Hey there, beautiful mamas-to-be!
If you’re reading this, you’re probably no stranger to the wild world of pregnancy cravings. You know, those sudden and seemingly insatiable hankerings for specific foods that can hit you at any hour, day or night. But fret not, because today we’re diving into the delicious realm of healthy snacks that will not only satisfy those cravings but also nourish you and your growing baby. These are your healthy snacks for pregnancy.
I’ve been right where you are, experiencing those odd and sometimes quirky cravings that range from pickles to ice cream (and occasionally both at the same time). So, let’s embark on this journey together and explore some satisfying, wholesome snacks and strategies that will keep you feeling fantastic throughout your pregnancy.
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Understanding Pregnancy Cravings: What’s Cooking in There?
First things first, let’s talk about pregnancy cravings. Why do they happen? Well, it’s a bit of a mystery, even to the experts. Hormones play a big role, as they tend to do during pregnancy. Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can mess with your sense of taste and smell. This can lead to heightened cravings for certain foods, even if they were never on your radar before.
Additionally, your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby, so it’s natural to have increased nutritional needs. These cravings might be your body’s way of telling you what it needs. For example, if you’re craving calcium-rich foods,it could be because your baby’s developing bones require extra calcium.
Strategy #1: Embrace the Healthy Swap
Craving potato chips? Try baked sweet potato chips instead.
Hankering for something sweet? Opt for fruit salad with a drizzle of honey. The key is to find healthier alternatives that satisfy your cravings while providing valuable nutrients.
Strategy #2: Balance Your Snacks
Balance is the name of the game. Pair a carbohydrate-rich snack with some protein to keep your blood sugar stable and provide sustained energy. For instance, whole-grain crackers with hummus, veggies with hummus, or a banana with almond butter are fantastic choices.
Strategy #3: Mindful Snacking
Pregnancy can sometimes lead to mindless munching, especially if you’re dealing with stress or anxiety. To combat this, practice mindful snacking. Sit down, savor each bite, and really taste your food. This not only helps with digestion but also prevents overindulging.
Strategy #4: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Sometimes, what we perceive as cravings can actually be thirst. Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Infused water with slices of cucumber, lemon, or berries can make staying hydrated more appealing.
Healthy Snacks for Pregnancy: Satisfying Those Cravings
Now, let’s dive into some delightful, healthy snack ideas that will conquer your cravings without any guilt.
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Avocado Toast:
Top whole-grain toast with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a boiled egg/omelet on top for some extra protein.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait:
Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of granola for that perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch.
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Hummus and Veggies:
Slice up some cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots and dip them in a generous portion of hummus. This combo is not only delicious but packed with nutrients.
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Nut Butter and Banana:
Spread almond or peanut butter on banana slices for a sweet, creamy treat that’s high in healthy fats and protein.
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Mixed fruits:
Have a generous portion of fruits during the day. Mix different kinds of fruits with colors. Choose fruits with Low GI value like Plums, apples, berries, beetroot, figs, and cantaloupe.
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Frozen Grapes:
Pop some grapes in the freezer for a refreshing and guilt-free alternative to ice cream.
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Trail Mix:
Create your own trail mix by combining a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for that sweet fix. If you are getting any market brand, remember to limit this amount as some of them may contain a high amount of sodium which may not be right in the long run as it can increase the BP.
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Veggie Chips:
Make your own veggie chips by thinly slicing sweet potatoes, zucchini, or beets, drizzling them with olive oil, and baking until crispy.
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Popcorn:
Air-popped popcorn with a dash of nutritional yeast and a pinch of sea salt makes for a satisfying, whole-grain snack.
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Smoothies:
Blend up a delicious and nutrient-packed smoothie with spinach, banana, frozen berries, Greek yogurt, and a splash of almond milk. You can always add a scoop of Protein Powder to make it more nutritious and filling. The more protein you have during pregnancy, the better your blood sugar remains. My favorite protein powder is Orgain Organic Protein Powder which is safe during pregnancy and also recommended by Doctors.
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Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers:
Slices of low-fat cheese paired with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying crunch. They are high in Calcium and are filling.
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Edamame:
Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for a savory, protein-packed nibble. It’s a good source of protein.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs:
A quick and protein-rich snack that’s easy to prepare in advance.
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Oatmeal:
A warm bowl of oatmeal with sliced almonds, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of berries. You can also have the savory version of the oatmeal with sautéed veggies and some spice.
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Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella:
Mini mozzarella balls paired with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
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Sliced Tomato-Cucumber Sandwiches:
Thin cucumber slices and tomatoes sandwiched with cream cheese and a sprinkle of dill or seasoning.
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Whole-Grain Muffins:
Homemade or store-bought whole-grain muffins with added nuts or fruits for extra nutrients. This can satiate your sweet cravings.
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Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Mini Quiches:
Mini quiches filled with spinach and mushrooms. Sauté them first with olive oil, black pepper, salt, and some garlic, and bake them to have that extra kick.
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Black Bean Salsa with Whole-Grain Chips:
Homemade black bean salsa with whole-grain tortilla chips. Add a dash of lemon to add the sour taste that feels good in pregnancy.
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Guacamole with Bell Pepper Strips:
Homemade guacamole with salt, pepper, and lemon with strips of colorful bell peppers for dipping. Guacamole is a good source of Omega-3 Fatty acids that help in a baby’s brain development.
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Lettuce Wraps:
Use large lettuce leaves and add in your favorite toppings like chicken, veggies, onion tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla chips for crunch.
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Tacos:
Add in some homemade salsas or store-bought salsas on chicken or tofu with cheese, lettuce, guacamole, mint chutney or pesto, or chimichurri sauce, and fill it in corn tacos for a delicious meal.
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Mushroom Sandwich:
Sauté some mushrooms with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Fill the wheat/multigrain bread with cheese for a filling meal.
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Air-Fried Sweet Potato:
Cut thin slices of sweet potato and toss it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon and air fry them for 15-20mins at 375F. Not only are sweet potatoes delish they are so much better for you than regular potatoes.
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Spinach Chips/Kale Chips:
There are various options available in grocery stores for Spinach/Kale chips. Perfect to eat alone or use them to dip in salsa, bean dip, and even nacho cheese! They are also a great alternative if you crave things like chips.
Remember: It’s Okay to Indulge Occasionally
Before we wrap up, it’s essential to remember that it’s perfectly okay to indulge your cravings occasionally. Pregnancy is a unique journey, and sometimes, giving in to that slice of chocolate cake or that extra scoop of ice cream can be a form of self-care. Ultimately, the key is finding balance and listening to your body. Your cravings are a reminder that you’re nurturing a life within you, and that’s something to be celebrated.
So, beautiful mamas-to-be, as you embark on this snack-filled adventure, remember that you’re doing an incredible job nourishing both yourself and your little one. Embrace the cravings, savor the healthy snacks, and relish in the joy of pregnancy.
Some of us feel the cravings, while some suffer from the horror of morning sickness. Here are my 15 Morning Sickness Remedies that work.
Stay strong, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay you.