are expected to ingest nutrients both for yourself and your baby.

2. Count your calorie intake.

If you have not yet done so, be vigilant in counting the calories you are taking in but do not enroll yourself in any dieting program either. Being a mommy-to-be does not give you the license to be a glutton, and certainly does not encourage you to take the glorified short cut to obesity.

After your first trimester, you will begin to experience cravings for certain foods. Calculate your calorie intake. Experts estimate that on top of your normal diet, you should only be taking in an average of 300 calories a day for your baby's nutrition. Going overboard may cause weight problems that will later lead to complications during delivery.

3. Make sure the nutrient essentials are present in your diet.

You have to be the most finicky eater during pregnancy. To reduce chances of delivering a malnourished offspring, take the time to plan your meals. Your daily intake should consist of grains, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry products, and a bit of dairy. The following nutrients must be present: calcium, docosahexaenoic acid, folic acid, iron and protein. For specific sources of these nutrients, consult your physician and a professional dietitian as there are some rich sources that may still be bad for your pregnancy.

4. Drink right.

Do not give dehydration a chance to strike at you. Down plenty of fluids while you are on your baby bumping months. Experts suggest that pregnant women should drink at least 10 cups every day. Safe choices include plain water, milk, soup and juices. Abstain from drinking liquor, carbonated drinks and caffeinated drinks. While alcohol is a no-no, soft drinks and drinks with caffeine such as tea and coffee are tolerated but should strictly be limited to small quantities.

5. Give prenatal vitamins a try.

Prenatal vitamins supply you with the vitamins and minerals you will need during your pregnancy in one single capsule. If your appetite for normal food needs some picking up, prenatal vitamins are a helpful but temporary substitute. The catch is that the capsules may be difficult to swallow because of their size. Consult your physician about the right prenatal vitamin to supplement your diet with.