Ask any pregnant woman who is in her first or third trimester how they are feeling, and the answer will almost always be "tired." One of the first clues that many women have that they may be expecting a visit from the stork is the fact that they find themselves droopy-eyed in the middle of the day for no reason.

You may find that doing a simple task such as walking around the block leaves you desperate for an afternoon nap. The energy you used to have is now faced with the challenge of growing a baby, and your body is hard at work. You are also producing more blood, using more water and nutrients, and have a higher heart rate and metabolism when you are pregnant. While the best defense against the tiredness you will face is to get more sleep, there are also some healthy food choices you can make that will help you get through your day if you do not have the opportunity to take naps.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

First, adjust the size of your meals. Anyone who eats a large meal is going to feel tired afterward regardless of whether they are pregnant or not. Being pregnant is going to make the effect of a big meal that much worse. Most of your energy is going toward digesting the meal, so of course, you will feel sluggish and drained. Eat smaller meals and eat more often. Eating six small meals a day will help you combat fatigue.

Start Your Day with a Good Breakfast

Eating a good breakfast is the best way to start your day. You are refueling your body after a long foodless night. A good breakfast is not just a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. You want to stick to complex carbs and protein. Whole grain cereal and a banana, for example, will stay with you and keep your blood sugar and energy levels up for quite a while.

For a quick and nourishing breakfast, you can also make a smoothie with the In Shape Mummy Pregnancy Superfood Health Shake. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, it helps provide sustained energy while supporting the unique nutritional needs of pregnancy. Simply blend it with almond milk, banana, and a handful of berries for a delicious start to your day.

Don't Skip Lunch

There are many people who skip lunch thinking they will make up for it by having a big dinner. This is bad when you are not pregnant, but it's even worse when you are pregnant. You need that midday meal to help refuel your body. As with your breakfast, you should keep it filled with whole grains and protein. Have a whole grain pita stuffed with chicken salad and add a side of grapes or an apple.

Plan Your Calorie Intake Wisely

Plan to eat most of your calories during the day. A pregnant woman needs an extra 300 calories a day throughout her second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, those extra calories are not needed yet. You should eat these extra calories throughout the day in the form of healthy snacks such as nuts, cheese, veggies, and dip. Do not save your biggest meal until the end of the day. Your body needs these calories to help you get through your day. Steer clear of quick sugar fixes like candy and soda. In the end, these will only make you more tired.

For a nutritious and satisfying snack, consider a smoothie made with the In Shape Mummy Pregnancy Superfood Health Shake. It’s a great way to curb hunger, provide essential nutrients, and keep your energy up between meals.

Ensure You're Getting Enough Iron

Lastly, make sure you are getting enough iron. Eat iron-fortified foods such as spinach and lean red meat to keep your energy up. Extreme fatigue could be a symptom of an iron deficiency, and you might need an iron supplement as well.

Support Your Energy with a Superfood Health Shake

In addition to eating a balanced diet, consider incorporating the In Shape Mummy Pregnancy Superfood Health Shake into your routine. This specially formulated shake is designed to support the unique nutritional needs of pregnant mums, providing plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to help maintain energy levels. With organic ginger to aid digestion and superfruits for added nourishment, it's a convenient and delicious way to fuel your body while keeping up with the demands of pregnancy.

Besides eating well, make sure you get plenty of rest—even if this means pushing your bedtime up and giving up those late-night TV talk shows. As any parents of newborns will tell you, get your rest while you still can.