Staying full, not nauseous, not overly full, and not indulging in every craving we have while pregnant should be an Olympic sport. When I was pregnant, I was constantly hungry. But I also got heartburn like crazy, and it was miserable! I had to learn where the line was between satiated and full, and try not to cross it.
Pregnancy cravings and nausea are well-known side effects of pregnancy. But many women don’t know about the food aversions they may experience. For me, I happened to feel grossed out by anything good for me. When I hear about pregnant women who crave fruit and salad, I feel like I need to run and hide before they ask me what I ate. Little Debbie snack cakes and Bagel Bites probably wouldn’t reflect well on my mothering skills. So, to help out other preggo mamas, here are some pregnancy snack options that will be better for you and the baby.
Pregnancy Snacks to Keep in Your Purse
- Cheese Sticks – Quick and easy to grab and high in calcium and protein.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – these are easy to make, a great source of protein, and convenient to keep in the fridge.
- Popsicles – Okay, you can’t keep them in your purse, but you can take them on-the-go! Make your own with real fruit and almond milk!
- Apples and Nut Butter – Nice sweet snack with protein. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, and the healthy fats from the nuts make this an awesome choice.
- Grapefruits and Oranges -These are high in Vitamin C, and Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron.
- Trail Mix – Making your own is a better option than buying pre-made because of the added sugar in the pre-packaged trail mix. Combine dried fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate, or whatever sounds good!
- Smoothies – If in your purse, just make sure the container is spill-proof! Smoothies are a great way to hide some veggies that might not seem so yummy.
- Avocado Toast – Toast some whole grain bread and yummy avocado spread on top. Avocados are a great source of potassium and fiber. Make it a sandwich to take it on-the-go!
- Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt is a probiotic, a source of protein, and the B12 vitamin, which is excellent for your brain health.
- Fresh Raw Veggies – Raw veggies like baby carrots, cucumber slices, red pepper strips, snap peas, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. dipped in hummus or Greek yogurt dip.
- A Pickle Spear Wrapped in a Slice of Cheese – this is a pregnant lady fave!
- Cottage Cheese Mixed with Fresh Berries or Pineapple Chunks – Cottage cheese is rich in protein topping with fruit is a great addition.
- Veggie Wrap – This is a simple snack to make, just roll roasted veggies and cheese in a tortilla.
- Oatmeal – Oats are rich in antioxidants and fiber, top it off with nuts and dried fruit.
- Tortilla Chips – with salsa or guacamole!
- Cup of Unsweetened Applesauce – applesauce is a nutritious option to have on hand for a quick treat, add a handful of almonds to it for a yummy crunch.
- Grapes with Cheddar Cheese Cubes – easy, healthy items that you can throw in a baggie to go!
- Frozen Yogurt – Frozen yogurt is a wonderful ice cream substitute! This is delicious with fresh berries and chopped nuts sprinkled over the top.
- Graham Crackers – Graham crackers are an easy base to any sort of toppings, cream cheese, and fruit preserves are some of my faves!
- Muffins – Healthy low-fat muffins like carrot, zucchini, blueberry, bran, etc. with butter.
- Fish and crackers – A small serving of tuna fish eaten on crackers, Triscuits are my choice.
- Whole Grain English Muffin – topped with cottage cheese and apple butter or fruit preserves.
I hope some of these healthy, nutrient-rich snacks pique your interest and spark some new ideas. Prep these pregnancy snacks to take on the go with you to avoid grabbing something unhealthy but convenient. Happy snacking!
