2015-10-15
Joybynature.com Team
Oct
15

 

Pregnancy is a time when snacking is encouraged. However, care must be taken to eat healthy snacks when pregnant since the mother eats not only for herself but also for the child inside the womb. During pregnancy anything that a mother eats also affects the child in the womb. It is thus essential to ensure snacks that contain all the required nutrients; proteins, vitamins, minerals and also good fats.

Healthy Snacks for Pregnant Women

The below mentioned snacks are the healthiest snacking options for pregnant women. These not only fulfill the craving or hunger but also provide the essential nutritional components for the healthy growth of the child in the womb. These healthy snacks can be taken anytime during the day.

  1. Fresh Fruits: Fresh fruits are perhaps the healthiest snacks that a pregnant woman can take. Apples, pears, bananas, oranges or any other favourite fruit is a great snack. Fruits provide the body with the required minerals and vitamins and contribute to the healthy development of the baby.
  2. Eggs: Eggs contain more than twelve vitamins and minerals and proteins that are essential during pregnancy. Eggs are also rich in choline that is essential for the healthy growth of the baby and also for brain development. The best thing about eggs is that these are low in saturated fats and thus help in extra weight gain during pregnancy. Eggs can be taken in any form during pregnancy.
  3. Salmon: Salmon is a rich source of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for the growth and development of the baby. Salmon also boosts the mood of pregnant women and keeps them happy and stress free which is again essential for the overall growth of the baby. The main advantage of salmon is that it has very low content of methyl-mercury which is a compound not good for the nervous system of the growing baby. This is one of the main reasons no other fish are recommended by doctors for pregnant ladies.
  4. Beans: Beans contain a lot of proteins and fibers. The intake of fibers during pregnancy helps to relieve problems like constipation and hemorrhoids which can be harmful and may result in gastro-intestinal disorders. In addition, beans are rich sources of zinc, iron, folates and calcium which are all essential for the healthy growth and development of the baby and also for the overall health of the pregnant women.
  5. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids which are converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for the overall growth of the baby. Sweet potatoes also contain Vitamin C, folates and fibers which help in the overall development of the baby and also protect the baby in the womb from various diseases.
  6. Whole Grains: Whole grains are healthy snacks during pregnancy. These contain a lot of nutrients and fibers that are essential for pregnancy women. Whole grains are also rich in selenium, Vitamin E and phyto-nutrients that protect the cells from damage. Whole grains are in fact super-foods for pregnant women because of their high content of proteins. These can be munched any time in form of cereal with milk for a healthy snack.

  1. Walnuts: Walnuts can be consumed safely by pregnant women at any time of the day. These are rich in naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids that help in developing DHA which is good for the baby. Walnuts also provide proteins and fiber which ensure healthy overall development of the baby in the womb.

  1. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt has been considered as the best healthy snack for pregnancy. One reason is that it contains twice the protein content that can be found in plain yogurt. It is also a great source of calcium. Calcium is not only essential for pregnant ladies to get healthy bones but also helps in the development of a healthy skeleton of the baby.
  2. Baby carrots with hummus: Baby carrots are rich source of fibers which are essential for pregnant women to keep a healthy digestive system. Another advantage of baby carrots is that these quench thirst and make one feel satiated for long. Hummus made from chickpeas provides fibers, folates and essential vitamins for the healthy growth of the baby.

Comments

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing