Our taste buds shift, our hormones shift, our bodies shift.
Let’s chat about healthy snacks while pregnant.
While it seems like everything under the sun is shifting, it can be hard to stay focused and aligned with best health and wellness practices during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
So while trying my best to achieve a healthy pregnancy, I focused on healthy snacks to properly fuel me and baby. Each day did not look identical by any means, but I did my best to eat well for baby.
It’s all up to us – moms. That’s a lot of weight to put on us, but we know it’s best to nourish ourselves and baby.
What we choose to eat can give baby the best start possible. That same fuel serves a mighty purpose for us too (can offer us a better night of sleep, an easier recovery, less mood swings, more energy, less excessive weight gain, a feeling of normalcy).
What are the best healthy snacks during pregnancy?
#1 Good Culture low-fat cottage cheese
Why? Good Culture cottage cheese contains real ingredients with a really good taste. This was a daily must for me. A perfect mid-morning snack and post neighborhood evening snack after walking our dogs.
I even discovered and enjoyed cottage cheese recipes such as the “pizza bake.”
Use one cup good culture cottage cheese, ½ cup of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce, seasoning as you like, add your pizza toppings, mix up and place in a Pyrex dish lightly sprayed with nonstick. Bake on 400 degrees for about 20 minutes and enjoy!
I use: Good Culture low-fat cottage cheese, Rao’s arrabbiata sauce, Italian seasonings, and once out of the oven, I top it with fresh basil leaves. A healthy little slice of Italy! Yes, dreaming of my next visit.
#2 Oatmeal
Why? Helped with the morning queasiness in minutes! Plus healthy benefits such as:
• rich in fiber
• reduced risk of heart disease
• lower blood sugar levels (make sure you choose plain oatmeal and add your own healthy toppings like sliced strawberries, rather than the oatmeal packets that are filled to the brim with sugar)
• helps you stay full longer
• helps manage cholesterol
#3 Salmon
Why? “The key is eating the right fish during your pregnancy.” Both the FDA and American Pregnancy Association recommend women consume “more fish to get vital nutrients including heart-healthy Omega 3s (EPA & DHA), protein (all 10 amino acids), and minerals (B6, B12, D, Iron, Niacin, Potassium, Selenium, and Thiamin).”*
Omega 3s play an important role in adult health, but just as much for “fetal, infant and childhood development.”*
Each time I have a nice piece of salmon for a meal, I feel more alert, satisfied and fueled.
Studies only lend more reason to ensure you are eating healthy fish, as “research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed eating more servings of seafood a week was associated with increases in cognitive scores and decreases in symptoms of autistic spectrum in the children.”*
#4 Water
Why? Staying hydrated is an essential, no matter your age or phase of life you are in. Water:
• protects body organs and tissues
• carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
• dissolves mineral and nutrients
• lessens the burden on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste
• regulates body temperature
• helps prevent dehydration
• is a ‘clean’ beverage of choice compared to sodas, juices, the like
• boosts skin health
#5 Pickles
Why? That all-too-well-known pregnancy craving…. the crunch, sodium rush, coldness! After my research on the pickle aisle and taste testing at home, I deem Mt. Olive Kosher Dill the best of the best!
#6 My berry blast mocktail
Why? Because a little extra water, strawberries and blackberries, and the sparkling water effect just hit the spot on a hot summer day or when others are enjoying cocktails.
What is it? I puree fresh strawberries and blackberries then pour into ice cube molds until frozen. I make fresh decaf unsweetened black sun tea.
I got this idea when traveling and enjoying time at a coastal resort that specialized in mocktails as you can see!
How to make:
Add 2 berry ice cubes, about ½ cup tea, and a can of sparkling water (my favorite is: Maison Perrier Ultimate).
#7 Vegetarian egg white omelets
Why? Starting the day with protein and vegetables is a guaranteed way to feel strong, satisfied, and fueled properly.
Ingredients: Jalapenos (yes, I had a ‘spicy’ craving type pregnancy), broccoli, onion, tomatoes, and egg whites.
These were some of my go-to snacks during pregnancy. I’d love to hear about yours.
A question –
What was the hardest thing for you to achieve – nutrient-wise – when you were pregnant?
If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, I hope these healthy snack suggestions help you!
*https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/eating-seafood-during-pregnancy/
This website does not provide medical advice. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a medical professional or other qualified health care provider on any health matter or question.