Healthy Snacks for Pregnancy

Don’t lose sight of those skinny jeans you want to fit into post-baby. Sugary, high-fat and high-calorie foods and drinks might tantalize your taste buds, but they’re not good for you, the baby or your post-baby shape. Avoid unhealthy snacking by preparing to-go snacks you can grab when heading to work, doctors’ appointments and other outings.

Grab a Handful of Cereal

Whole-grain cereals and oatmeal are full of vitamins and minerals, which promote a healthy pregnancy diet. Try whole-grain cereals like Chex, Cheerios, Shredded Wheat and Total for breakfast, or as a snack. They’re an ideal topping for frozen yogurt and also tasty when eaten with fresh fruits. The Pregnancy Today website touts whole-grains as a low-calorie option that will help you curb your appetite.

Enjoy Fresh Fruits

Bananas, grapes, peaches, blueberries and strawberries are packed with the nutrients your body needs to stay energized throughout the day. Explore the five colors of healthy eating–red, orange, yellow, blue and green–when selecting your healthy pregnancy snacks. They will help you add variation to your pregnancy diet. Enjoy fresh, dried or frozen fruits to add variety to your snacks. For small, portion-friendly fruit treats, the Baby Center website suggests eating 4-oz. fruit cups, which counts as one serving of fruit. Avoid eating fruits packed in sugar and syrup.

Crisp, Raw Veggies

Raw vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, celery, baby carrots and cauliflower, are healthy snacks you can enjoy during pregnancy without guilt. Avoid dipping your vegetables in high-calorie, creamy salad dressings. The Real Age website offers a 98-calorie, no-fat recipe that combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.

Crunchy Treat

If you crave candy, WebMD suggests eating granola instead. Combine whole-grain cereal with dried fruits like apricots and mango, sunflower seeds, almonds and other nuts to create your own granola mixture at home. Satisfy your sweet tooth by adding miniature milk or white chocolate chips. Peanut butter chips can also add some flavor to your granola. Use granola as a stand-alone snack or as a topping for fruits and frozen yogurt.

Healthy Chips and Dip

Add some Middle Eastern flavor with a flavorful dip that is simple to make and great for dipping. Made with chickpeas, garlic, tahini and a host of other seasonings and flavors, hummus is a healthy snack pregnant women can enjoy. Dip pita bread, tortilla chips or fresh veggies in hummus.

Try a Cool Fruit Drink

For a refreshing treat during a summer pregnancy, gather together your favorite fruits and vegetables to create a healthy, powerhouse smoothie. Combine yogurt, your favorite 100 percent fruit juice or milk. Enjoy fruit smoothies as a part of a balanced breakfast, between meals or as an on-the-go snack when you are running errands.