Complex Carbohydrates for Energy and Fiber
Carbohydrates are an important nutrient. They give you energy to do daily tasks. There are two types of carbohydrates.
Simple carbohydrates are the sugars added to foods and beverages to sweeten the flavor. Foods with added sugar often supply calories but few or no important nutrients and no fiber. Examples include sugar-sweetened beverages, cakes, cookies, pastries, and candy. Try to eat less of these foods. Complex carbohydrates are naturally found in foods such as whole-grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. These foods provide healthy calories and nutrients important for you and your baby’s health. Choose more of these foods.
What is fiber? Many of the same foods that provide complex carbohydrates provide fiber. Fiber is the part of food that your body does not digest and is sometimes called roughage or bulk. It keeps food moving through the digestive system and can help prevent constipation. Fiber is important because it helps regulate blood sugars, lowers cholesterol, keeps you feeling full and satisfied, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Many people do not eat enough fiber-rich foods. Increase the amount you eat slowly. For example, add an extra vegetable or fruit each day until you reach the recommended goals. As you add more fiber to your diet, make sure that you are drinking at least 8 to 9 cups of fluid each day. To help you get enough complex carbohydrates and fiber, choose foods from the grain, fruit and vegetable food groups.
Breads and Cereals
When you buy breads and cereals, look for the words whole grain, whole wheat, whole oats, oatmeal, or brown rice on the ingredient label.Try to eat 6 ounces of breads, cereals, pasta or rice each day during the first trimester of pregnancy. During the second and third trimester, increase bread and cereal servings to eight or nine servings. This will provide the extra calories and fiber you need. At least 3 ounces need to be whole grain. One ounce is 1 slice of bread, ½ cup of cooked cereal, rice or pasta, and about ¾ cup of ready-to-eat cereal.
INGREDIENTS: Whole wheat flour, water, wheat bran, high fructose corn syrup, rolled wheat, wheat gluten, yeast...
Be aware: Products that say multi-grain, 100% wheat, and seven grain on the label may not be whole grain products.
Tips for eating more whole grains
- Eat 100% whole wheat crackers
- Try whole wheat pasta
- Add brown rice to a bean dish
- Choose oatmeal for breakfast
- Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseeds on smoothies and oatmeal
- Eat popcorn for a snack
- Add black beans to a taco or salad
Fruits and Vegetables
Focus on eating 2 cups of fruit each day. A medium size piece of fresh fruit is about 1 cup. You can also choose canned and cooked fruits. When you buy canned fruit, look for fruit packed in fruit juice or water.
- Eat a variety of different vegetables to get 2½ cups of vegetables each day.
- Tips for eating more fruits and vegetables
- Eat fresh, canned, or dried fruits for dessert.
- Carry apples, oranges, bananas, mangoes, or raisins with you for a snack.
Deana Hildebrand, PhD, RD, LD
Professor & Extension Specialist
Christine Walters, MS, RDN
Dietetic Intern, Extension Program Assistant
Tori Compton
Dietetic Intern, Extension Program Assistant