If you are on the hunt for healthy snacks for pregnant women, you are in the right place. Of course, cravings are a part of pregnancy, and we can’t deny it.
But eating healthy and having essential nutrients during pregnancy is equally important. But don’t worry any further.
Here is a detailed article on all the available healthy snacks for pregnant women.
Healthy Snacks for Pregnant Women
1. Fruits
Fruits are one of the healthiest snacks that are readily available throughout the year. There are few foods to eat during pregnancy, and fruits are one among them. If you crave something sweet, you can have an apple or a banana, which helps curb your sugar cravings.
- Fruits are generally rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, zinc, Folic acid, etc. which helps you meet the nutrient count for the day.
Some women even have cravings during the middle of the night, and fruits are also a great choice. Fruit bowls could come in really handy and fill you up well too.
Here are a few best fruits to eat during pregnancy: apples, bananas, watermelon, Kiwis, etc.
2. Veggies
If you are feeling hungry after a meal or between meals, having a bowl of salad is a good idea.
- Veggies are a great source of Dietary fiber, potassium, folate and other micronutrients.
The number of ways you can make your salads is endless, and you are free to add whatever veggies you like. It is a great way to add nutrition to your diet while curbing cravings.
To spice things up, you can always reach out for salad dressing, making the salad even tastier.
3. Nuts
Nuts fill your tummy while providing nutrition. If you enjoy drinking milk, you can grind your favorite nuts into a powder, mix it with milk, and drink it. It is one of the healthiest yet most satisfying snacks for pregnant women.
- Nuts are considered one of the healthiest snacks of all time as they contain protein, healthy fats, fiber, etc.
Nuts are high in calories, and it is essential to have them in limited quantities to avoid weight gain.
4. Eggs
Eggs also fill your tummy well for a good 2 to 3 hours. So the next time you feel hungry, reach out for eggs and make a yummy snack.
- Eggs are, of course, a great source of protein and good fats, and the recipes you can make with eggs are endless.
5. Paneer/ Cottage Cheese
If you are vegetarian or bored of having eggs, you can have paneer.
- It has a lot of nutritional value like protein, good fats, calcium, and so on. It also tastes well and goes with a lot of recipes.
You can add a few paneer cubes to your salad bowl and have it as you like.
6. Curd/ Yogurt
Curd or yogurt is known to have probiotics which are much needed during pregnancy.
- It also contains calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B12 which makes it even more healthier.
Therefore, it is recommended to add curd to your everyday diet for a healthy pregnancy. If you love innovation, add fruits to your plain curd or yogurt and enjoy your snack.
7. Sprouts
We all know how important sprouts are for our body. It is great to have some sprouts in your everyday diet, and it adds up as a great healthy snacks for pregnant women.
- Sprouts contain a lot of protein with very less carbohydrates.
It is advisable to consume boiled sprouts, as raw sprouts may contain harmful bacteria which is not good for pregnant women
Apart from these options, you can also occasionally have sweet corn, boiled chana, a brown bread sandwich, and puffed rice with veggies, poha, etc., as your snack.
Although these are considered healthy, it is important to talk to your doctor and get a diet chart that is suited for you.
There are some foods to avoid during pregnancy, and some women might be allergic to certain foods. So it is best to seek your doctor’s guidance.
Conclusion
Although many snacking options are available these days, not all of them are considered healthy and safe for pregnant women. As much as your pregnancy diet matters, your pre-pregnancy diet is equally important.
It is important to eat whole and homemade foods as much as possible throughout pregnancy and pre-pregnancy.
Yes, we agree that pregnant women have a lot of junk food cravings, but make sure to reduce the intake of processed and junk food as much as possible.
Try these healthy snack options for pregnant women, and let us know if you like them.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
