Pregnancy can bring about many physical and emotional changes, including changes in appetite and food cravings. It's totally common for pregnant women to experience confusion about their hunger, mood swings, and uncertainty about how to satisfy cravings. It can also be difficult to decide what to snack on when pregnant, as it's important to choose healthy options that provide necessary nutrients while also being mindful of portion sizes.
You need not worry, as these cravings are common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, and emotional or psychological factors.
It's important for you to pay attention to their cravings and try to satisfy them in a healthy way. Snacking can be a helpful way for pregnant women to meet their increased nutrient needs and stabilize their blood sugar levels. It's a good idea for pregnant women to choose snacks that are high in nutrients and low in empty calories to keep you well satiated.
Here are some helpful tips and factors to consider when choosing snacks during pregnancy include:
- Nutrient density: Look for snacks that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are important for pregnancy, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium.
- Portability: Pregnancy can be a busy time, so it's helpful to have snacks that are easy to take with you on the go.
- Satiety: Choose snacks that are satisfying and will help you feel full, so you don't end up overeating later.
- Taste: Pregnancy cravings can be intense, so it's okay to indulge in your favourite treats occasionally. Just try to balance them with healthier options most of the time.
Here are 20 Smart snacks for your pregnancy cravings:
- Hummus with veggie sticks: Dip carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes in hummus for a nutritious snack.
- Fruit Cream Parfait: Layer Double Chocolate or Strawberry Walnut Granola (or any other flavour of choice), sliced fruit, and whipped cream in a jar or glass for a yummy and fancy parfait.
- Energy bars: Make your own granola bars by mixing together oats, honey, nut butter, and your choice of dried fruit and nuts. You can even buy store brought granola such as Hachi Granola made with fresh fruits, real cocoa, nuts, seeds, and Organic Jaggery and mix it with your choice of nut butter.
- Aloo chaat: Boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with spices and herbs make for a tasty, satisfying snack.
- Mango lassi: Blend together mango, yogurt, and milk for a refreshing, protein-rich smoothie.
- Poha: Flattened rice mixed with vegetables and spices makes for a quick and easy snack.
- Cheese sticks or cubes: These provide protein and calcium with a great flavour
- Greek yogurt: Add some berries or a drizzle of maple syrup or Nutella for a little sweetness. Add some Flavourful Granola for added crunch.
- Dark chocolate: Choose a bar with a high cocoa content for added antioxidants.
- Chia seed pudding: Mix together chia seeds, milk, and a sweetener like honey for a protein-rich snack. Add some flavourful granola such as Double Chocolate,Mango Cranberry and Strawberry Walnut.
- Masala chana: Roasted chickpeas mixed with spices and herbs make for a protein-rich and flavourful snacks.
- Fresh fruit: Apples, bananas, berries, and citrus fruits are all good choices.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, apricots, and dates are healthy, portable options.
- Nuts and seeds: Try a small handful of almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Avocado toast: Mash avocado onto whole grain bread for a healthy, filling snack. Top it with Tofu scramble for more protein intake.
- Edamame: These soybeans are high in protein and can be eaten plain or tossed with a little salt.
- Smoothies: Blend together milk, fruit, and a protein source like Greek yogurt or peanut butter, with granola or dark chocolate for a satisfying snack.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie snack that can be seasoned with herbs and spices for flavour.
- Trail mix: Mix together nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a snack that's high in protein and healthy fats.
- Idli: These steamed rice cakes are a good source of carbohydrates and can be served with chutney or sambar for added flavour.
The Bottom Line
Eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy is important for the health and well-being of both you and your growing baby. Snacking can help you get the nutrients you need and keep your energy levels up throughout the day. It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Try to balance your cravings with healthier options most of the time, and be sure to get enough fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. It's also a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about your diet and any concerns you have.