Did you know that the way you eat while pregnant can have a lasting impact on your child? The quality of your diet, as well as how much and what type of food you eat, will have an impact on your baby’s growth and development. An unbalanced diet can cause health problems for both mother and child. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are eating the best snacks for pregnant women.
Eating the right nutrients can help prevent gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, two common pregnancy complications, as well as ensure your baby gets all the vitamins he or she needs to grow healthy and strong. So if you want to give your baby a head start in life and keep yourself from gaining too much weight during this exciting time, read on for our top 10 best snacks for pregnant women!
Greek yogurt with honey and granola
When you’re craving something sweet, it’s important to choose the right snack to satisfy your sugar craving. Avoiding sugary sweets is especially important if you are at risk for gestational diabetes. A great option for a sweet snack that is healthy for you and your baby is a bowl of yogurt with honey and granola.
Yogurt provides probiotics that can enhance your immune system and help you fight off infection. It is also high in protein and calcium, minerals that are essential for both you and your baby. Honey is also a great choice as a sweetener because it naturally contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are good for you. Granola is a great source of fiber and can help you stay full longer. Keep in these tips when you’re craving something sweet while pregnant.
Fresh fruit
Fruit is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and is low in calories. It can be a healthy alternative to many other snacks on this list, but be careful not to overdo it. The fiber in fruit is great for digestion and healthy bowel movements, and can also help prevent constipation. Some fruits, like oranges and grapefruit, are high in vitamin C, which is good for your immune system. Other fruits like berries are high in iron, which can help reduce your risk of anemia. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for your growing baby’s heart and skeletal muscles.
Whole grain crackers
We’ve all heard it before, but the adage “you are what you eat” definitely applies to pregnant women. Whole grain crackers are a great source of fiber, which can help reduce constipation and keep your digestive system healthy. They are also a good source of protein and B vitamins, which are important for your growing baby’s development. One thing to keep in mind when choosing crackers is that some brands have added sugar, so make sure to read the nutritional facts to find one that is low in sugar.
Bean and lentil soups
Soups are a great choice for a snack or light meal. They are packed with nutrients and are easy to digest. Beans and lentils are a great source of fiber and protein and are also low in fat. They are also rich in minerals, like iron, which can help prevent anemia. You can make a healthy soup at home using beans and lentils as the base. Just keep in mind that canned soups can be high in sodium, so you may want to avoid them.
Hummus and veggies
This is a great choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Hummus is rich in protein and is also a good source of iron and B vitamins. If you don’t like it plain, you can try adding some spices, like cumin, or roasted red peppers. You can also pair it with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, peppers and cauliflower. This is a great option for pregnant women who are craving some crunch but don’t want to eat something salty or sweet.
Cheese sticks or sandwiches
If you are craving something savory and salty, try a cheese stick or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Cheese is packed with protein and calcium, which is important for your growing baby’s bone health. You can also pair cheese with whole grain crackers for a high-protein and calcium snack. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a good source of protein and fiber, and peanut butter also contains many vitamins and minerals.
Salmon and spinach muffins
If you’re craving something sweet, try salmon and spinach muffins. Salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development, and salmon is one of the best sources of this nutrient. Spinach is a good source of iron and calcium and can help prevent constipation. You can make these muffins at home by combining salmon and spinach, two eggs and a small number of breadcrumbs.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight and skin health. They are also a good source of vitamin C, B vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium. You can make them as is, or try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a sweeter taste.
Sweet potatoes are great for pregnant women because they are low in calories and contain lots of fiber, which can help prevent constipation. You can also try sweet potatoes made into chips, which are a great alternative to salty chips when you’re craving something crunchy and salty.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease, improve blood flow and keep your blood pressure in check. It is important to choose dark chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa, and not to overdo it because it is also high in fat. A small piece every day is a great way to satisfy your craving for something sweet while getting some extra nutrients.
Bananas and peanut butter
Like the other combos on this list, bananas and peanut butter are a great source of protein, fiber and vitamins. Bananas are also a good source of potassium. You can either mash up a banana and mix it with peanut butter or make a peanut butter and banana sandwich. You can also try dipping bananas in a mixture of peanut butter and honey.
Before you start eating all these yummy snacks, make sure you are getting the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy by taking a prenatal vitamin. Also, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet that includes fruit, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, beans and legumes, dairy and nuts, as well as daily iron and folic acid supplementation. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fiber, iron, protein and calcium can reduce your risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, and will also help you gain the right amount of weight during your pregnancy.
