Fast Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Food and Nutrition

Obie Editorial Team

Q: What are some fast foods that I should definitely avoid during pregnancy?

A: There are several fast foods that you should not have in pregnancy. They are as follows:

  1. Ramen noodles: Packed with salt, fat, and little else.
  2. Sodas: Fill up on empty calories and sugar and you won't have any room for more nutritious drinks. Low-fat milk, carbonated water, and juices are a good substitute.
  3. Prepackaged commercial lunches: Sure, they'd be a quick fix for hunger pangs, but preservatives, salt, and fat make them a bad choice.
  4. Almost all prepared, frozen meals: They tend to have astronomical amounts of salt and fat. Instead, pop a potato in the microwave, and top it with cheese and steamed broccoli for a fast, healthy meal. If you can't avoid the occasional frozen meal, look for organic brands, or those low in salt and fat.
  5. Iceberg lettuce: If you're going to eat a salad, choose a green such as romaine that's full of fiber; A, B, and C vitamins, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. Iceberg lettuce has only trace amounts of these nutrients.