Every meal is important during pregnancy. Aside from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snacks are essential too, especially during the second and the third trimester. As the baby grows in the womb, you and your baby need more nutrients and calories to support his growth. A dietician recommends taking two to three snacks a day. That’s in between the regular meals. Be observant of what you eat, as what others are saying, “You are what you eat.” During pregnancy, what you eat is what your baby eats. Although snacking is required to support you and your baby’s needs, it is not an excuse to eat anything and everything. A pregnant woman is prone to bloating, gas and constipation which can be made worse with eating large meals.
Always choose snacks that are nutritious. During pregnancy, mothers need more protein, calcium, iron, fiber, and folate. Avoid unprocessed foods and those that are too sweet or salty. Do you want some healthy pregnancy snacks ideas? Here are some delicious and yet healthy snacks you can munch on to satisfy your cravings without the guilt during pregnancy.
- Fresh veggies dipped in hummus or Greek yogurt. It can be carrots and cucumber slices, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and more.
- Apple slices with peanut butter dip.
- Apple and cheese.
- One or two hard-boiled eggs paired with fresh fruits.
- Grapes with cubes of cheddar cheese.
- A bowl of oatmeal topped with raisins and walnuts.
Read also: Fascinating Benefits of Eating Walnuts During Pregnancy
- Toasted English muffin topped with a poached or fried egg. This is a good source of vitamin D and is good during pregnancy.
- Pumpkin seeds. Another pregnancy snack on the go and a good source of protein, you can eat it alone or sprinkle in salads, yogurt or cereals.
- Avoid leg cramps with potassium-rich foods like avocado. Mash half of an avocado and topped it on crackers or rye crispbread.
Read also: Why is Eating Avocados During Pregnancy Good for Moms
- Watermelon or melon slices to keep you hydrated.
- Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. You can add whole-grain pretzels for a little salty taste or dark chocolate chips if you want it a little sweet.
- A serving of dates.
Read also: Fruits for Pregnancy: What are the Benefits of Eating Dates During Pregnancy
- Frozen bananas dipped in dark chocolate
- A cup of frozen grapes.
- Baked or boiled sweet potatoes.
- Half a cup of kale chips. A healthy substitute to greasy and salty chips.
- A serving of popcorn. Choose brands with less salt and sugar. You can also pop your own using a microwave or a stove. Once cooked, sprinkle with olive oil and a little salt. You can add Parmesan cheese if you like.
- Healthy quesadilla. Just melt cheese on top of a whole wheat tortilla, sprinkle with black beans, chopped tomatoes or salsa.
- Pita pizza. Top a whole-wheat pita with tomato sauce, cheese, and veggies of your choice and microwave until done.
- Fruit crisp. Microwave granola and blackberries for a healthy treat.
- Whole wheat waffle toast topped with almond butter. Choose the natural one, without the sugar. Pair it with pear.
- Whole grain waffle with peanut butter.
- Ditch the French fries with baked potatoes topped with yogurt and raw chives.
- Oben-baked sweet potato chips. It is rich in potassium and magnesium.
Read also: The Best Magnesium Supplement
- Dried fruits and nuts. Prefer those that without salt.
- Apple, almond, and cheese. It gives the energy you need for the day.
- Spinach chips. Just bake spinach leaves in the oven to make it crispy. This is a healthy snack alternative to potato chips and is rich in folate for pregnancy cravings.
Read also: Spinach – The Best Diet For Woman During Pregnancy
- A serving of baked broccoli.
- A serving of mango cubes.
- Healthy fruit and vegetable smoothies.
Read also: Healthy Vegetable Smoothie Recipe
These good pregnancy foods are not just nutritious, they are also satisfying and delicious. This can help you avoid unnecessary calories, sugar, and salt that are present on ready to eat snacks available in the market. Also, they are all so easy to prepare. So next time you feel hungry, eat without the guilt and choose from this list of healthy pregnancy snacks recommendations. Always remember, eat with moderation, as what they are saying, a pregnant woman does not eat for two but she thinks of two when she eats.
Read also:
- Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy: is it Safe to Consume?
- Do you Consider Chia Seeds for Pregnant Women?
- How does Eating Potatoes Affect Every Pregnant Woman?